There are two ways to pre-book the ride from the airport to the city: a shared shuttle with other passengers, or a private transfer for your group only. Each suits a different situation.
How a shared shuttle works
A bus or minibus leaves at fixed times or once it has enough passengers. It makes several stops or ends at a terminal, from where you continue on your own. You pay per person.
How a private transfer works
A vehicle carries only you and your group, leaves when you arrive and goes straight to your address. You pay per vehicle.
What to compare
- Price. A shuttle is priced per person, a private transfer per vehicle. For one person alone, the shuttle usually costs less. For three or more, do the sums: the gap narrows or reverses.
- Time. The shuttle adds the wait until departure and other passengers’ stops. A private transfer does not.
- Door to door. A shuttle may drop you at a terminal. A private transfer takes you to your address.
- Luggage. A shuttle may limit the number or size of bags. With a private transfer the vehicle is chosen to fit what you bring.
- Timetable. Shuttles run less often in the small hours.
When each one makes sense
A shuttle works if you travel alone, with little luggage, in no hurry and at a time with frequent departures. A private transfer makes sense with family, a group, children, a lot of luggage, a night arrival or a tight connection.