After a long flight the last thing you want is to haggle over price with a taxi driver in the car park outside the terminal. Yet that is exactly how a lot of holidays start. I tried all three main options to find out what is actually worth it and what is mostly stress.
Taxi on the spot
The most spontaneous option, no booking required in advance. The downside is prices can be unpredictable, especially if you do not know local rates, and the taxi queue can get long late at night. A good option if you like to improvise and do not have much luggage.
Available on the spot, though the price is rarely clear at first glance
Private transfer booked in advance
The driver waits for you with a name sign, the price is known in advance, no surprises. Slightly more expensive than a local taxi, but the difference is often smaller than expected, and the peace of mind after a long flight is usually worth it. This is the option I pick most often, especially when landing late or travelling with kids.
Tested by us Book a transfer in advance →Bus or public transport
Clearly the cheapest option, but it takes a bit more planning, timetable, stop, possible transfers. Works well if you are travelling light and are not in a rush to get to the hotel. Less convenient with big suitcases or at night.
So what should you pick?
If you land during the day, travel light and like to save money, the bus is a sensible option. If you land in the evening, travel with family, or just want one less thing to think about after a long flight, a private transfer booked in advance usually wins.
There is no single right answer, it depends on landing time, how much luggage you have, and how much you want to pay for comfort. I usually book a transfer when we land after sunset, and take a taxi on the spot when it is still light and we only have backpacks.
In the end what matters most is that the last leg of the trip does not become the first stressful moment of the holiday. — Paweł
