Guide

How to choose ground transport

What matters in ground transport

Getting from airports to accommodation or between cities affects timing, comfort, and budget. The right choice depends on group size, luggage, time constraints, and whether you value convenience over cost.

Private vs shared

Private transfers (taxi, private car) go straight to your destination with no stops. Shared transfers (shuttle buses, coaches) pick up multiple passengers, adding 30-60 minutes but costing 50-70% less per person. Solo travelers save with shared; groups of 3+ often pay similar for private.

Pre-booked vs on-arrival

Pre-booking guarantees availability, fixed prices, and no queuing. Booking on arrival offers flexibility if plans change but risks queues, surge pricing, or no availability during peak times. Pre-book if arriving late, traveling with children, or during busy periods.

Door-to-door vs station

Transfers to your accommodation door cost more but eliminate walking with luggage. Train or bus stations save money but require getting yourself and bags to/from the station. Consider total journey time and effort.

Group size matters

Solo or couple: shared options are economical. Family of 4-5: private transfer often costs similar to buying 4-5 shared seats. Groups 6+: private minibus is usually cheaper than individual shared bookings.

Common mistakes

• Only comparing transfer prices, not total journey costs — A cheap shared transfer that takes 90 minutes may cost more in time than a direct option costing £20 more.
• Not factoring in luggage — Budget options like public buses work solo with carry-on but become impractical with checked bags or families.
• Assuming trains are always faster — Station-to-station time excludes getting to/from stations. Door-to-door transfers can be faster despite lower speed.
• Not checking pickup logistics — Some shared transfers require meeting points in car parks or specific terminals. Know where to go before you land.

Decision pathways

Next steps