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Airport transfers: how to get from the airport to the city

An airport transfer is any way of getting from the airport to your hotel or the city: a train, a bus, a taxi or a car booked ahead. Each one suits a different traveler, and the right choice depends on your bags, your arrival time and who is with you.

This page compares the main options, then lists what the airport's own transport page says for 14 major airports, from London to Mexico City. It also covers how to book an airport pickup service and how to spot an official taxi. Check the airport's site for times and prices before you fly, since both change.

By TravPa Editors. Updated November 8, 2026.

Airport transfer options compared

Most big airports offer the same four choices. They differ in how much you plan ahead, how much luggage you can manage, and what time you land.

Train or metro

A rail link runs to a timetable, so road traffic does not slow it. Stated times show how quick it can be: Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3, and Sydney's airport train takes about 13 minutes to the city. Rail suits light packers heading to a station-side destination. Check the last train if you land late, because some networks stop overnight.

Bus or shuttle

Public buses are usually slower than rail but can reach places the train does not. Some airports add shared shuttles to hotels. Istanbul Airport has 11 Havaist bus routes to the city, and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi lists several public bus routes with posted hours. Look up the hours first: Changi notes that most public bus and MRT services do not run through the night.

Taxi

An official taxi rank needs no booking, so it works when your plans change. In London, only black taxis can be hailed or taken from a rank without a booking. Use the airport's marked rank and ignore anyone who approaches you in the arrivals hall.

Pre-booked private transfer

A pre-booked transfer is agreed before you land: the pickup point and the car are arranged in advance. It suits families, groups, heavy luggage or a very late arrival, because you are not looking for a rank or a timetable. Book only with a licensed operator and keep the confirmation.

Sources for this section
Pre-book an airport transferSearch private airport transfers on Kiwitaxi, then check the meeting point and the fare in your confirmation.Search airport transfers on KiwitaxiTravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.

Airport transfers at major airports

Each entry below lists only what that airport's own page, or the city's official page, says. Times appear only where the source states them. Always check the airport's site for today's timetable.

London Heathrow (LHR)

By rail, Heathrow Express runs to London Paddington and takes 15 minutes from Terminals 2 and 3. The Elizabeth line reaches central London in under 40 minutes, and the Piccadilly line serves all terminals and reaches central London in under an hour. Black taxis wait at ranks outside each terminal, and you can pre-book a private-hire car through the airport's approved providers.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station takes about 14 to 17 minutes, according to the city's official tourism site.

Tokyo Haneda (HND)

Haneda's access page lists trains and a monorail, express and route buses, and taxis. Taxis leave from general stands, and there is a separate stand for app-dispatched or reserved taxis, so use that one if you booked by app or phone.

Tokyo Narita (NRT)

Narita's access page lists rail, public bus, taxi and car options, plus a route search tool. It also carries a note on using the terminals at night and early in the morning, which is worth reading if your flight lands at an unusual hour.

Singapore Changi (SIN)

Changi Airport MRT station connects to the East West Line at Tanah Merah and the Downtown Line at Expo. Public buses leave from the basement bays in Terminals 1 to 3 and from stops at Terminal 4. Metered taxis are available 24 hours a day from the arrival stands, and ride-hailing pick-up points are at each terminal. Most buses and MRT trains do not run all night. The Ground Transport Concierge arranges transfers around the clock.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)

The Airport Rail Link station is on level B1 and runs from 05:30 to 24:00. Public taxis run 24 hours from level 1 between Gates 4 and 7, and you take a queue ticket first. Ride-hailing pick-up is at Gate 4. Limousine counters on level 2 take walk-in bookings, and public buses leave from the Public Transportation Center.

Dubai (DXB)

The Dubai Metro Red Line connects directly to Terminals 1 and 3. Buses run from dedicated stands at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and need a nol card, since cash is not accepted. Taxis are available 24 hours a day in each terminal's arrivals area, and ride-hailing apps are also listed.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

The airport has its own stop on the M11 metro line, with a drop-off and pick-up point at the station. Havaist buses run 11 routes between the airport and the city center, and they board on transportation floor -2. Accessible midibuses are available; wheelchair users should book ahead through Havaist or the transportation-floor counters.

Sydney (SYD)

The airport train takes about 13 minutes to the city, with trains roughly every 10 minutes. A taxi to the CBD takes about 20 minutes, and ranks are at the front of all terminals. For rideshare, meet your driver at the priority pick-up area. Shuttles run to the CBD and across Sydney.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Paris Aéroport calls the RER B the simplest and most direct link to central Paris, taking around 35 minutes, with trains from 4:50 AM to 11:00 PM (last arrival at CDG). The 9517 express bus (formerly RoissyBus) runs between the airport and Paris, and Noctilien night buses N143 and N140 run to and from Gare de l'Est. Official taxis wait at ranks at each terminal exit, show an illuminated TAXI sign, and take 35 to 60 minutes to central Paris depending on traffic. The page tells you to turn down offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

New York JFK (JFK)

AirTrain connects the terminals with the subway and the Long Island Rail Road. Licensed taxis pick up outside each terminal. Ride app pick-ups have their own signed areas, and authorized shuttle, van and private car services are also listed.

Mexico City (MEX)

The airport's transportation page lists buses, the Metro, the Metrobus, car rental and AICM-authorized taxis. Taxis authorized by the airport work under their own published operating rules.

Cairo (CAI)

The airport's passenger guide describes limousine services with pick-up at the curb in front of the terminals, and city and intercity buses from the bus station in front of Terminal 1 only. It warns that drivers who approach you in the arrival hall may not be official, and that fares for older unmetered taxis are agreed before you travel.

Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB)

The Gautrain rapid rail runs daily from about 05h15 to 22h00, roughly every 12 minutes, according to the airport operator. Taxis and shuttle buses leave from a terminus behind the hotels, and the coach terminus is in the multi-storey parkade behind the car-hire depots. To curb touting, Airports Company South Africa accredits meter taxi services, which you arrange at its information desk in the terminal. Nearby hotels run their own shuttles, also arranged through that desk.

Sources for this section

How to book an airport pickup service

A good booking takes five minutes and removes the hardest part of arriving: finding your ride in a crowded hall.

Choose a licensed operator

In London, a minicab must be pre-booked with a licensed operator. Airports such as Heathrow list approved private-hire providers, and Changi runs its own Ground Transport Concierge. Start from the airport's own page.

Give the flight number and arrival date

Add your flight number and landing date to the booking, so the operator has your details to hand. If your plans change, tell the operator as early as you can.

Confirm the meeting point

Ask exactly where the driver will meet you. Changi's concierge counters sit in each arrival hall, and Cairo's limousine pick-up is at the curb in front of the terminals. Save the driver's phone number.

Count people and luggage

Give the number of passengers and bags. Changi's concierge lists 4-seater and 6-seater vehicles, and accessible vehicles on request, so say what you need in advance. If you travel with a child, ask whether the operator supplies a child seat rather than assuming it does.

Book ahead and keep the confirmation

Changi suggests booking at least 24 hours ahead, especially for large groups. Transport for London says the operator must send a confirmation with the vehicle registration, the driver's first name, their licence number and a photo of the driver. Ask for an accurate fare estimate before you travel.

Sources for this section
  • Transport for London (official): Minicabs must be pre-booked with a licensed operator; booking confirmation contents; black taxis can be hailed or taken from ranks; pre-booked sticker is not proof of a licence
  • Heathrow Airport (official): Black taxis at ranks outside each terminal; pre-booked private-hire cars through approved providers; licensed on-site transfer desks in Arrivals
  • Changi Airport Group (official): Ground Transport Concierge: 24 hours, counters in each arrival hall, advance booking suggested at least 24 hours ahead, accessible vehicles on request
  • Changi Airport Group (official): MRT, public bus, metered taxis at arrival stands, ride-hailing pick-up points, 24-hour Ground Transport Concierge; most buses and MRT do not run all night
  • Cairo Airport Company (official): Limousine pick-up at the curb, taxi warnings, bus station in front of Terminal 1

Taxi and ride safety at the airport

The main rule is the same everywhere: use the official rank or a ride you booked yourself.

Skip unsolicited offers

JFK's official page says not to accept transportation offers from drivers or individuals who approach you without your request. Cairo's airport page gives the same warning about drivers in the arrival hall.

Use the marked rank

Licensed taxis pick up outside each JFK terminal, at the front of every Sydney terminal, and at the taxi stands in the arrival areas at Changi. At Suvarnabhumi, you take a queue ticket first.

Check a minicab before you get in

Transport for London says a pre-booked sticker is not proof that a vehicle is licensed. Compare the registration and driver details in your booking confirmation with the car and the driver's ID.

Agree fares where taxis are unmetered

Cairo's airport page notes that older black and white taxis usually have no meter, so the price is agreed before you travel. White taxis have meters.

Sources for this section

Questions travelers ask

What is an airport transfer?

An airport transfer is a ride between an airport and your hotel or another place in the city. It can be a train or metro, a public bus or shuttle, a taxi from the official rank, or a private car you booked before you landed. The word often means the pre-booked kind, where a driver is arranged in advance and meets you at an agreed point.

Is it cheaper to take a train or a taxi from the airport?

It depends on the airport, the distance and how many people share the ride. A train ticket is usually bought per person, while a taxi or private car is usually shared between everyone in it, so a group may compare differently from a solo traveler. Check the operator's fare page for both, add any luggage or night extras, and compare the total for your party.

How do I book an airport pickup?

Book with a licensed operator or through the airport's own transport page. Give your flight number, landing date, number of passengers and bags, and ask where the driver will meet you. Save the confirmation. In London, it must show the vehicle registration, the driver's first name, their licence number and a photo of the driver, so you can match them when you arrive.

How early should I book an airport transfer?

Changi Airport suggests booking its Ground Transport Concierge at least 24 hours ahead, especially for large groups or special requirements, so the right vehicle is ready when you land. Other operators set their own rules, so check the lead time when you book. Book earlier if you need an accessible vehicle, and tell the operator what you need in advance.

Which airports have a train to the city?

Many large airports do. Heathrow has Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line. Schiphol has a train to Amsterdam Central. Sydney, Changi, Suvarnabhumi and Istanbul have rail or metro stations, Dubai's Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3, Paris Charles de Gaulle has the RER B, and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo has the Gautrain. Each airport's own transport page lists the exact stations and platforms to use. Check the last train before you fly, since some networks do not run all night.

Are airport taxis safe?

Official taxis from a marked rank are the safe choice, and unsolicited offers are the risk. JFK's airport page tells travelers not to accept rides from people who approach them without a request, and Cairo's airport warns about the same in its arrival hall. In London, Transport for London says an unbooked minicab is not safe, even with a licence sticker.

Keep planning

Luggage storageWhere to leave your bags between check-out and your flight.Car rentalCompare cars if you would rather drive from the airport.Flight delay compensationFlight delayed or cancelled? Know what you are owed.

Facts checked against the official pages listed under each section on November 8, 2026. Operators change their rules, so confirm details with the airport, station or provider before you travel.