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What this overview is about
List of convenient cities with affordable transport from the airport
Travel experts have highlighted European cities where you practically don’t need a separate airport transfer to reach the center.
When planning a trip, it is important to consider not only the price of the flight, but also how conveniently the airport is located. Sometimes a cheap ticket turns into an expensive mistake: the airport is far from the city, and transport costs can easily cancel out any savings on airfare.
For example, when flying to Milan, you will often be offered Bergamo airport, around 45 km away, or Frankfurt-Hahn for Frankfurt, over 120 km from the city and with no really convenient transport options.
However, there are European cities where you can get to the center quickly and on a budget, without long journeys or extra stress.
For trips where you don’t want to spend half a day and half your budget just getting from the airport to downtown.
Many “cheap” air tickets land at remote airports — later you spend more on getting into the city than you saved on the flight.
In this list you’ll find cities where the airport sits very close to the center and is connected by clear, easy-to-use public transport.
You can reach downtown on foot, by tram, metro or train — usually in just 15–30 minutes.
One-way fares to the city center start from about €1–2, which means real savings for your entire trip.
Almost all of these destinations are ideal for city breaks and short weekend escapes, where every hour of daylight is precious.
European cities where getting from the airport to downtown is easy
Below is a list of European cities where you can reach the city center quickly and cheaply from the airport. In most cases you won’t need a private transfer or taxi — public transport is frequent, predictable and tourist-friendly.
Gibraltar, United Kingdom: the airport is located just about 500 m from the center — the runway is practically in the city, so the walk takes only a few minutes.
Pisa, Italy: around 3 km to the famous Leaning Tower, and a dedicated train/people-mover from the airport takes you straight towards the city.
Tallinn, Estonia: it’s about 4 km to the center, with a direct tram from the airport — no complicated route and no transfers required.
Lisbon, Portugal : the metro takes you to the city center in roughly 20 minutes, with a single ticket usually costing under €2.
Vilnius, Lithuania: around 7 km to downtown, and you can take either a bus or a train — tickets start at about €1, making it one of the most affordable options.
Salzburg, Austria: the city bus takes about 20 minutes to reach the center — perfect even for a short stopover.
Malaga, Spain : a commuter train gets you from the airport to the city in about 12 minutes — a great starting point for exploring the Costa del Sol.
Riga, Latvia: a convenient shuttle bus will take you to the city center in roughly 25 minutes, for around €4.
Porto, Portugal: the metro ride to the city center takes less than 30 minutes, with a fare usually around €2.
Krakow, Poland: the train from the airport to the main station takes about 20 minutes — fast, comfortable and easy to navigate even on your first visit.
Copenhagen, Denmark: the metro gets you to the city center in around 15 minutes — one of the most convenient airport-to-city connections in Scandinavia.
Berlin, Germany : trains depart roughly every 15 minutes, with a journey time of about half an hour to the city center.
Why these airport locations are a real bonus for travelers
These destinations stand out for their convenient airport locations and low transfer costs, allowing travelers to save money and start enjoying the trip almost immediately after landing — with fewer logistics and more time for experiences.
✈️ Don’t forget to check basic information about your chosen airport in advance: which transport options are available, how often they run, ticket prices and where stops or platforms are located. A few minutes of research can easily save you hours on the ground.
Source: dailymail.co.uk (information current around mid-January 2025).
What you can do in a city where the airport is just around the corner
When the ride from the airport to the center takes only 15–30 minutes, you automatically gain a few extra hours for relaxation and exploration. Instead of spending that time in traffic or on a shuttle, you can:
• start with a leisurely walk through the historic center, grab a good coffee and feel the city’s atmosphere from the very first hours;
• visit one or two key sights — the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the Old Town in Tallinn, Krakow’s Main Square, or the seaside promenade in Malaga;
• enjoy lunch at a local restaurant instead of a rushed snack on the highway between a remote airport and the city;
• if you arrive early in the morning, use the extra time for shopping, a guided walking tour, or a sunset by the ocean or river, without worrying about a long ride back to the airport.
For city breaks and short getaways, an airport near the city really adds several extra hours of “real vacation” to your itinerary.
Example 1-day itinerary in a city with a convenient airport
1. Morning: arrival and transfer into the city. After landing, buy a ticket for public transport (train, metro, tram) right away. In the cities on this list, you can be downtown in about 15–30 minutes.
2. Late morning: orientation walk. Stroll through the Old Town, head to the main square or waterfront and get your bearings. There’s no rush — you’re not recovering from a long transfer.
