Holiday Transfers Guide: Pros and Cons of Your Options
Researching how to get from the airport to your hotel could save you money - not least because you’ll avoid being overcharged.
Planning a holiday takes a lot of preparation. From flights and accommodation to travel insurance and sun lotion - it all takes time to organise.
What holiday makers often forget is how to get from the airport to their hotel.
If you have booked a package holiday, transfers are often included within the price of the package. However, you may decide an alternative form of transport is more suitable for your needs.
If you have booked your holiday independently, considering your transfer options is key.
Since going on holiday is about being relaxed and happy, you don't want to be put on a downer after getting overcharged by a taxi driver within the first few hours of your getaway!
Here are your main options...
Regular taxi
For frequent travellers, even the idea of heading to an airport taxi rank raises the blood pressure - particularly if they've travelled outside northern Europe.
And even in countries in which taxi drivers don’t try to overcharge tourists - think Sweden, Norway or Japan - the official fare will be eye-watering enough.
Either way, hopping in an airport taxi is the most costly way to begin your trip.
That said, if you do plan to opt for a taxi, before you leave the UK do a little research online to determine the ballpark fare.
Failing this, ask for this information at the airport information desk.
Some airports also have a list of fares to popular destinations printed near the taxi rank. Others let you buy a ‘ticket’ for a taxi at a set fee, as a way to preventing overcharging.
Taxi app
NB: To use a taxi app you’ll need to have roaming enabled on your phone (beware of any fees for this), or alternatively purchase a local SIM package at the airport (these can also be bought on Amazon before your trip).
The invention of the taxi app has revolutionised travelling by cab. You simply download the app, connect your bank card, and enter your origin and destination. An available driver will then accept your fare.
The cost will be clearly displayed, and a GPS-supported map will show you how far away your taxi is.
In some Southeast and South Asian countries, these apps can be used to book motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, too.
Taxi apps remove the possibility of being charged an inflated fare for your journey. They also allow you to give feedback on drivers, so they know there will be consequences if they try to overcharge you (or if their behaviour is unacceptable in some other way). Additionally, taxi apps make pick-ups and drop-offs much easier, thanks to their integrated maps.
Here's a list of taxi apps in different countries:
- FREE NOW: Barcelona, Paris, Berlin and Dublin
- Taxi EU: Germany
- Uber: Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium
- LeCab: Paris
- Cabify: Madrid
- Grab: Thailand, Cambodia
- Bolt: Thailand, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France
- PassApp: Cambodia
Free hotel shuttle services
Some hotels lay on free shuttle buses for their customers.
Find out if yours does, and if the running times tie in with your arrival.
Book shuttle services on comparison sites
Travel websites like Skyscanner and Hoppa allow you to book taxis and shuttle buses ahead of time. This can save a considerable sum on the 'walk-up' fare.
When booking your departure, ensure you leave enough time for disembarkation, border security checks, and luggage reclaim.
Shared shuttle buses
If you have booked a package holiday, it is highly likely that the holiday package provided by the tour operator includes hotel transfers. Transfer times can often be extended by utilising the option provided however as these are usually shared shuttle buses.
If you opt to find an alternative means of transport for getting to and from your hotel and the airport, you should advise the package tour operator so that they do not hold the shuttle bus, waiting for you.
Shared shuttle buses are also an option for many independent travellers and run from most airports. These are much cheaper than taxis, but as outlined above, they may take a while to reach your hotel because they'll be dropping off other passengers.
Shared shuttle buses are not as luxurious as taxis, but the money you save can be spent on something more fun later on.
Credit: joserpizarro - stock.adobe.com
Public transport
Regular local buses, subways, and trains can be one of the cheapest ways to reach your destination, even if you're travelling as a group.
However, you'll need to consider if there is a station near your hotel at the other end - or you could end up having to walk a long way (or otherwise be at the mercy of the local cab drivers!).
Research how safe public transport options are, or if there is more risk using them at night. For example, using the New York Subway after 11pm is nowhere near as safe as using the London Tube at the same time.
High speed/express public transport
In some airports you'll be presented with higher grade or 'express' public transport connections. These tend to avoid the smaller stations so you reach your destination faster. However, they cost more.
For example, in Kuala Lumpur International Airport you have the KLIA Express or the KLIA Transit, with the former being more costly. What's more, counter staff are trained to guide you to the more expensive option.
This is comparable to Heathrow: The well-advertised Heathrow Express to Paddington can cost £25 if you don’t book the very cheapest advance tickets, while the humble Tube costs just £6.70.
Car rental
Planning a lot of sightseeing during your trip? Renting a car could wind up one of the cheapest options, even when you factor in fuel.
If you're travelling as a family or a group, it's likely to be more economical than paying bus/train/taxi fares every time you take a trip somewhere.
Cost comparison at major airports: Taxis, trains and buses
Transport | Barcelona El Prat (9 miles to centre) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (21 miles to centre) | Rome Fiumicino (19 miles to centre) | Amsterdam Schiphol (10 miles to centre) | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (17 miles to centre) |
Taxi | €30 25-30 mins | €50-€55 30-45 mins | €48 40 mins | €39 15 mins | 6-8 GBP |
Train | €4.20 20 mins (Rodalies train) | €11.40 25 mins | €14 32 mins (Leonardo Express) | €5.50 17 mins | 1-2 GBP |
Bus | €8.90 35 mins (Aerobus) | €6 to €11.50 75 mins | €6 60 mins (Terravision) | €6.50 30 mins (Airport Express) | 5 GBP |
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