For many, the lure of cheap flights to Europe can allow many to enjoy micro adventures without using too much annual leave. But airport transfer experts, SCSChauffuers, are warning that Ryanair and Wizz Air travellers should double check the airport before hitting the book thanks to a big travel mistake made by holidaymakers each year.
Travel expert Hadleigh Diamond, director of SCS Chauffeurs, said: “Many budget airlines use major destinations in airport names that are actually 100s of miles away from the actual destination, leaving travellers working out how to get an airport transfer to the real destination.”
Companies like Ryanair and Wizz Air always clearly indicate which destination people are travelling to, but some holidaymakers may be unaware that airports with the names of major cities and destinations are actually hours away from where they want to go.
However, these airports are not all bad, according to Hadleigh: “They do have benefits, however, offering cheap flights to major destinations, as long as you’re able to plan your airport transfer effectively, especially by pre-booking if its a late night flight”
Hadleigh says airports often have the name of a major city they are miles awayt from because the airport is meant to be the main hub for people flying to and from that whole metropolitan area, even if it’s technically located in a nearby suburb or town.
He said: “Think of it like this: it’s the city’s airport, even if it’s a little outside the city limits. This makes things easier for travellers and helps with name recognition, especially when there’s only one major airport serving a large area. It is a little bit of creative licence, but it also allows travellers to enjoy much cheaper flights to their favourite destinations.”
Airports to Avoid on Extreme Day Trips or Weekends Away
1. Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) – 126 km (78 miles) (closer to Luxembourg)
Transfer time: 1 hour 45 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station).
Transfer cost: €18.99 (can vary by company and booking time).
Airlines: Primarily Ryanair and Wizz Air.
2. Oslo-Torp Airport (TRF) – 110 km (68 miles) southwest of Oslo.
Transfer time: The train to Oslo Central Station takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Transfer cost: £14-21 each way
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other airlines.
3. Memmingen Airport (FMM) (Often Marketed as “Munich West”) – 116 km (72 miles)
Transfer time 1 hour 30 minutes to Munich Central Station (ZOB).
Transfer cost: £12.50-£18.
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and some other smaller airlines.
4. Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) – 100 km (62 miles) south of Stockholm.
Transfer time 1 hour 20 minutes tTransfer Cost:
Transfer cost: £12-16.
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other budget airlines.
5. Barcelona-Reus Airport (REU) – 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Barcelona.
Transfer time 1 hour 30 minutes
Transfer cost: Around £12-16.
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other airlines during tourist season.
6. Paris–Beauvais Airport (BVA) – 85 km (53 miles.
Transfer time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Transfer cost: £14-16.
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other budget airlines.
7.Düsseldorf-Weeze Airport (NRN) – Approximately 80 km (50 miles) – on the border with Holland
Transfer time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Transfer cost: £12-16.
Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other budget airlines.