How to Get from the Airport to the City Centre

You have landed, collected your bag and now face the last part of the journey: getting into town. After a long flight, this is when travellers are most likely to overpay or get confused. The good news is that most major airports offer several ways into the city, and a few minutes of preparation before you fly make the choice easy. This guide walks you through the main options, how to check reliable information and how to stay safe.

Plan the transfer before you fly

Do not leave this decision until you are standing in the arrivals hall. Before your trip, find out which terminal you arrive at, how far the airport is from your accommodation and what transport runs at your arrival time. Late-night and early-morning arrivals are especially important to check, since some services do not run around the clock. Our airport pages are a good starting point, for example Istanbul Airport (IST) or Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku.

Rail and metro

Many large airports are linked to the city by train, express rail or metro. These options are usually predictable, because they avoid road traffic, and they are often good value.

Check where the station is located and whether it is inside the terminal.
Find out how to buy a ticket: machines, counters, contactless cards or an app.
Look at the first and last departure times.
Think about luggage: rush-hour trains can be crowded, and some stations have many stairs.

Airport buses and shuttles

Airport buses connect terminals with central squares, main railway stations or bus stations. They often have space for suitcases and can be a simple, low-cost choice. Shared shuttles that drop passengers at different hotels are another option, but expect several stops along the way. Check the official timetable, the route and the payment methods, as some buses may not accept cash.

Tip for groups: if you travel as three or four people, add up the cost of individual public transport tickets and compare it with one taxi or transfer. The difference is sometimes smaller than you expect, and a door-to-door ride saves time and effort.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

A taxi is the most convenient choice if you arrive late, travel with children or carry a lot of luggage. To avoid unpleasant surprises:

Use the official taxi rank, not drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Ask whether the fare is metered or fixed before you get in.
If you prefer a ride-hailing app, check that it works in that country and find the designated pick-up point at the airport.
Have a way to pay ready: some drivers may not accept cards.

Pre-booked transfers and car rental

A pre-booked transfer means a driver waits for you with a name sign and the price is agreed in advance. It is helpful for groups, families and first-time visitors. If you plan to explore the region, picking up a car at the airport can also make sense; you can compare offers in the car rental section. Remember to consider parking costs and traffic in the city centre before choosing a car.

Safety and practical tips

Always rely on official sources. The airport's own website lists the transport options, ticket information and current changes, such as works or strikes. Information from forums may be out of date. A few more tips:

Save your accommodation address offline and, if possible, in the local language.
Keep valuables close, especially on crowded public transport.
Do not accept offers from unofficial drivers or "helpers".
Have a small amount of local currency or a working payment card.

To learn more about choosing between airports and transfers, see our guide on choosing an airport and transfer.

Arrival checklist

mibilet helps you compare flight, hotel and car-rental prices from partners, and you book directly with the partner. Before you land, make sure you have:

Checked your arrival terminal and time.
Read the transport section of the official airport website.
Chosen a main option and a backup.
Prepared a ticket, app or payment method.
Saved your accommodation address offline.
Agreed the price of a transfer in advance, if you booked one.