Flying is one of the most convenient ways of getting around the world. But before you get on your flight, you need to work out how you’re going to get to the airport itself.
This is the true start of your adventure, and it’s important that you kick it off to the best start. Will you choose a money-saving option that gives you more money to spend on your travels? Or is getting there quickly and comfortably more important? This post compares some of the different ways of getting to the airport and their pros and cons.
Book a taxi?
Taking a taxi or an Uber is a convenient option. The taxi can pick you up from your doorstep and drop you off directly outside the terminal. You don’t have to worry about public transport timetables or finding somewhere to park. It’s the ideal option if you want a stress-free start to your journey.
However, it can be an expensive option – especially if you live far away from the airport. And what if there’s traffic? During rush hour getting to the airport on time could be a nightmare, plus it will likely cost you more. Arranging your taxi to pick you up early may be necessary in case of a delay and may save you money if you’re able to travel just outside of peak hours. This guide at Uber offers some tips on booking a ride-share to the airport.
Get a lift?
Asking a friend or family member is the best option for those on a tight budget. Of course, if your friend is taking you on a two hour drive to the airport at some ungodly hour, it’s courteous to still pay them some money. But you likely won’t have to pay them as much as you would a taxi or an Uber.
Asking the right friend is key. You don’t want to ask someone who might pull out at the last minute. If you’re taking lots of luggage, you also don’t want to ask someone who has a tiny car. If there’s a large group of you travelling to the airport, you may even have to ask multiple friends/family members to drop you off.
Drive yourself?
Driving yourself allows you to leave precisely when you want and take whatever route you want to the airport. You also get to enjoy the comfort of travelling in your own vehicle.
However, there is the issue of finding somewhere to park. Not only could finding a parking space be stressful, but you could find that the cost of parking makes it even more expensive than taking a taxi. Booking your parking in advance and shopping around for parking deals is essential. Sites like Parking Up can help you compare local parking options. Parking further away will often save you money – just make sure that there’s a fairly regular shuttle bus you can take to get to the terminal. Meet and greet parking is another option where you drive up to the terminal and a driver then parks your car for you – this can take away the stress of parking, but comes at an added cost.
Catch a train?
While trains in the UK aren’t always cheap, you can still often save money by taking a train to the airport instead of a taxi or car – especially if you book your tickets in advance. And while there can be delays, you don’t have to worry about traffic, making this a good option at rush hour.
Making sure that you have an easy connection to the airport is essential though as you don’t want to be making multiple changes. Looking up available trains is also important – there may be no trains running at certain times of night, and only limited trains at other times. You also need to take care of your suitcases and make sure that you can easily carry them all (going to the airport by train could be challenging if you’re travelling with young kids as you’ll have to carry their luggage too and you only have a small amount of time to get on and off the train).
Go by bus?
Some towns and cities have shuttle buses that go directly to the nearest airport. These buses are often very cheap – often cheaper than trains.
It’s essential that you look at the bus timetable and factor in the possibility of traffic. You should also consider how crowded the bus may be at peak times. If you’re travelling at night, shuttle buses may not run from some locations.
What’s your best option?
Your best option is likely to depend on what’s most important to you. If saving money is a priority, get a lift from a friend or family member. If you want flexibility, take your own car. If you want a low stress option, book a taxi. If you want a cheap option that doesn’t require driving or using a friend, consider public transport like a bus or train.