Airports And Train Stations: Seamless Travel Connections

Train stations at airports make travel much more convenient. In the US, there are several airports with train stations, including Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. In Europe, Frankfurt-am-Main airport in Germany, Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, and Gatwick airport in London, UK, also have train stations. These train stations offer connections to various destinations, making it easier for travellers to reach their desired locations without the need for a car or expensive taxi rides.

Train stations at airports in the US

Many airports in the US have train stations, with direct rail services to four airports: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Airport station is the country's first airport to have an intercity rail connection. Four different services stop at the BWI station: the Acela, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, and Vermonter. These services can take passengers to cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia, and New York City. The BWI station is also served by the local commuter rail, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), which makes frequent trips to D.C. and Baltimore from the airport, with service as far north as Perryville, Maryland.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

The BUR Airport South station is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which operates between San Luis Obispo, California, and San Diego, and the Coast Starlight, which goes between Seattle and Los Angeles. A commuter rail, Metrolink's Ventura County Line, also serves the airport's South station, with service between East Ventura, California, and Los Angeles Union Station. There is another airport train station on the other side of the airport served by Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, with service between Lancaster, California, and Los Angeles.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Amtrak serves MKE Airport with its Hiawatha service to Chicago and Milwaukee. There are seven daily trains each way from Monday through Saturday and six daily trains on Sundays. The ride to Chicago Union Station from the airport takes about 1.5 hours, with two intermediate stops along the way: one in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and the other in Glenview, Illinois.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Amtrak serves EWR Airport with its Northeast Regional and Keystone Service. The Northeast Regional offers direct service to nearby cities like New York City, Trenton, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, and travellers can even go as far as Norfolk, Virginia, or Boston. The Keystone Service offers a direct train between EWR and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, although this train does not frequently stop at EWR. The airport train station is accessible from the airport via the AirTrain, an automated people mover that stops at each terminal.

Other Airports with Train Stations

Several other airports in the US have train stations, including:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Logan International Airport, Boston (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
• Midway International Airport, Chicago (MDW)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• St Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• O'Hare International Airport, Chicago (ORD)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Train stations at airports in Europe

Many airports in Europe have train stations within their terminals or nearby, making it easy for travellers to connect to other parts of the country or the city centre. Here is a list of some European airports with train stations:

Frankfurt-am-Main airport, Germany

Frankfurt-am-Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof is a train station built to house only long-distance trains, mostly ICE services along the Cologne-Frankfurt line. With over 200 long-distance trains daily, travellers can go to various destinations, including Bonn, Berlin, Basel, and Baden-Baden. The train station is located next to Terminal 1, separate from Frankfurt's regional train station (Regionalbahnhof) under Terminal 1.

Schiphol airport, Amsterdam

Schiphol airport offers a smooth train connection with its NS train station located directly below the terminal building. From there, travellers can reach Amsterdam Central Station in around 15 minutes, The Hague in 50 minutes, Utrecht in 30 minutes, and Delft in approximately 40 minutes.

Rome–Fiumicino airport, Italy

Rome–Fiumicino airport, also known as "Leonardo da Vinci" airport, has a train station opposite Terminal 1. From there, travellers can take trains to Roma Termini station or catch direct Frecciargento services to Florence, Bologna, and Venice.

Trieste airport, Italy

Opened in 2018, the Trieste airport station is served by international high-speed, regional, and intercity trains, with over 70 trains passing through. The station is connected to the terminal by a 425-metre footbridge. The most popular route is the train between Trieste airport and Venice, with some direct trains taking approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes.

Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris

The Charles de Gaulle Airport station operates high-speed TGV trains, allowing travellers to reach Bordeaux in 3 hours and 30 minutes, Nice, and Lyon. The station is located under Terminal 2, and travellers from other terminals can access it via the CDGVAL shuttle.

Lyon–Saint Exupéry airport, France

The Lyon–Saint Exupéry airport train station is specifically built to serve France's high-speed TGV trains. It is connected to the airport by a footbridge with a moving travelator for easy connection. From the airport, travellers can take the TGV trains to Paris, Annecy, Avignon, Marseille, Turin, and Milan, either directly or with one change.

