Getting to the airport without having to pay for parking or an overpriced ride-share is an inspiring way to start a travel day. Even despite its often lackluster public transit, North American cities – including many in the United States – actually have incredibly convenient trains and buses to their international airports. Ray Delahanty, on his YouTube channel City Nerd, broke down the best and worst airports based on transit access across the continent.
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The Best Airports for Car-Free Travel, According to the Guy Who Studies Cities
His list is incredibly thorough – he measured cadence of transit, with cities needing to have service every 15 minutes or so to make the list. Also measured is cost – many of the top cities charge $2 to $5 for travelers to reach the airport via transit, and don’t have a surcharge for airport access. He also prefers transit systems that operate early enough in the morning that travelers can make it to the airport prior to a 6 AM flight. Here are the 10 best.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
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The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers superb public transportation to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) in a city where you might not expect it – in the heart of the Rust Belt. The Red Line provides a quick and efficient journey, taking approximately 27 minutes from downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Station to the Airport Station located on the lower level of the terminal. Trains depart every 15 minutes throughout most of the day, with service available seven days a week from around 3:12 AM to 12:30 AM. A one-way fare on the Red Line typically costs between $2 and $3.
Miami International Airport
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Delahanty makes it clear that he has a few concerns about getting to Miami International Airport (MIA) via the Miami Metrorail system. But it still ranks 9th because, for most travelers, it’s a pretty easy process. The Orange Line connects to the airport station, providing convenient access from various parts of the city. Metrorail typically begins service early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and operates throughout the day with frequent departures. The fare for a single ride is usually around $2.25. Note that on weekends, you do need to transfer to the Green Line as the Orange Line doesn’t go all the way to the airport on weekends.
Vancouver International Airport
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The most convenient way to reach Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is via the Canada Line, a rapid transit system, and Delahanty notes that it’s among the most straightforward to figure out when traveling from the city center to the airport or vice versa. Trains depart typically every 10 minutes, and the journey takes about 24 minutes. A one-way fare costs between $4 and $6. The Canada Line operates early morning service typically starting around 5:00 AM. The trains are driverless – and the system is incredibly efficient. Delahanty notes it could be higher on the list, but the $5 surcharge when departing the airport peeved him.
Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
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The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) hits Five Points in downtown Atlanta from Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in 17 minutes.. The airport station is located within the Domestic Terminal, with trains departing typically every 5-10 minutes, and service from around 4:00 AM. A single-ride fare on MARTA is around $2.50 – no airport surcharge here.
Boston Logan International Airport
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Delahanty’s a big fan of Boston Logan International Airport, reachable via public transportation through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in 28 minutes. The Blue Line subway offers direct service to Airport Station, followed by a free shuttle to your terminal. Cadence is about every five minutes, and the fare is only $2.40. Alternatively, the Silver Line SL1 bus provides direct service to all terminals, albeit for a bit longer travel time. Both options operate throughout the day, with early morning service typically commencing around 5:30 AM. For the most up-to-date schedules, fares, and service alerts, consult the official MBTA website or utilize their mobile app.
San Diego International Airport
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Metropolitan Transit System bus 992 operates between downtown San Diego and the airport, serving Terminals 1 and 2. Service typically begins around 5:00 AM and runs until midnight. Buses depart every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays. The fare for the 992 bus is $2.50 – an easy and cheap ride from the heart of the city. Delahanty particularly loved that service is the same even on Sundays, even as many transit systems degrade service over the weekends.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
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The most convenient way to reach Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) via public transportation is by using the Metro Transit Blue Line light rail. This line connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America. Trains typically depart every 12-15 minutes, and service generally begins early in the morning, around 4:00 AM. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled. It also only costs $2, pocket change compared to many major transit systems around the country.
Reagan National Airport, Washington, DC
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Reagan National Airport (DCA) is incredibly easy to access via the Washington D.C. Metro. Both the Yellow and Blue lines directly serve the airport station, making travel convenient and efficient. It literally takes just 13 minutes to get into the heart of the city center – easily could have been number one on this list, as Delahanty notes. Metro service typically begins early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Fares vary depending on your starting point, but generally range from $2 to $6. It’s also incredibly easy to e-bike to Reagan National.
Chicago Midway International Airport
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The rapidly-fast CTA Orange Line puts you in downtown Chicago in less than 30 minutes – notably faster than driving to the airport during most times of the day. Service operates from 22 hours of the day, starting around 4:30 AM, with trains typically arriving every 7-10 minutes during peak hours. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled.
Mexico City International Airport
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Americans tend to take Ubers or book rides in advance, but it’s actually easier to get to Mexico City International Airport due to the city’s often terrible traffic. Five minute headways, and a 30 peso (about $1.50) fare, including an airport fee, make it the cheapest airport service with such regular frequency in North America. The Metrobus Line 4 offers direct service to the airport, while the Metro Line 5 connects to Terminal Aérea station near the airport. Both options provide frequent service throughout the day, with early morning service typically starting around 5:00 AM. 