What Is An Airport To Airport Transfer:
An Airport to Airport Transfer is basically the transportation or transfer of a passenger between two different airports. These types of transfers are an integral service for all passengers needing to get from one airport to another.
Why Use Them:
There are several different reasons as to why passengers may need to do this but the most common reason is that they have a connecting flight.
Generally, airport to airport transfers are between two airports located within the same country. They may be short transfers between airports in the same country:
For Example:
From Heathrow Airport in London to Gatwick Airport in London
Manchester Airport to Liverpool Airport
Or between airports a little further away from each other such as:
Gatwick Airport in London to Manchester Airport in the North West of England
Cardiff Airport in South Wales to Leeds Bradford Airport in the North of England
However, there are circumstances where the transfer may even be between two separate countries.
For Example:
Innsbruck Airport in Austria to Munich Airport in Germany.
Normal Airport Transfers Vs Airport To Airport Transfer:
Airport to airport transfers are a little different to normal airport transfers that generally transfer passengers to their accommodation or home. Airport to airport transfers are specifically designed to transfer passengers between airports in the least amount of time possible. As a result, helping facilitate the connections, which usually have limited time constraints. Therefore, helping provide a smooth transition between airports for both the passenger and their luggage.
Transport Options For Airport-to-Airport Transfers:
In terms of transport, there are several different types available for airport to airport transfers. As you can appreciate, each type of transport has its own advantages and disadvantages. These are generally regarding the cost, speed and convenience. Obviously, which type of transfer you yourself choose, will simply be determined by your own needs, requirements and budget.
The most common types of ‘Airport to Airport Transfers’ include:
- Shared Shuttle
- Private Taxis
- Public Transport
- Airlines Own Shuttle Service
Shared Shuttle:
A shared shuttle service is often the most cost effective form of airport to airport transfer. This is certainly the case if you are travelling alone or on a limited budget. Using a shared shuttle service, means that you will share a vehicle with other passengers. As a result, it is generally a larger vehicle such as a minibus or a coach.
Advantages of Shared Shuttle:
The main advantage is the cost, as it is generally the cheapest form of airport to airport transfer.
Disadvantage of Shared Shuttle:
Generally a slower form of transfer, due to waiting for other passengers and also having multiple stops, pick ups and drop offs.
Private Taxi:
A private taxi is without doubt the fastest and most convenient form of airport to airport transfer. You can now hire private taxis to suit your needs and size of the group you are travelling in. As a result, there are many different types of vehicle available including small cars, SUV’s, mini buses and even larger coaches. A private taxi is exclusively booked for you or your group and the driver will meet you inside the airport terminal. After which, you will be driven directly to your chosen airport, without any other stops. However, with this speed and convenience, also comes a cost!
Advantages of Private Taxi:
Quickest form of airport to airport transfer and very convenient.
Disadvantages of Private Taxi:
Can be a very expensive form of airport to airport transfer, especially if you are travelling alone. However, if you are travelling in a larger group, where the cost can be shared, it is certainly worth considering.
Public Transport:
Public transport can often be a very cost effective and viable way to travel between airports. However, the problem is that it isn’t always easy to do so and can involve many changes regarding buses and trains. Many airports around the world do have direct public transport networks in place, connecting airports that provide a quick and efficient way to travel between them.
Trains:
Trains can certainly be a great way to travel, as they are quick and generally don’t incur complication with road traffic.
Buses:
Buses can also be a good way to travel between airports but obviously are a much slower option. Using the buses generally involves a little more navigation, which can be a bit challenging if you are travelling with children, in a larger group or with a lot of luggage. As a result, it can make using public transport a little awkward.
Advantages of Public Transport:
Public transport can be a cheap form of airport to airport transfer, especially if travelling on a budget.
Disadvantages Of Public Transport:
Using public transport can have its challenges and one major challenge is navigation. Navigating your way across the public transport network can take a little more advance planning.
Airlines Own Shuttle:
These are a much seldom used form of airport to airport transfer but are often provided by airlines themselves. These services are dedicated transfers between airports and are generally used for short-haul ‘flight replacement’ routes. As a result, ‘Airline-Operated Shuttles’ are only available to passengers flying with that specific airline. These types of transfer are used to co-ordinate a reliable and efficient transfer for passengers and are generally included as part of their flight itinerary.
Advantages of Airline Own Shuttle:
Obviously, the main advantage of this type of airport to airport transfer is that it is usually free and provided by the airline to which you are travelling.
Disadvantages of Airline Own Shuttle:
The main disadvantage is simply that it is only available to passengers travelling on the airline. As a result, it is not available to any other passengers travelling between the two airports.
Summary:
An airport to airport transfer is simply the transportation from one airport to another. The most common reason for this type of transfer is when a passenger is catching a connecting flight. However, this is not the only reason and there are many other reasons why someone may need to travel between airports. As a result, there are now a number of options in terms of transport available to passengers, including private taxi, shared shuttle, public transport and airlines own shuttle.
We hope that this short guide has helped answer any questions you may have had regarding an airport to airport transfer.