Getting from the airport to the city

The first hour after landing, especially with a child and luggage, sets the tone for the whole trip. We have collected the most practical ways into the centre for the cities we visited. Timetables and fares change, so check the official websites before you go.

Belgium: Brussels Airport

Train: From the station beneath the airport there are trains to the central stations of Brussels and directly to Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. We took the train straight to Bruges after landing.
Tip: Tickets from the airport station include an extra airport fee; buying the ticket in the app beforehand saves time.
SNCB (Belgian railways)

Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol

Train: About 15–20 minutes from the station inside the airport to Amsterdam Centraal.
Bus: There are also buses towards the Museum Quarter and the south of the city.
NS (Dutch railways)

Italy: Rome Fiumicino

Leonardo Express: Non-stop train from the airport to Termini station.
FL1 commuter train: Stops at Trastevere and Ostiense; handy if you stay in those areas.
Trenitalia

Italy: Florence and Venice

Florence Peretola: The T2 tram links the airport with the city centre.
Venice Marco Polo: Reach Piazzale Roma by bus or take the Alilaguna water bus. From Piazzale Roma you continue on foot or by vaporetto.

Spain: Madrid Barajas

Metro: Line 8 connects the airport with the city.
Commuter train (Cercanías): Runs from some terminals to Atocha and Chamartín.
Airport express bus: Runs all day towards Atocha and Cibeles.
Metro de Madrid

Spain: Barcelona El Prat and Valencia

Barcelona: The Aerobús goes to Plaça Catalunya; the R2 Nord train and the L9 Sud metro line are other options.
Valencia: Metro lines connect the airport with the city centre.

Türkiye: Istanbul and Izmir

Istanbul Airport: The M11 metro line and Havaist buses go to different parts of the city.
Izmir Adnan Menderes: The İZBAN commuter train runs into the city; there are also Havaş buses.

Tips for airport transfers with kids

Stroller: Knowing where the lifts are in train and metro stations saves time.
Private transfer: For late-night arrivals or lots of luggage, a pre-booked private transfer can be more comfortable than public transport. Sites such as Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups let you book one in advance, child seat included.
Internet: Set up an eSIM or roaming package in advance so maps and ticket apps work as soon as you land.

For city-by-city travel plans, browse our guides.