Europe’s Cheapest and Easiest Airport Transfers: Perfect Gateways for Extreme Day Trips & Short Breaks under £3
Looking for a spontaneous adventure or a budget-friendly weekend escape? The secret often lies in how fast and cheaply you can get from the airport to the city centre. Here’s a curated guide to European airports where transfers are not just affordable, but also quick and convenient, making them ideal for extreme day trips or short, action-packed getaways.
All prices provided are approximate, as currency exchange rates and fares may vary over time. We review and update this information annually to keep it as accurate as possible. If you spot a bus route or fare that has changed and isn’t reflected here, please let us know in the comments—we’ll make sure to update it promptly. Please note that some payment card fees may not be included in the listed prices.
Our prices reflect the most budget-friendly options available. In some cases, there may be faster or more convenient routes at a slightly higher cost, or you may need to transfer between buses and trains. For the latest and most detailed information, always check the official airport and public transport websites for your destination before you travel, to ensure you don’t miss the last available transport.
Airport & Country
Transportation
Why visit
FREE or walkable airports
Luxembourg (LUX)
Transport: Bus 16 or tram
Cost of transport: Free (all public transport in Luxembourg is free)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 8 km
Luxembourg is perfect for budget-friendly city breaks, castle tours, and nature holidays. With FREE nationwide public transport, you can easily explore Luxembourg City’s UNESCO old town, dramatic valley views, and fairy-tale castles at zero cost. Top attractions include the Chemin de la Corniche, Grund district, Adolphe Bridge, and scenic parks, all accessible by free bus, tram, or train. Venture out to Vianden Castle, the Mullerthal Trail, or the Valley of the Seven Castles for unforgettable day trips—all without spending any money on transport. If you do get a cheap flight from the UK, this can make your extreme day trip or weekend getaway rather cheap.
Gibraltar (GIB)
Transport: Bus 5/10 or walk
Cost of transport: Approx. £1 (bus); free (walking)
Time taken: 2 min (bus), 23 min (walk)
Distance from city centre: 1 km
Gibraltar is ideal for city breaks, weekend getaways, and Mediterranean holidays. Step off your flight and reach the city centre in minutes either by walking or by a cheap bus, which makes Gibraltar a perfect destination for short trips and extreme day trips. Top attractions include the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, wild Barbary macaques, and panoramic views of Europe and Africa. Enjoy a unique blend of British and Spanish cultures. It’s a great choice for tourists wanting to a city near an airport with no hassle or extreme transfer prices, but also have amazing cross-border adventures, day tours to Spain, and family holidays.
Pisa (PSA), Italy
Transport: Walk – other options available
Cost of transport: Free/bus tickets cost approx. €1.50
Time taken: 20-30 min
Distance from city centre: 1.6 km
Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as its beautiful medieval squares, vibrant student atmosphere, and riverside walks. Its walkable distance from the airport or a cheap transfer, makes it a great location for extreme day trippers or those wanting to have a longer getaway and combine it with Florence.
The compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, and the walk from the airport or train station (where the bus or Pisamover will drop you off) to the tower. The walk takes you through Pisa’s historic heart. With famous Italian pizza on every street, what’s not to love about this awesome day trip?
Explore our one-day Pisa itinerary – perfect for extreme day trips or day explorations.
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Public Transport under £1 (excluding cost of transport cards if applicable)
Iasi (IAS), Romania
Transport: Bus 50
Cost of transport: Approx. £0.60 (€0.70)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 8 km
Iasi is Romania’s cultural capital, perfect for European city breaks, cultural holidays, and Eastern Europe tours. Discover ornate churches, grand palaces, and vibrant nightlife in a walkable city centre. Iasi is a gateway for Moldova excursions and Transylvania day trips, making it ideal for adventurous travellers and history lovers.
Belgrade (BEG), Serbia
Transport: Bus 72
Cost of transport: £0.65 (€0.75)
Time taken: 40 min
Distance from city centre: 18 km
Belgrade is renowned for nightlife, rich history, and diverse architecture. Experience legendary nightlife, vibrant riverfront bars, and a charming cityscape.
Belgrade is a great base for exploring historic towns. A perfect destination for a quick and cheap transfer from the airport.
Warsaw (WAW), Poland
Transport: Train S2/S3 or Bus 175
Cost of transport: £0.68-0.90 (€1)
Time taken: 20–25 min
Distance from city centre: 10 km
Warsaw is a top pick for Poland city breaks, extreme day trips, and short Eastern European cultural escapes. Discover a dynamic mix of modern skyscrapers and the old town. High-speed trains and buses make Warsaw a great base for day trips to other Polish cities or nature escapes to Kampinos National Park—ideal for short breaks and family holidays without breaking the bank.
