We mainly consider an airport transfer for city trips. The reason is simple. In many cities, a rental car is hardly worth it because you can get around easily on foot or by public transport. Traffic and parking can also make the trip more complicated than necessary. In addition, arriving in a new city feels much more relaxed with an airport transfer. After landing, we do not have to find our way around the airport or look for buses and trains first.
This saves us time and stress right at the beginning of the trip. An airport transfer is also often cheaper than you might expect, especially when at least two people are travelling together. When we book an airport transfer in advance, we usually use this provider*. This way, the pick up is already organised before the trip and we start our time in the city more relaxed.
How affordable is an airport transfer compared to other options?
An airport transfer is usually more expensive than bus or train, but often cheaper than expected. Especially when two or more people travel together, the price becomes more reasonable because you share the transfer. Compared with a taxi, the difference is often smaller. The main advantage is that your ride is already organised in advance.
After landing, you do not have to look for the taxi rank, open an app or find your way around the airport first. Depending on the airport and travel time, you may also have to expect queues. This can apply to taxi ranks, ticket machines and sometimes even buses or trains. After a long flight, that can quickly become annoying.
Public transport is almost always the cheapest option. However, you have to carry your luggage, buy tickets, possibly change trains or buses and then walk from the stop to your accommodation. A shared shuttle can be cheaper than a private transfer. However, the journey often takes longer because several travellers are picked up or different hotels are served.
In the end, it depends on what matters more to you. Travelling as cheaply as possible usually means taking the bus or train. For a more relaxed start, an airport transfer is the more comfortable and predictable option. If you want to compare prices, you can check here what a private airport transfer for your city costs*.
When is an airport transfer especially worth it?
In our experience, an airport transfer is especially useful if you arrive late, have a lot of luggage or travel with children. It can also be reassuring on a first trip to an unfamiliar city, because your onward journey is already organised.
A transfer is particularly practical if your accommodation is not well connected by bus, train or metro. This saves you from changing lines, walking longer distances with suitcases and searching for the right connection.
If you want to start your trip relaxed after landing, you can book your transfer from the airport to your hotel online in advance here*.
When are buses, trains or taxis enough?
Not every city trip needs an airport transfer. If you land during the day, travel with little luggage and your accommodation is well connected, buses, trains, metro or taxis are often completely sufficient. This is especially true in cities where the connection from the airport to the centre is simple and fast. If you already know the city or want to travel as cheaply as possible, we would check public transport first.
A taxi can be a good middle ground. It is more direct than bus or train, but less predictable than a pre booked transfer.
Our experiences on city trips
On our city trip to Budapest, the airport transfer was a good decision. We were picked up directly, did not have to find our way around after landing and did not need a rental car once we were in the city.
In Dubai, a transfer can be especially useful if your flight arrives very late or very early. After arriving in the middle of the night, you usually just want to get to your accommodation.
In Venice, planning your arrival in advance can also be helpful. With luggage, boats, bridges and narrow streets, arriving there feels more complicated than in many other cities. In Munich, Cologne or Dresden, however, we would usually check buses, trains or taxis first. In these cities, getting from the airport is often easier to manage.
We usually consider an airport transfer when we arrive late or want to get to our accommodation quickly with luggage. You can search for a suitable transfer in advance here*.
Conclusion
An airport transfer is not necessary for every city trip. In many cities, public transport or a taxi is completely sufficient. Still, a pre booked transfer can make the start of your trip much more relaxed. Especially after late flights, with luggage, children or in an unfamiliar city, it takes a lot of stress out of your arrival.
For us, an airport transfer is mainly a comfort option. Not always necessary, but sometimes exactly the right choice.
Frequently asked questions about airport transfers
An airport transfer is especially worth it if you arrive late, have a lot of luggage or want to start your trip in a relaxed way. In an unfamiliar city, it can also be helpful to be picked up directly at the airport.
Usually not. Bus, train or metro are almost always cheaper. However, an airport transfer is more comfortable, easier to plan and takes you directly to your accommodation.
Public transport is often enough if you arrive during the day, have little luggage and your accommodation is well connected. In cities with a good train or metro connection, it is often the best option.
I’m Joshua, and my focus is road trips and round trips. I provide detailed travel information, planning tools, and practical tips for driving abroad. Together, we’ll make your next road trip perfectly organized and unforgettable