Major airports in Europe

Air travel in Europe is becoming more relevant and accessible from year to year. Not surprisingly, many passengers want to take advantage of all the comfort and convenience of a first-class airport. Recently, research has been published based on feedback from passengers from 112 countries. More than 13 million people shared their impressions of 39 parameters about European airports.

Of course, this is not the largest airport in Europe, but just a small international airport in London, built in the mid 80s of the 20th century. It receives 3.4 million passengers per year. The main advantage is the location in the center of the capital of Great Britain. Therefore, it is most convenient for a business trip, although weekend tourists are not uncommon.

Another feature of this terminal is the presence of 1 runway. Basically, only European airlines have access to the territory.

However, there are additional restrictions due to this proximity to the city center. Due to the ban on high noise levels, not all types of aircraft can take off and land. Opening hours start from 6.30 am to 9 pm on weekdays, and on weekends the airport closes for a day so that those living in the surrounding areas can take a break from the hum created by taking off airliners.

The terminal building has 26 check-in counters, 5 self-service kiosks and 15 gates. The airport is easily accessible by city buses or the light metro line. There are long-term parking lots and a taxi rank nearby.

9th place. Madrid-Barajas International Airport

It receives almost 40 million passengers a year and is included in the category of "Europe's largest airports". Located 13 km from the center of Madrid, in the urban area of ​​Barajas, for which it got its name. The two airlines Iberia Airlines and Air Europa are the main customers of this airport. Almost all the necessary services are provided on the territory of the complex:

  • bank terminals and ATMs;
  • hotels and children's playground;
  • travel agency representations;
  • duty free shops;
  • VIP room, business center;
  • chapel;
  • post offices, parking and first-aid post;
  • free internet access.

Unfortunately, many travelers point out that there are not enough restaurants and cafes, although there are quite enough bars. The fastest way to get to the airport is by metro, on the direct line number 8, but city routes also operate regularly, and a taxi rank operates around the clock.


8th place. Cologne-Bonn International Airport

The German air terminal is located 15-16 km from the central regions of Cologne and Bonn. It is in sixth place in terms of occupancy and receives a flow of more than 9 million passengers per year.

The airport was founded in 1913 and has 3 runways, although only 1 with an asphalt surface. Three international terminals are accepted by the following airlines:

  1. The first terminal is located in a historic building and serves Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Germanwings.
  2. A more modern second terminal accepts Air Berlin, Ryanair, Iran Air, KLM.
  3. The new terminal was created to serve private flights.

Many passengers note the cleanliness and architectural conciseness of all buildings of the terminal, as well as the presence of all the necessary structures on the territory. These are shops, restaurants, pharmacies, cafes and bars, playgrounds, hotels, VIP zones, banking and post offices, a large parking lot. The airport's round-the-clock operation is a great advantage.

There are several ways to get to the air complex:

  • Taxi... The counters are located right in the terminal halls, the fare will be 27 to 40 EUR.
  • Aeroexpress... The station is in the middle of the complex and trains run very often.
  • Bus... City routes run in 15 minutes, and the price will be significantly lower than by taxi.
  • Car rent.

7th place. Helsinki-Vantaa airport

Finland's only international airport is located 20 km from the capital. Serves almost 15.5 million passengers during the year. Mainly Finnish air carriers are based on the territory. Equipped with three runways and a modern building, the terminal is able to accommodate all types of aircraft and provide customers with an increased level of comfort. The two terminals, international and domestic, are connected by an underground tunnel.

The Finnish Aviation Museum, several art galleries and a magnificent view from the terrace will help you enjoy your time when connecting flights or before boarding.

Helsinki can be reached in 40 minutes by bus no. 615, which costs 8 EUR. The frequency of the route is 15 minutes. Bus routes to the railway station and central hotels are also common. At night, it is most convenient to take a taxi. The fare will be about 40 EUR.

6th place. Kastrup International Airport

If we look at the airports in Europe on the map, then one of the few located on the island will be the largest airport in Denmark. Although it occupies only 17th place in Europe, it is capable of receiving more than 24 million passengers per year, thanks to the renovations carried out over the past few years. The airport was built in 1925, but today it sends planes to 111 locations around the planet and serves more than 60 airlines.

The two operating terminals operate internationally and partly domestically. There is a free round-the-clock bus service between them.

Copenhagen Airport is equipped with everything you need to ensure the most convenient travel. The duty free zone, hotels, children's rooms, cafes will allow you to spend your time calmly and comfortably. You can get to Copenhagen from the airport by city bus, metro, train or taxi.

5th place. Frankfurt Airport

It occupies the third position in the list of airports in Europe, and is positioned as one of the world's most important air hubs, passing 58 million people annually through its terminals. Although he is not with Europe's largest airport, home to nearly 300 Lufthansa aircraft.

Two modern terminals operate around the clock, and communication between them is carried out using free shuttle buses or an automatic free train.

There are 3 hotels on the territory of the airport, in the immediate vicinity there are many cozy motels that provide a free transfer to the landing site. For the comfort of passengers, in addition to basic services, a specialized free service for the disabled, a porters service, 36 meeting rooms, a long-term storage room and a lost property office are provided.

The airport is located near the city center, which can be reached on average in 15 minutes by taxi, train, bus or using a rented car.

4th place. Schiphol International Airport

The 5th busiest airport in Europe, the main airport in the Netherlands is located 9 km from Amsterdam. There are 3 terminals in the common hall, which receive more than 52 million passengers in 12 months.

Check-in for a flight within the European Union starts 2 hours before departure. If the flight involves crossing the European border, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours in advance.

You will definitely not be bored on the territory. Shopping malls, gourmet restaurants, playgrounds, massage showers, a casino, a chapel, a museum and even a library will help pass the waiting time without being noticed. The complex can be reached by public transport or by rail.

3rd place. Heathrow International Airport

The busiest airport in Europe is located in the urban area 24 kilometers from the center of London, serves 72.4 million passengers per year and is the headquarters of British Airways.

Five terminals are connected with each other by free buses, and the variety of services provided is simply amazing. It is not in vain that the building of Terminal 5 was recognized as the best in the world last year.

The road to any area of ​​the capital will take on average 15 to 50 minutes by train, taxi, metro or regular buses.

2nd place. Zurich International Airport

Also known as the commercial airport Kloten, it is located 12 km from the center of Zurich, and is recognized as the largest connection point between the city and the rest of Switzerland. The aero complex was founded in 2000 and has 2 international and domestic terminals. It receives about 30 million passengers per year.

On the territory of the station there are branches and services necessary for travelers, almost all types of services are provided, and the rental of bicycles and roller skates, a tour of the transport museum has become an integral part and a visiting card of this airport.

The fastest and cheapest option to arrive at the place of departure is to travel by rail. The station is located right below the complex, and trains run every 5-7 minutes. A good choice is a city or hotel bus, for 15 francs it can deliver to the destination, and the travel time will not exceed 30 minutes. The most expensive choice would be a taxi, almost 50 Swiss francs will have to pay for a trip to or from the city, but the comfort and the 20-minute journey deserve it.

1st place. Munich International Airport

This is not the first time that one of the busiest international German airports has been awarded the status of the best in Europe. Currently, it is able to receive almost 39 million travelers in 1 year.

Visitors' Park with magnificent views of the surrounding area, souvenir shops with collectible aircraft models, a glazed terrace with sofas for relaxation, excursions to the inner offices of the airport, its own brewery and nearby villages will impress even the most sophisticated tourists.

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