When booking a flight, it's easy to assume that airports with the city's name in their title are conveniently located near the heart of the action. However, many major cities have airports that are, in reality, far from the urban center. These "city" airports may carry the name of the destination but require long travel times to reach. Whether due to urban sprawl, geographic limitations, or historical reasons, these airports can cause travelers to rethink their arrival plans.
Here are 8 “city” airports that are actually hours away from the places they’re named after. While they serve as key transportation hubs, understanding the distance and preparing accordingly can save time and frustration. Consider transportation options like trains, buses, or ride-shares to avoid delays and ensure a smoother trip into the city.
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) – “Frankfurt”
Frankfurt-Hahn is more than 75 miles (120 kilometers) from central Frankfurt, located deep in the Hunsrück countryside. Despite its name, it is nowhere near Frankfurt’s urban core or main international airport. Budget airlines often use it due to lower fees, but reaching Frankfurt from Hahn typically takes two hours by shuttle or bus. There’s no train station on-site, adding to the commute. It’s closer to towns like Koblenz or Trier than to Frankfurt itself. For travelers with tight schedules or early commitments in Frankfurt, this airport can be misleading unless plans are made in advance for long ground transfers.
Oslo Torp Airport (TRF) – “Oslo”
Oslo Torp is located around 68 miles (110 kilometers) from Oslo, closer to the town of Sandefjord. Despite the branding, getting to Oslo requires a lengthy bus or train ride that can take up to two hours. Low-cost carriers use this airport to reduce fees, but passengers often don’t realize how far they’ll be from the capital. The airport itself is small and functional, with limited amenities and sparse ground transport schedules. Travelers arriving late may need to wait for the next connection. If your destination is Oslo proper, you’ll need to factor in both time and additional transport cost.
Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) – “Stockholm”
Stockholm Skavsta is located around 65 miles (105 kilometers) from central Stockholm, near the town of Nyköping. It’s frequently used by budget airlines like Ryanair, but the commute into the city can take 80–100 minutes by bus. There's no direct train service at the terminal, which means extra time and coordination are needed, especially for early or late flights. The airport serves smaller crowds and is easy to navigate, but its distance makes it better for travelers staying in southern Sweden. Anyone booking a “Stockholm” flight to Skavsta should pay attention to arrival times and onward connections.
Barcelona Girona Airport (GRO) – “Barcelona”
Barcelona Girona Airport is located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Barcelona, closer to the town of Girona. While budget airlines label it as a Barcelona option, reaching the city can take 1.5 to 2 hours by bus. There’s no direct train from the terminal, and late-night arrivals may require an overnight stay nearby. The airport is more practical for travelers visiting Costa Brava than for those with plans in Barcelona itself. Anyone flying into GRO should check transportation schedules in advance to avoid long waits or expensive last-minute transfers into the city.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) – “Tokyo”
Narita International Airport is Tokyo’s primary international gateway, but it’s located around 40–50 miles (65–80 kilometers) from central Tokyo. Although trains like the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner make the trip faster, the journey still takes roughly one hour. With baggage or transfers, it can stretch even longer. Narita is modern and efficient, but its distance makes it more time-consuming than Haneda, Tokyo’s closer domestic-international hub. Travelers landing here for a quick layover or tight meeting should factor in extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours or if connecting to regional rail lines.
Want to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later when you're planning your trip!
Munich Memmingen Airport (FMM) – “Munich”
Memmingen Airport is often marketed as Munich West, but it's located roughly 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Munich’s city center. The airport is closer to smaller towns like Kempten and Memmingen itself. Public transportation into Munich takes 90 minutes or more, usually involving a shuttle bus and regional train. Travelers using budget airlines may land here without realizing how far they are from the Bavarian capital. For those heading into Munich for business or tight schedules, this airport can be a logistical challenge unless arranged with precise timing and advance booking.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) – “Milan”
Despite its name, Bergamo Airport is not in Milan—it’s about 30 miles (50 kilometers) away. Located closer to the city of Bergamo, this airport is often used by low-cost carriers. Buses to Milan take over an hour, and heavy traffic can stretch that further. Though convenient for travelers staying in northern Lombardy or exploring the lakes, it’s not the best entry point for those with limited time in Milan. Many first-time visitors are surprised by the commute and end up spending more on ground transportation than anticipated. Check transfer times and services before choosing this route.
Toronto Hamilton Airport (YHM) – “Toronto”
Hamilton Airport is marketed as an alternative to Toronto Pearson, but it's about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from downtown Toronto. Located in the city of Hamilton, this airport mainly serves discount carriers and seasonal flights. Getting to Toronto can take 90 minutes or longer by car, especially during rush hour. Public transportation is limited, and options like shuttle buses or rideshares can add extra costs. While convenient for residents west of the Greater Toronto Area, it’s not practical for travelers with meetings or short stays in the downtown core. Check your arrival time and local traffic conditions carefully.
Don’t Let the Name Fool You
Choosing a flight based on a city name alone can be misleading—and costly in time, money, and energy. Many travelers assume they’ll land just minutes from downtown, only to discover that their “city” airport is actually hours away. While these distant airports often attract budget airlines, the savings can disappear quickly when factoring in long ground transfers, extra transportation costs, and lost time. If your plans include tight connections, early meetings, or limited vacation days, it’s worth double-checking the airport’s true location and planning accordingly. Always research your arrival airport, including available transport options and travel times into the city. In some cases, paying a bit more to fly into a central airport can actually save you stress and simplify your trip. Whether you're traveling for work or leisure, knowing what to expect before you land helps you start your journey on the right foot—and avoid unwelcome surprises that can derail your plans.
15 Ways to Protect Yourself From Hidden Cameras While Traveling
Stay alert! Traveling can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with risks that might not be immediately obvious. One such risk is the possibility of hidden cameras. These devices can be placed in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even public spaces, capturing footage without your knowledge or consent. For travelers, it is essential to take precautions and remain aware of their surroundings.
Read More Here: 15 Ways to Protect Yourself From Hidden Cameras While Traveling
15 Common Airport Mistakes You Might Be Making
Avoid these at all costs! Navigating an airport can be a stressful experience, and many travelers unknowingly make mistakes along the way. There are 15 common airport mistakes you might be making that can lead to unnecessary delays and frustration. From packing the wrong items to misjudging security lines, these blunders can turn an exciting trip into a hassle.
Read More Here: 15 Common Airport Mistakes You Might Be Making