3. Daytime: lunch and a must-see attraction. Pick one or two highlights: the Leaning Tower in Pisa, Krakow’s Old Town, Tallinn’s medieval streets or Lisbon’s viewpoints and hills. Better to see fewer places properly than to rush through a long list.
4. Evening: dinner and the ride back to the airport. Have dinner at a cozy spot close to the station or stop for your airport train/metro. Frequent, predictable public transport makes it easy to plan your departure time and reach check-in without stress.
2-day itinerary: minimum time in transit, maximum time in the city
Day 1. You arrive in the morning, clear the airport quickly and, within half an hour, you are in the city center. Dedicate the first day to the classic highlights: main landmarks, a walk through the historic core, a scenic viewpoint and local food for lunch and dinner. In the evening, the city shows a different face — lights, music, rooftop bars, promenades.
Day 2. Use this day for less touristy neighborhoods, parks, local markets or a short side trip. Because the airport is nearby, you can afford a relaxed breakfast downtown, check out of your hotel and only then head to the airport — without rushing and constantly watching the clock.
This format works especially well for cities like Lisbon, Porto, Copenhagen or Berlin: transport is well organized, travel times are predictable and you can plan your day with confidence.
How to prepare in advance for getting from the airport into the city
Even if the airport is very close to town, it’s worth checking a few details before you fly:
• which types of transport run from your terminal: metro, train, tram, city bus or a dedicated shuttle;
• where the stop or platform is located — sometimes it is right outside arrivals, sometimes you need a 5–10 minute walk;
• how frequently services run (every 10–15 minutes or only once an hour);
• how much tickets cost and whether you can pay by bank card, app or if you need cash.
In the cities on this list, the journey to the center usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, with fares around €1–4. When comparing flights, factor this in as well — sometimes a slightly more expensive ticket to the “right” airport is actually the better deal for your whole trip.
FAQ: flights and cities with easy airport access
Why should I check the airport location before buying a ticket?
Even if the flight itself is cheaper, a remote airport can mean high transfer costs and hours lost on the road. In the end, your total trip cost and time spent may be higher than with a slightly more expensive flight to a more convenient airport.
What actually makes an airport “convenient” for tourists?
Typically, it’s an airport from which you can reach the city center in 15–30 minutes using direct public transport, without complicated transfers and with clear, affordable fares.
Can I completely avoid private transfers and taxis?
In most cities on this list, public transport — train, metro, tram or bus — is absolutely sufficient. Private transfers or taxis are mainly useful for very late arrivals, very bulky luggage or if you prefer maximum comfort.
When should I look up transport options from the airport?
Ideally, before you even buy your flight — so you can compare not only ticket prices but also time and cost of getting into the city. At the very least, check schedules and payment options a few days before departure.
What if my flight arrives at night and public transport doesn’t run?
In that case, calculate the cost of a taxi or private transfer in advance and compare it with the option of flying at a more convenient time. Sometimes it’s cheaper to adjust your flight or book a hotel near the airport for one night.
How do I choose the best cities for a short city break?
Look for cities where the airport-to-center journey takes no more than 30 minutes and services run frequently from early morning until late evening. Lisbon, Porto, Krakow, Copenhagen, Malaga and Berlin are excellent examples.
Do I need to rent a car if the airport is close to the city?
If you plan to explore only the city itself, renting a car is usually unnecessary. Public transport and walking are normally enough. A car becomes useful when you want to take day trips around the region or follow a more complex itinerary.
How can I save money on tickets for transport from the airport?
Check if there are day passes or tourist cards that include the airport route and urban transport. Often, such passes are cheaper than buying single tickets separately, especially if you plan to move around the city a lot.
What kind of luggage is most convenient for airport public transport?
A compact wheeled suitcase plus a small backpack is usually the most comfortable combination. It’s easier to manage on trains, metros and trams, and you’ll have fewer issues with stairs, platforms and narrow doors.
What if I don’t speak the local language?
Save a screenshot of the transport map, the name of your central stop and approximate travel time. In most European cities, signs are also in English, and ticket machines offer several language options.
Is it safe to use public transport from the airport with children?
In popular tourist cities, airport routes are generally well organized and safe. Just keep documents and valuables close, avoid rush-hour crowds if possible and, when you can, choose daylight hours for your journey.
Are these cities suitable for short layovers and a quick visit into town?
If you have several hours and do not need a visa, an airport close to the city can let you pop into the center for a short walk. Just remember to account for border control, security, boarding time and the ride back, leaving yourself a generous safety margin.