Nice (NCE), France
Transport: Train S2/S3 or Bus 175
Cost of transport: £0.68-0.90 (€1)
Time taken: 20–25 min
Distance from city centre: 10 km
Nice is a premier destination for French Riviera holidays, weekend city breaks, and cultural escapes. Land and hop on the tram to reach the famous Promenade des Anglais, sun-drenched beaches, and vibrant old town in under half an hour. Explore top attractions like Castle Hill (Colline du Château), Place Masséna, and the colorful markets of Vieux Nice. Art lovers can visit the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall, while foodies enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine and bustling cafés. Nice is also the perfect base for day trips to Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and charming hilltop villages, making it ideal for short breaks and French Riviera tours.
Sofia (SOF), Bulgaria
Transport: Metro Line 1, bus 84 or 184
Cost of transport: £0.70 (€0.80)
Time taken: 30 mins
Distance from city centre: 12 km
Sofia is a top destination for city breaks, cultural holidays, extreme day trips, and adventure travel in Bulgaria. The efficient metro connects you quickly to the heart of the city, where you’ll discover Roman ruins, vibrant nightlife, and panoramic mountain views. Explore the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, stroll Vitosha Boulevard, and enjoy easy access to Vitosha Mountain for hiking and skiing—perfect for weekend getaways and active holidays with a cheap transfer to and from the airport.
Vilnius (VNO), Lithuania
Transport: Bus 88, 3G, or train
Cost of transport: £0.70-£1 (€0.80-€1.00)
Time taken: 7–20 min
Distance from city centre: 6 km
Vilnius is perfect for Baltic city breaks, weekend getaways, and cultural holidays. Wander through the UNESCO-listed baroque old town and the bohemian Užupis district. Its compact size means you can explore top sights in a short trip, and Vilnius is an ideal base for day tours to Trakai Castle or exploring Lithuania’s wild countryside.
Poznan (POZ), Poland
Transport: Bus 159, 148, or 222 – night only
Cost of transport: £0.80 (€1.40)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 7 km
Poznan is ideal for weekend breaks, old town tours, and cultural getaways in Poland. Discover the lively university atmosphere, colorful old market square, and vibrant café culture. The city’s compact center makes it perfect for exploring on foot, enjoying local cuisine, and snapping photos of historic architecture.
Kaunas (KUN), Lithuania
Transport: Bus 29G
Cost of transport: Approx. £0.85 (€1)
Time taken: 40 min
Distance from city centre: 14 km
Kaunas is a top destination for those wanting a weekend getaway or Baltic holidays, with easy access to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Experience street art, interwar architecture, and a lively student scene. Kaunas is the perfect base for day trips to Lithuania’s lakes, forests, and national parks, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Bucharest (OTP), Romania
Transport: Bus 783 or train
Cost of transport: £1 (0.80-2.10)
Time taken: 40 min (bus), 20 min (train)
Distance from city centre: 17 km
Bucharest is a vibrant destination for city breaks, nightlife holidays, and cultural escapes. Discover grand boulevards, hidden courtyards, and the historic Lipscani district. Enjoy buzzing nightlife, renowned museums, and easy day trips to the Carpathian Mountains for hiking or castle tours.
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Tallinn (TLL), Estonia
Transport: Tram 4, bus number 2 or 15
Cost of transport: £1 (€2)
Time taken: 25 min
Distance from city centre: 4 km
Tallinn is perfect for Baltic city breaks, medieval holidays, and ferry adventures. Step off the airplane, take a local tram or a bus, and you’ll be transported into one of Europe’s best-preserved old towns, with cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and cozy cafés for around £1.
Alternatively, use Tallinn as a base to take a ferry to Helsinki or to the Estonian islands for day trips and cross-Baltic escapes.
Bratislava (BTS), Slovakia
Transport: Bus 61/N61
Cost of transport: £1 (€1.10)
Time taken: 25 min
Distance from city centre: 9 km
Bratislava is perfect for city breaks, weekend getaways, extreme day trips and cross-border adventures. If you can get a cheap flight to Bratislava, you can very easily explore Budapest, Vienna, or other Czech cities and towns. With Vienna just an hour away by train or boat, Bratislava is a top choice for dual-city holidays and day trips.
In Bratislava, you can explore the fairy-tale old town, riverside bars, and vibrant café culture. Its compact size means you can easily stroll from medieval castles to modern galleries while on a small budget. The airport transfer price and cost also make it an appealing location to start your interrailing adventure, as you can get to the train station in about 25 minutes.
Public Transport under £3 (excluding cost of transport cards if applicable)
Brno (BRQ), Czech Republic
Transport: Bus E76 or N89 (night bus)
Cost of transport: Approx. £1.10 (€1.30)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 12 km
Brno is the Czech Republic’s lively second city, famous for its buzzing café culture, architecture (like Villa Tugendhat), and student nightlife. It’s a
gateway to the Moravian wine region and the dramatic Punkva Caves. Those wanting a unique experience can visit or stay at a bunker hostel.
