Some airports are designed to get you where you need to go. Others seem designed by someone who's never actually traveled. Here are five notoriously bad airport transfers—and strategies to make them less painful.
1. Los Angeles (LAX) → Downtown LA
The problem: LAX has no direct rail connection. In 2025. In the second-largest US city. Let that sink in.
Current options:
- FlyAway bus ($9.75, 30-50 min to Union Station)
- Ride-share (uber/Lyft, $30-60, 30-90 min depending on traffic)
- LAX-it lot walk + bus + Metro (cheap but confusing)
Survival strategy: The FlyAway bus is honestly your best bet. It's cheap, it's direct to Union Station, and it runs every 30 minutes until midnight. From Union Station, Metro can take you most places.
Hope on the horizon: The LAX people mover connecting to the K Line opens soon-ish. When it does, you'll finally be able to take rail from LAX to downtown for $1.75.
2. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Central Paris
The problem: CDG is 25 km from Paris, and the RER B train that connects them is overcrowded, often delayed, and runs through some sketchy stations.
The RER B experience:
- Cost: €11.80
- Time: 35-50 minutes (when it works)
- Vibe: Cramped, luggage on your lap, pickpocket warnings
Survival strategy: Take the RER B anyway—it's still better than a €60 taxi stuck in périphérique traffic. But:
- Travel off-peak if possible (before 8am or after 10am)
- Keep your luggage in front of you, not behind
- Get on at the front or back of the train—middle cars are most crowded
- Consider the Roissybus (€16.60, direct to Opéra) if you're staying in the 9th or nearby
3. New York JFK → Manhattan
The problem: JFK is in Queens, 24 km from Midtown. The AirTrain + subway combo works but takes forever. Taxis are expensive and traffic-dependent.
The math:
- Taxi: $70 flat + tip + tolls = ~$90+, 45-90 min
- AirTrain + E/J train: $8.75, 60-75 min
- LIRR to Penn Station: $15-20, 35-50 min (best kept secret)
Survival strategy: If money matters, take the AirTrain to Jamaica and transfer to the E train (or J for downtown). If time matters, take the AirTrain to Jamaica and transfer to the LIRR—you'll be at Penn Station in 20 minutes.
The real play: If you're in a group of 3-4, split a taxi. Per person, it's competitive with transit and infinitely more comfortable.
4. London Gatwick → Central London
The problem: Gatwick is 45 km south of London. The Gatwick Express is fast but expensive (£19.90). The slow train is cheap but takes forever. And there's no Tube connection.
Your options:
- Gatwick Express: £19.90, 30 min to Victoria
- Southern/Thameslink: £10-15, 35-50 min to London Bridge or Blackfriars
- Bus (National Express): £8-15, 90+ min (avoid)
Survival strategy: Unless you absolutely need to be at Victoria Station, take Thameslink. It's cheaper, almost as fast, and stops at more useful stations (Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Bridge). Book in advance online for the best fares.
5. Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL) → Makati/BGC
The problem: Manila's traffic is legendary. The airport has four terminals with no connecting transit. And there's no rail link at all.
The reality:
- 7 km journey can take 2 hours during rush hour
- Taxi/Grab: 300-500 PHP ($6-10), but unpredictable timing
- Airport bus: Exists but unreliable
Survival strategy: Book Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) before you exit the terminal. Check Google Maps traffic before deciding—if it's red, consider waiting it out at a terminal cafe. If you're arriving during rush hour (7-9am or 5-8pm), add at least 90 minutes to your plans.
The hack: Some hotels near the airport offer free shuttles. If you have an early morning flight, it's worth staying airport-side the night before.
The Common Thread
Notice what these airports share: urban sprawl, underinvestment in transit, and a "cars first" mentality. The best airports (Zurich, Hong Kong, Seoul) integrated rail from the start. The worst ones are playing catch-up.
When you're stuck with a bad airport, the key is managing expectations. Check real-time traffic, leave buffer time, and don't expect it to be pleasant. The transfer is part of the journey—just not the fun part.