Best Transport Options to Get To and From the Airport: A Complete Guide

Choose what you need

While you are in your city, you will be aware of the traffic patterns and perhaps have some knowledge of the various routes. However this will not be the case if you are flying to another country or another state. You may have some difficulty trusting people in unknown places and you may have difficulty communicating in a foreign language. So, here we list the various ways you can get to and from the airport, and you will be choosing between them depending on what is available and what you prefer.

Cabs for peace of mind

Cabs or Taxis are the most common way of traveling to and from the airport for most people. In this digital age you can pre-book these using your smartphone and there are some cab companies like Uber whom you will find operating in most major cities of this world. You should though book them at the right time so you don’t get late to the airport. The drivers will often help you in loading and unloading your baggage. Once your flight has reached the destination, you will be able to get what are called airport transfers i.e. there will be someone outside the airport waiting for you, with your name on a placard. If your flight gets delayed there can be some issues, and you must keep the company you have booked the cab through updated about your status and it will be even better if you are able to get in touch with the cab driver directly.

Shared cabs to share the financial burden

If you are traveling solo and not with your family or friends, shared cabs will allow you to save some precious bucks. If you do this while going to the airport, you should make sure that you will not be delayed due to others. However, at the other end having someone with you will give you an additional sense of security. You may even be able to get some tips about what to do in their country and there will be more chances of them speaking a European language, if they are catching flights from abroad. You should choose this transport option when time is not a constraint.

Buses for everyone

You should choose this option if you are comfortable loading and unloading your baggage, without any assistance. You will be sharing the vehicle with a large group of people and it will be stopping to pick or drop them at various stops. This will usually be the cheapest option and you can even purchase the ticket once you get on the bus or the conductor will come to where you are seated. These buses will often have stops close to the airport, so you will need to be ready to walk significant distance with your baggage.

Shuttles the in-between solution

If you want to experience the comfort of the cabs without paying too much you should consider shuttle services. These are often offered by the resorts you are accommodated in without any additional charges. These usually come with air conditioners and the seats are comfortable. Also, unlike buses there will be a smaller group of people on the buses, though you will need to manage your baggage yourself. Usually these will start their journey only when it is packed to the full capacity.

Trains or metros as public transport

Most major airports of the world have a train station or metro station close to them if not in them or under them. The trains will offer your journey not just to other stations in the city like the metros, but you will be able to travel to other cities too. You will need to carry your baggage and wait for the next train or metro to come. You will also need to load or unload your baggage in a hurry, so you must be proactive in everything you do. You will be used to these in your own city or country, so you will be aware of the issues you will have handling your baggage in a small compartment full of strangers. Also in most countries the stops are listed in English alongside the local language, so you will be able to identify the right station easily.

Personal vehicle for a comfortable start

Apart from the cabs, the other mode of transport commonly used by passengers to get to the airport are private vehicles. Your family member or a friend who is a vehicle owner will take you directly to the airport and there will be no hassle in handling your baggage. You will be traveling with someone you trust, so you will be traveling worry free. Most airports around the world have parking spaces for hundreds of vehicles if not for thousands of them, so life will be easy for everyone, though these are mostly chargeable.

Rented vehicle for the confident

In this modern day and age, there are companies that rent our vehicles to those whose driving license is valid in their country. You can use them to not just get to your accommodation but for your entire stay in the destination country. You may be required to make a deposit at the time of hiring and will have to pay for the fuel yourself. You will also need to be careful as if any harm comes to the vehicle, it will be considered your responsibility.

Air taxi to expand your reach

At some destinations like small islands, you will need to fly again with air taxis after your flights. These can be costly and you will need to pre-book these before you land. These are known to be accident free, so you can fly in them without any concern. These will not be part of your flights so you will need to collect your baggage and take them to these, though expect assistance in loading them onto the aircraft and with unloading. These also add another dimension to your holidays, as you will be able to enjoy new sights from a height.

Ferries or Boats to travel over water

If you need to get to an island destination, you may be landing at airport at nearby island. In which case you will have no option but to catch a boat ride to the right island. The tour operators will have booked the tickets for these and again you will be enjoying the sights around you. Usually, meals and beverages are not served, so you will need to make your own arrangements in case the ride lasts a few hours.

Conclusion

Getting to the airport will always be a priority for most passengers, unless you are flying business class or first class, in which case you will be a priority passenger. Also, your first ride in a new country will make your initial impressions about it. Hence, you should choose the right mode of transport that suits your requirements.