Geneva airport, Switzerland

Geneva airport's train station is located underground, with platforms allowing direct access to trains. Travellers can take direct trains to Montreux, Brig, Basel, Lausanne, Zürich, and many other destinations. Additionally, the airport station is just a 6-minute train ride away from the city centre station of Genève-Cornavin.

Zürich airport, Switzerland

The Zürich airport train station, located underneath the airport, handles over 300 trains daily. Travellers can take trains to the city's main station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof, in just 15 minutes, as well as to other destinations such as the capital Bern and the lake city of Lucerne.

Gatwick airport, London, UK

Gatwick airport's train station is located in the South Terminal and is accessible from the North Terminal via a shuttle train. It offers the Gatwick Express service to London Victoria station and trains to other destinations like Brighton, Eastbourne, Hassocks, and Lewes.

Manchester airport, UK

Manchester airport has a train station that provides convenient connections to various parts of the country. Travellers can take a 15-minute train to Manchester Piccadilly station, a direct train to York, Penrith on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park, or Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Birmingham airport, UK

Birmingham airport train station is centrally located in the middle of England, offering connections to Glasgow in the north, Southampton, Bournemouth, Leamington Spa in the south and southeast, and Shrewsbury in the west.

Southampton airport, UK

Southampton Airport Parkway station is just a short walk from the airport, with only 99 steps to the main terminal. From there, travellers can reach Southampton city centre in 6 minutes and London Waterloo in 69 minutes.

Salzburg, W.A. Mozart

Salzburg Airport has train connections to Vienna (Wien-Nord, Wien-Mitte, and Wien-West) via the S-Bahn to Wien-Nord and Wien-Mitte every 30 minutes and the CAT (City Airport Train) to Wien-Mitte every 30 minutes.

Brussels (North, Central and South)

Brussels Airport offers train connections to the city centre every 20 minutes, with a 5-10 euros surcharge.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin's airports have direct train connections to the city centre. Trains depart every 10 to 20 minutes from Berlin Ostbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, and Zool. Garten stations, with direct Regionalbahn and S-Bahn lines (S9 and S45).

These are just a few examples of the many European airports that provide convenient train connections, making travel between cities and countries more accessible and efficient for travellers.

Benefits of having train stations at airports

Having train stations at airports offers a range of benefits for travellers and the surrounding area.

Firstly, it provides a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from the airport. With a train station located directly at the airport, passengers can avoid the hassle and expense of driving, parking, or taking a taxi. This is especially beneficial for those who live near an airport or are travelling on a budget.

Secondly, it improves connectivity and accessibility to the airport. By offering direct rail service, travellers can easily reach the airport from various parts of the country and vice versa. This is advantageous for those living in or visiting areas served by the rail network, as it provides a seamless and often faster alternative to other modes of transport.

Additionally, having a train station at the airport can reduce traffic congestion and its associated environmental impacts. With more people opting for train travel, there will be a decrease in the number of cars on the road, leading to reduced emissions and a more sustainable travel option.

Furthermore, train stations at airports can enhance the economic development of the region. Improved accessibility attracts more travellers and businesses to the area, boosting the local economy and creating more job opportunities. The presence of a train station can also increase property values and encourage investment in the surrounding area.

Lastly, it offers a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. With the option to purchase train tickets online in advance, travellers can avoid long queues at the railway station after a tiring flight. This seamless connection between runways and railways makes for a more relaxed and efficient journey.

How to get to train stations from airports

Many airports around the world have train stations within the airport or nearby, which can be accessed via a shuttle or people mover. Here is a guide on how to get to train stations from airports:

Europe:

Frankfurt-am-Main airport, Germany:

The airport has an impressive glass dome station for long-distance trains, mostly serving the Cologne-Frankfurt line. The station, called Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof, is located next to Terminal 1. From here, you can travel to various destinations across Germany, including Bonn and Berlin.

Schiphol airport, Amsterdam:

Schiphol airport offers a seamless connection to the NS train station, which is located directly beneath the terminal building. From here, you can reach Amsterdam Central Station in around 15 minutes, The Hague in 50 minutes, Utrecht in 30 minutes, or Delft in around 40 minutes.