Riga (RIX), Latvia
Transport: Bus 22 or Minibus 322
Cost of transport: £1.15 (€1.50-1.80 when paid on the bus)
Time taken: 25 min
Distance from city centre: 10 km
Riga is a great destination for art lovers wanting a city break or those wanting nature escapes and Baltic holidays. In Riga, you can discover stunning architecture, buzzing nightlife, and historic old town streets. Riga is also a launchpad for day trips to the Baltic Sea beaches or Latvia’s wild forests—ideal for short weekend getaways and cultural holidays.
Prague (PRG), Czech Republic
Transport: Bus 119 (907 night bus) + Metro A (or express bus for €4)
Cost of transport: £1.38 ( €1.60 )
Time taken: 35 min
Distance from city centre: 17 km
Prague is perfect for fairy-tale city breaks, castle tours, and nightlife escapes. Wander the legendary old town, enjoy vibrant nightlife, and take easy day trips to castles, spa towns, and hiking trails.
Krakow (KRK), Poland
Transport: Train or Bus 209/300 (902 – night bus)
Cost of transport: £1.50 – £3.99 (train) (€1.40)
Time taken: 20 min (train)
Distance from city centre: 12 km
Kraków is perfect for city breaks, history tours, and cultural holidays. Wander the UNESCO-listed old town, visit Wawel Castle, and enjoy lively squares. Kraków is also the gateway to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz, making it an ideal trip for long weekends for heritage and culture excursions.
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Malaga (AGP), Spain
Transport: Train C1, Express bus (€4)
Cost of transport: £1.50 (€1.80)
Time taken: 12 min
Distance from city centre: 8 km
Malaga is a top spot for Costa del Sol holidays, beach breaks, and extreme day trips. Enjoy sandy city beaches, world-class art museums like the Picasso Museum, and lively tapas bars. Since you can get a bus or a train from the airport, you are able to get to the city and back on a tight schedule or budget. Malaga is a gateway to the Costa del Sol, whitewashed mountain villages, and scenic Andalusian countryside, which is ideal for sunseekers and cultural explorers wanting a getaway.
Lisbon (LIS), Portugal
Transport: Tram Line 2, Bus line 12 (€4)
Cost of transport: £1.50 (€1.70) +€2 for a card
Time taken: 25 min
Distance from city centre: 7 km
Lisbon is ideal for city breaks, beach holidays, and foodie escapes in Portugal. The airport’s central location puts you minutes from historic neighborhoods to the exciting food scene. Explore Lisbon’s famous hills, take a tram tour, or head to nearby beaches for surfing in 25 minutes after leaving the airport for around £1.50 (not including the cost of a travel card). This makes Lisbon perfect for weekend getaways, extreme day trips, and sunny beach holidays.
Porto (OPO), Portugal
Transport: Metro Line E (Violet)
Cost of transport: £2 (€2.85)
Time taken: 30 min
Distance from city centre: 12 km
Porto is famous for riverside city breaks, wine tours, and those wanting short getaways and adventures. Explore tiled churches, historic Ribeira, and world-renowned wine cellars. The scenic river cruises and vineyards are within easy reach of Porto. The convenient metro line makes it a very accessible town. Please note that you will have to consider their transport card, which may cost more.
Faro (FAO), Portugal
Transport: Bus 16
Cost of transport: £2 (€2.32)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 6 km
Faro is a great destination for Spanish holidays, extreme day trips, or city breaks. It is also the gateway to Algarve beaches and island tours for those chasing the sun. Enjoy charming old town streets, sandy beaches, and quick access to the Algarve’s famous cliffs and islands. A perfect destination for relaxing or exploring the coast.
Salzburg (SZG), Austria
Transport: Bus 2 or 10
Cost of transport: £2 (€2.50)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 6 km
Salzburg is a top destination for a more unique city break, alpine holidays, and cultural tours. When travelling to Austria, explore the UNESCO-listed old town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s birthplace, and the famous Mirabell Gardens. Salzburg’s mountain setting makes it perfect for day trips to Hallstatt, Berchtesgaden, Wolfgangsee, and alpine hikes, as well as easy rail journeys to Munich. Enjoy classical music, Sound of Music sites, and vibrant local cuisine in a city renowned for its blend of history and natural beauty.
Larnaca (LCA), Cyprus
Transport: Bus 425, 417, or 429
Cost of transport: £2.05 (€2.40)
Time taken: 20 min
Distance from city centre: 6 km
Larnaca is a top choice for Cyprus beach holidays, ancient ruins tours, and island getaways. Although it can be quite a long flight for extreme day trippers, it makes for a nice 3-4 day long weekend getaway. Within 20 minutes of landing, you can get a bus for around £2, and soon you’ll be relaxing on the palm-lined seafront. You can also explore archaeological sites and use Larnaca as a base for day trips to Cyprus’s mountains, Paphos, or beaches. Be sure to always consult the bus timetable if you are arriving very early or late.
Best airports for short holidays with cheap transfers
These airports offer not just cheap and fast transfers, but also access to cities and regions perfect for extreme day trips, spontaneous weekends, and budget-friendly escapes. Whether you’re chasing sun, snow, culture, or nightlife, these destinations let you maximize fun and minimize travel hassle.
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