Best destinations for a short airport transfer

We know time is precious when you’re escaping on a city break, so the less time spent getting to your hotel, the better. These destinations have a short transfer time by easy public transport right to the city centre, meaning you can get on with the fun stuff as quick as possible.

Once you’ve had a read, check out our best city breaks.

Berlin

If a German getaway is on the cards, Berlin is a great spot for an easy adventure. Berlin Brandenburg Airport has an airport express service (named FEX) that runs several times an hour to Berlin Central Station. There are also regional commuter trains that run towards the city centre, too, depending on what stop is most convenient for your stay. The train station is in Terminal 1, but the best part is the journey time – you’ll be on the train for less than 30 minutes and chowing down on currywurst in no time.

Check out our trips to Berlin.

Valencia

The Spanish sun is waiting for you, so don’t hang around waiting for a shuttle bus at the airport. There are two metro lines that link Valencia Airport to the city centre via several convenient stops – Line 3 and Line 5. The journey only takes around 25 minutes and costs just a few euros. The trams depart from the ground floor of the regional flight terminal – simply follow the signs.

Check out our trips to Valencia.

Lisbon

Humberto Delgado Airport is less than 10km from the city centre – that’s a Saturday morning run for some of you. Make tracks for the metro station – the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line goes straight to the city centre in about 20 minutes, passing through some of Lisbon’s architectural subway stations. There are also bus stops at the arrivals terminal, but it’s worth noting you can only take hand-luggage-sized suitcases on these. If you have bigger bags, you’ll need the airport’s specific Aerobus or Airport Shuttle.

Check out our trips to Lisbon.

Barcelona

Coastline or cathedrals? Barcelona is top-notch city break for making the most of your time away – so, best get on with it, then. The Aerobus is a fast shuttle bus – around 35 minutes – that takes you from the city centre to the airport, with a departure roughly every five minutes. It includes three stops along the way, at Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via Urgell and Plaça de la Universitat. A ticket is under 10 euros, and you can load up your luggage with ease.

Check out our trips to Barcelona.

Malaga

Ready to check out the cultural capital of the Costa del Sol? Malaga is another easy-to-get-to city break destination. The easiest way into town is by train, which you’ll find outside arrivals in the new terminal building. The C-1 line gets to the city centre in about 12 minutes, running every 20 minutes or so with stops along Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos. There are also a selection of city, interurban or long– distance buses depending where you’re headed.