Plan for an Airport Transfer on your Next Trip

For many travellers, organising an airport transfer is most likely the least priority, compared to booking a flight or planning the trip. Thinking about how to get to or from the airport isn't usually the top in their to-do list.

Recall the times you were stressed about booking a transfer before leaving home.

This is why it is best to always make sure you’ve organised a transfer before you go away, whether you’re travelling solo for either leisure or business, flying with a group of friends, or going on a family trip with young children,

Airport Transfer, or sometimes referred to as hotel transfer or airport shuttle, is a pre-arranged transportation for travellers from the airport to their final destination. The service may also provide a return service from a selected hotel or pick-up point to a designated airport.

Although most airport transfer services can be booked once a passenger has arrived at the destination, it is becoming more popular to book an airport transfer in advance. Passengers want to reduce stress once they arrive. They do so by pre-arranging through a booking service, a travel agent, a tour operator, or a Destination Management Company. They can also be free services like hotel shuttles.

There are three options you may choose from:

Private Airport Transfer

You and your travel companions can pre-book private cars, limos, or even vans for bigger groups at the destination. An airport driver holding signs with names will meet you outside of the baggage claim in the arrivals hall. Most tour operators and cruise lines organise transfers themselves to bring guests directly from the airport to the tour meeting point.

The benefit of choosing this kind of service is convenience. It frees you from the stress of trying to hail a cab or lug a heavy suitcase onto public transportation. Most travellers enjoy their transportation, including payment, taken care of. I’m sure you do! Plus, in this kind of transfer, the drivers are monitoring their passengers' flights. If there are delays, they can adjust pick-up times.

However, the major downside is the price. Private transfers can be costly, although if you split the price with travel companions, it's still cost-effective compared to taking a normal taxi.

If this is something that fits your taste and budget, you can book your own private airport transfer. Look up a local taxi or car services at your destination or ask your hotel for assistance.

Shared Airport Transfer

Some airports in major cities offer shared transfer services, such as shuttle vans or buses that can be booked by multiple parties. But, unlike private transfers, which can be scheduled at any time of day, shared transfers often operate on a regular schedule. Also, some shared airport transfers offer door-to-door services and can drop you off at your hotel. Others only bring you to a central hub in the destination, like a train station.

Shared airport transfers are usually significantly cheaper than private airport transfer. This makes them a great option for travellers who want to take a more convenient transportation option than cabs or mass transit, but don't want to pay a pricey fee.

Meanwhile, shared airport transfers are not always a door-to-door service. Thus, you might have to wait for other guests to arrive before your transfer departs.

Hotel Shuttle

Many hotels located near airports offer free shuttles between the airport and their properties. Like shared airport transfers, they often operate on a regular schedule and is sometimes not 24 hours a day. You may check with your hotel to see if they offer a free shuttle for guests and ask about the schedule. Some hotels ask guests to call ahead to reserve space on a shuttle, so bear that in mind, too.

When travelling, it is invaluable to have the final leg of our trip from the airport to the destination arranged. We are usually exhausted after travelling for hours on a flight. The last thing we want to do is navigate the local transport systems, or worse, end up further away from our destination. Booking an airport transfer to the destination takes all this stress off our mind. It is worth giving a shot.