Flying with Ryanair often comes with unbeatable prices, but the devil is in the details—especially when it comes to airport locations. The airline is infamous for using secondary airports that are far from the cities they claim to serve. This clever cost-cutting strategy often leaves passengers scrambling to arrange additional transportation, adding time, stress, and unexpected expenses to their journeys.
Let’s break down the most misleading Ryanair airports you should know about, so you can plan accordingly.
“Paris” Beauvais (BVA)
Ryanair markets Beauvais Airport as serving Paris, but calling it a “Paris airport” is quite a stretch. Located a whopping 85 kilometers (53 miles) north of Paris, it takes approximately 1.5 hours by bus to reach the city center. This airport is in the small town of Tillé, and while it may offer cheaper landing fees for airlines, passengers pay the price with time and money.
Transport Options:
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- Shuttle buses to Porte Maillot cost around €16 one-way and €29 return.
- Taxis cost over €170, making them impractical for budget travelers.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight schedule, think twice before booking a flight to Beauvais. The extra travel time can derail short trips.
Learn more about shuttle options from Beauvais to Paris.
“Brussels” South Charleroi (CRL)
Charleroi Airport is marketed as serving Brussels, but it’s actually located in Charleroi, 60 kilometers (37 miles) away. A bus journey to Brussels Midi Station takes about 1 hour, and the added commute can feel like a hassle, especially for early morning or late-night flights.
Transport Options:
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- Shuttle buses cost around €17 one-way and €34 round-trip.
- Trains are available but involve transfers, costing €20+ depending on your timing.
Pro Tip: Check your arrival time. If you land late, transportation options might be limited, forcing you to take an expensive taxi.
Find details on the Charleroi Airport shuttle service.
“Frankfurt” Hahn (HHN)
Frankfurt Hahn Airport is neither in Frankfurt nor remotely close to it. Situated 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the city, it takes around 2 hours to get to Frankfurt by bus. To make matters worse, Hahn is in a rural area with limited amenities, so you’re essentially stuck without options if transportation services shut down.
Transport Options:
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- Flibco buses cost €16–€18 one-way and take at least 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Taxis are outrageously expensive, often exceeding €200.
Pro Tip: Double-check your flight times, as public transport options from Hahn are sparse at night.
Read more about Frankfurt Hahn Airport transport options here.
“Barcelona” Girona (GRO)
Marketed as a gateway to Barcelona, Girona Airport is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of the city. The bus ride takes at least 1 hour 15 minutes, not counting the time it takes to find the bus station or wait for your bus to depart. Girona itself is a charming city worth exploring, but if you were expecting to land in Barcelona, it’s easy to feel duped.
Transport Options:
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- Barcelona Bus service costs €16 one-way or €25 round-trip.
- Taxis to Barcelona can cost upwards of €125.
Pro Tip: If your destination is actually Girona, this airport is perfect. Otherwise, budget an extra 2 hours for your trip to Barcelona.
Discover more about transport from Girona Airport.
“Stockholm” Skavsta (NYO)
Skavsta Airport is another classic Ryanair misnomer. It’s located in Nyköping, 106 kilometers (66 miles) from Stockholm. The bus ride takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and ticket prices can add up, especially for families or groups.
Transport Options:
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- Flygbussarna coaches cost approximately SEK 159 (€14) one-way and SEK 278 (€24) return.
- Taxis cost well over SEK 1,800 (€150).
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to explore Nyköping or southern Sweden, this airport works. Otherwise, it’s a long haul to Stockholm.
Explore travel options from Skavsta to Stockholm here.
“London” Stansted (STN)
Although technically in Essex, Stansted is marketed as a London airport. It’s 64 kilometers (40 miles) from central London, and reaching the city can take over an hour, depending on traffic or train schedules.
Transport Options:
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- The Stansted Express train costs £21.50 (€25) for a one-way trip and takes 50 minutes to Liverpool Street Station.
- National Express buses are cheaper (from £10) but take 1.5–2 hours.
Pro Tip: Factor in rush-hour delays if you’re taking the train or bus. Stansted’s location makes it less convenient than Heathrow or Gatwick for most travelers.
Learn more about transport from Stansted Airport.
“Milan” Bergamo (BGY)
Bergamo Airport, also known as Orio al Serio, is promoted as a Milan airport but is actually located in Bergamo, 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. While Bergamo is a delightful city in its own right, travelers heading to Milan often find themselves caught off guard by the extra journey.
Transport Options:
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- Shuttle buses to Milan cost €10 one-way and take about 1 hour.
- Taxis are pricey, costing over €100.
Pro Tip: Consider spending a day in Bergamo—it’s charming and less crowded than Milan.
Check shuttle options from Bergamo to Milan here.
The Hidden Costs of Ryanair’s “Cheap” Flights
Ryanair’s business model relies on low base fares, but these misleading airport locations can quickly eat into your budget. By the time you add transportation costs, lost time, and the hassle of navigating unfamiliar transport systems, you might find that flying with a more centrally located airline is worth the extra cost.
- Always research the actual location of the airport before booking.
- Factor in transportation costs and time when comparing flight prices.
- Have a backup plan for late arrivals or early departures, as public transport options can be limited.