When traveling to a major city, one of the first things passengers check is how far the airport is from the city center. While many international airports are conveniently located near urban hubs, others are surprisingly far away, requiring long drives or additional flights to reach their final destination. This distance can lead to delays, logistical challenges, and extra transportation costs. Understanding which airports are the furthest from the cities they serve can help travelers plan more efficiently and avoid surprises upon arrival.
Why Airport Distance Matters
The location of an airport significantly affects the travel experience. Airports located far from the city may result in long transit times, limited public transportation options, and higher taxi or shuttle fares. For business travelers or tourists on tight schedules, this added distance can be inconvenient. Additionally, passengers arriving late at night or during off-hours may struggle to find transportation into the city. For these reasons, knowing which airports are the most distant is crucial, especially in large or remote countries.
Notable Airports Located Far from Their Cities
1. Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) – Germany
Despite having ‘Frankfurt’ in its name, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is actually about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Frankfurt. It primarily serves low-cost carriers and is situated closer to Koblenz than Frankfurt itself. Travelers often take shuttle buses that run multiple times a day, but the journey to the city can take up to two hours.
2. Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF) – Norway
Torp Airport is marketed as a secondary airport for Oslo, Norway’s capital. However, it is around 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. Travel to Oslo typically requires a combination of bus and train rides, which can add significant time to the trip. Budget airlines use this airport due to its lower operational costs.
3. Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) – France
Located approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) north of Paris, Beauvais Airport is a favorite of low-cost airlines like Ryanair. Although it is far from the city center, regular shuttle buses connect it to downtown Paris in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Still, it’s considered inconvenient for those unfamiliar with the area.
4. London Oxford Airport (OXF) – United Kingdom
Though named after Oxford, this airport has occasionally been used as a secondary gateway to London. It’s located nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) from central London. However, this is not a major commercial hub and sees mostly private jets or regional traffic, adding to the confusion for some international visitors.
5. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) – Japan
Tokyo Narita is one of the busiest airports in Japan, but it is located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown Tokyo. It often requires a one-hour train ride or longer by bus, depending on traffic. In contrast, Haneda Airport is much closer but often more expensive or less available for international flights.
6. BrasÃlia Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) – Brazil
While this airport serves Brazil’s capital city, it is located around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from some of the central residential zones. BrasÃlia was designed with wide urban spaces, making even closer locations feel remote. Public transport options from the airport to certain city areas can be limited, especially late at night.
7. Denver International Airport (DEN) – United States
Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports by land area in the United States and sits about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from downtown Denver. While not the furthest in absolute distance, travelers often mention the long drive or train ride through open fields, which gives the impression of greater isolation.
8. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) – Malaysia
KUL is located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Kuala Lumpur’s city center. While express train services like the KLIA Ekspres help reduce the travel time to under 30 minutes, the airport still feels remote due to its location in the Sepang District. This distance can be an issue during peak travel hours.
Airports with Extremely Remote Access
9. Alice Springs Airport (ASP) – Australia
Alice Springs is already isolated in central Australia, and its airport is located about 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) south of the town. While this isn’t extremely far by global standards, the remoteness of Alice Springs itself makes any airport access feel like a long trip. Flights are limited, and ground transportation is often minimal.
10. Incheon International Airport (ICN) – South Korea
Though widely praised for its efficiency and facilities, Incheon is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from downtown Seoul. Travel time is roughly an hour via high-speed train or more by bus. The distance isn’t unusual for a major international airport, but visitors unfamiliar with the layout of Korea might be surprised by how far they must travel to reach the city.
How to Handle Long Airport Transfers
Being aware of airport distance before booking a flight can help travelers better prepare for their journey. Long distances between the airport and city don’t have to ruin your travel plans if you’re properly informed.
Tips for Managing Remote Airport Arrivals
- Check Transportation Options: Before your trip, research train, bus, and shuttle services from the airport.
- Plan for Arrival Time: Consider whether your arrival is during daylight or off-hours, as it affects available transit.
- Book Ahead: If you need a taxi or private car, make a reservation to avoid long waits.
- Allow Buffer Time: If you have a schedule to follow, allow at least 1-2 extra hours for travel from distant airports.
- Consider Proximity Over Price: Sometimes, paying more to arrive at a closer airport is worth the convenience.
While many travelers focus on the cheapest flights or most popular airlines, the distance from airport to city center is an equally important factor to consider. Some airports, despite carrying the name of a major city, are located dozens or even over a hundred kilometers away. These airports such as Frankfurt-Hahn, Paris Beauvais, and Tokyo Narita require longer commutes and more planning. Understanding these distances and preparing accordingly can make your travel smoother and more enjoyable, especially when arriving in unfamiliar destinations.