European Nations Without Airports: A List Revealed
Traveling Without Runways: Countries With No Airports
Hopping on a plane isn't always the go-to option when visiting certain European destinations. Depending on the unique geography and location of some countries, there's no need for airports. Here are five countries keeping it old school with efficient transportation solutions.
Mountainous Mystique - Andorra
Sandwiched between France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountains shower Andorra with picturesque views but make building a big airport challenging. Instead, residents and tourists rely on the nearby Barcelona and Toulouse airports for their air travel needs.
Tiny but Wondrous - Liechtenstein
Teeny Liechtenstein, wedged between Switzerland and Austria, has no airport due to its small size and proximity to Zurich Airport in Switzerland. This close connection makes an airport unnecessary.
Coastal Charm - Monaco
The tiny French Riviera principality of Monaco may be land-locked when it comes to its own airport, but it makes up for it with beautiful views and ease of access to the much larger Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. A quick 30-minute drive or a high-speed rail link awaits visitors.
Holy See – Vatican City
As the smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City's size precludes airport construction. Rome's Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), approximately 30 kilometers away, serves as the nearest airport for this religious hotspot.
Surrounded Serenity - San Marino
The small, Italian-bound landlocked country of San Marino avoids the headache of maintaining an airport thanks to its proximity to Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy. Just 16 kilometers away, it's a quick trip for visitors looking to enjoy this charming destination.
On Rails and Roads
Despite the lack of airports, these nations enjoy seamless travel with efficient alternatives. Andorra boasts excellent road connections to its neighbors, while Liechtenstein benefits from Switzerland's train and road networks. Monaco benefits from a speedy rail link to Nice and regular helicopter services. Vatican City and San Marino rely on nearby Italian airports and robust road networks.
Keeping the Economy and Tourism Alive
These countries thrive economically and culturally, continuing to attract business and leisure travelers due to their accessibility through neighboring airports. The absence of an airport has not hindered their growth.
The End of the Runway
Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Vatican City, and San Marino are just a few European countries without airports. Their strategic locations, geographical constraints, and efficient use of nearby transport infrastructure keep these countries connected to the world.
- Andorra's beautiful mountainous landscape, though challenging for airport construction, is seamlessly connected to its neighbors through robust road networks, ensuring efficient travel experiences.
- Liechtenstein, small in size and close to Zurich Airport in Switzerland, relies on Switzerland's comprehensive train and road networks for travel, maintaining a seamless connection to the world despite the absence of an airport.
