The Ryanair Airport Transfer Guide 2026: How to Get to the City for Under £10

You’ve played the game perfectly. You found a £14.99 Ryanair flight, you packed your 40x20x25cm Amazon bag, and you’ve picked a high-value destination like Krakow.

But then you land.

If you walk out of the terminal and jump into the first taxi you see, you could easily spend £50–£80 just to get to your hotel. At MoneySavvyUK, we call this the “Arrival Tax.” Here is how to beat it at the most popular Ryanair hubs in 2026.

1. London Stansted (STN) to Central London

Stansted is notorious for being “nowhere near London.”

• The Trap: The Stansted Express train. It’s fast (45 mins), but it can cost £23.00 for a single ticket if you buy it on the day.
• The Money Savvy Move:National Express or Airport Bus Express.
  • Cost: If you book 2–4 weeks in advance, you can get seats for £5–£10.
  • Value Tip: If you are a family of 4, the bus saves you nearly £60 compared to the train.
• 2026 Hack: Use “Split Ticketing” apps for the train if you must take it; sometimes two tickets for shorter legs of the journey are cheaper than one direct one.

2. Milan Bergamo (BGY) to Milan City Centre

Ryanair flies to Bergamo, which is about an hour from Milan.

• The Trap: Private transfers or taxis, which cost upwards of €100.
• The Money Savvy Move:Terravision or Orio Shuttle.
  • Cost: Usually €8–€10 (£7–£9).
  • Value Tip: Buy your ticket online in advance. If your flight is delayed, these companies usually let you use the next available bus for free.
• Family Tip: Children under 4 usually travel free on these shuttles.

3. Paris Beauvais (BVA) to Paris

Beauvais is actually 50 miles from Paris. It is one of the most expensive transfers if you get it wrong.

• The Trap: The “Official” taxi. Expect to pay €130+.
• The Money Savvy Move:The Official Aerobus.
  • Cost: €16.90 if booked online. While not “under £10,” it is the only budget way to reach the city.
  • Value Tip: Do not buy at the ticket window at the airport; it’s more expensive and the queues are huge. Use the mobile app while you wait for your luggage.

4. Krakow (KRK) to Old Town

Krakow is one of the best airports for budget transfers.

• The Trap: “Airport Taxis” waiting outside. They charge roughly 90 PLN (£18).
• The Money Savvy Move:The SKA1 Train.
  • Cost: 17 PLN (approx £3.40). It takes 18 minutes and drops you at the main station (Kraków Główny).
  • Value Tip: There is a ticket machine on the platform and inside the train. Don’t panic if the queue at the arrivals hall machine is long.

5. Rome Ciampino (CIA) to Rome Termini

Ciampino is closer to the city than Fiumicino, but still requires a plan.

• The Trap: Unlicensed “White Taxis” that overcharge tourists.
• The Money Savvy Move:The “SIT” Bus or Terravision.
  • Cost: €6 (£5).
  • Value Tip: If you want to be even cheaper, take the local 720 Bus to the Laurentina Metro station for €1.50, then use the Metro to reach the centre. Total cost: £1.30.

Money Savvy Transfer Comparison (2026 Estimates)

3 Rules for Cheap Airport Transfers

1. Book the “Early Bird” Bus: Companies like National Express (UK) and Terravision (Europe) use dynamic pricing. The earlier you book, the lower the price.
2. Download the Local App: Before you land, download Citymapper or Moovit. They show you local buses and trains that Google Maps sometimes misses, often at 1/10th of the price of a tourist shuttle.
3. Avoid “Meet & Greet”: Unless you have a physical disability or 5 suitcases (which you shouldn’t have if you’re following our Ryanair Bag Guide!), never pay for a “Meet & Greet” service. It is a 400% markup for someone to hold a sign with your name on it.

Money Savvy Verdict: The secret to a £50 weekend away isn’t just the flight; it’s refusing to pay the “Arrival Tax.” Spend 10 minutes researching the local train or bus, and use that saved £100 for a better hotel or a fancy dinner!

Want more travel hacks? Check out our Best Value Ryanair Destinations for 2026 to see where your money goes furthest!