Got a flight booked? An overlooked part of travelling by air is getting to the airport itself. This is when the journey truly starts and the method of transport you choose can greatly affect the cost of your trip, how early you will need to set off and what you may be able to take with you.
5 of the most common ways to travel to the airport include driving your own car, getting a lift, taking a taxi, boarding a bus and catching a train. This post compares each of them to help you choose the right option for your budget and needs.
Driving your own car
Driving your own car gives you complete control over when you set off and when you arrive at the airport. You don’t have to rely on other people or worry about public transport delays. However, you do need to consider traffic and where you will park. Airport parking daily fees can vary significantly depending on the car park you choose and how far ahead you book. It’s a wise idea to use sites like Parking Up to compare local car parks and to book a couple months ahead to access cheaper fees (you could spend 80% less by booking ahead opposed to paying for parking on the day).
Getting a lift
A friend or family member may be able to drop you off at the airport. While they may ask for some petrol money, it’s likely you’ll still save money compared to taking your car or getting a taxi. In fact, this can often be the cheapest option. Just make sure that you choose someone reliable who has enough space in their car for your luggage. It’s a good idea to ask them several weeks in advance in case they already have plans.
Taking a taxi
A taxi could be the most relaxing way of getting to the airport – you don’t have to drive there yourself or worry about finding a route via public transport. You also don’t have to rely on anyone to give you a lift. Of course, the cost of a taxi can be expensive – especially if you need to travel a long distance at a peak time. It’s worth booking a taxi in advance and making sure that you set off early enough so that you don’t have to worry about traffic.
Boarding a bus
It’s possible to catch buses from some towns directly to the airport. This can be a slow but cheap way of getting to the airport. Buy a ticket ahead if you can and leave plenty of time to get to the airport. If you’re taking a lot of luggage, consider that some buses may not have a lot of space during peak times. This Wanderu guide offers some tips for taking a bus to the airport.
Catching a train
Catching a train to the airport may also be possible. The cost of this will depend on where you live and when you book your tickets – often booking train tickets early can save you money. In case of train delays or cancellations, plan to get a train that reaches the airport at least three hours before your flight is scheduled. As with buses, you should also consider avoiding the train if you’re travelling at a peak time, as it could be crowded and getting your baggage onto the train could be difficult.