Rome–Fiumicino airport, Italy:

Rome's airport, also known as "Leonardo da Vinci" airport, has a train station located opposite Terminal 1. From here, you can take trains to Roma Termini station or catch direct Frecciargento services to Florence, Bologna, and Venice.

Trieste airport, Italy:

Opened in 2018, the Trieste airport station is served by international high-speed, regional, and intercity trains, with over 70 trains passing through. The station is connected to the terminal via a 425-metre footbridge. The most popular route is the train to Venice, with some direct trains taking just 1 hour and 19 minutes. Booking in advance is recommended due to the popularity of this route.

Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris:

High-speed TGV trains operate from the airport station located under Terminal 2. You can reach Bordeaux in 3 hours and 30 minutes, Nice in time for a swim, or Lyon in about the same time it takes to get from London's Heathrow to Hoxton. You can access the station from other terminals via the CDGVAL shuttle.

Lyon–Saint Exupéry airport, France:

This station, linked to the airport by a footbridge with a moving travelator, was built specifically for France's high-speed TGV trains. From here, you can travel to Paris, Annecy, Avignon, or Marseille, among other destinations. You can also reach Turin and Milan in neighbouring Italy.

Geneva airport, Switzerland:

Geneva airport's train station is located underground, allowing for convenient travel to various destinations without even stepping outside. You can take a train to Montreux or Brig for a mountain experience or head to urban centres like Basel, Lausanne, or Zürich. For those seeking an urban adventure, the city centre station of Genève-Cornavin is just a 6-minute train ride away.

Zürich airport, Switzerland:

As an international hub, the railway station at Zürich airport meets expectations, with over 300 trains passing through daily. You can easily reach the city's main station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof, in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the station offers a wide array of destinations, including direct trains to the medieval UNESCO Heritage site of Bern and the lake cities of Lucerne, Konstanz, and Bregenz.

Gatwick airport, London, UK:

Gatwick airport's train station is located in the South Terminal, accessible via a shuttle train from the North Terminal. From here, you can take the Gatwick Express to London's Victoria station or travel to the south coast at Brighton or Eastbourne. The station also offers connections to the South Downs National Park and a range of other destinations via London.

Manchester airport, UK:

Manchester airport has a train station where you can catch a 15-minute train to Manchester Piccadilly station. You can also take direct trains to York, Penrith on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park, or Newcastle-upon-Tyne, providing access to the Northumberland National Park.

Birmingham airport, UK:

Birmingham airport's central location makes it an ideal hub for train journeys across England. From here, you can travel north to Glasgow, south to the coastal cities of Southampton or Bournemouth, southeast to the historic town of Leamington Spa, or west to Shrewsbury, just a stone's throw from the Welsh border.

Southampton airport, UK:

Southampton Airport Parkway station is conveniently located just 99 steps away from the main terminal. From here, you can travel to Southampton city centre in 6 minutes or reach London Waterloo in 69 minutes.

United States:

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI):

BWI Airport offers both intercity rail and local commuter rail connections. Amtrak provides four different services—Acela, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, and Vermonter—connecting passengers to cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York City. The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train also serves the airport, providing frequent trips to D.C. and Baltimore, with service extending to Perryville, Maryland. A shuttle bus connects the airport and the train station, operating 24 hours a day, year-round.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):

BUR Airport is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, connecting San Luis Obispo and San Diego, and the Coast Starlight, which operates between Seattle and Los Angeles. A commuter rail, Metrolink's Ventura County Line, also serves the airport, providing service between East Ventura, California, and Los Angeles Union Station. Additionally, there is another airport train station on the opposite side of the airport served by Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line

Train stations at airports in other continents

Europe

There are several European airports with train stations, making it easy for travellers to continue their journeys by rail. Some examples include Frankfurt-am-Main airport in Germany, Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, and Gatwick Airport in London. These airports offer smooth connections to various destinations, with trains departing directly from the airport terminals.

North America

In the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Logan International Airport in Boston, and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York are just a few examples of airports with train stations. These airports provide convenient access to the city centres and other parts of the country via rail transport.

Australia

Sydney Airport in Australia also boasts train stations connected to its domestic and international terminals. The stations provide easy access to the city of Sydney and surrounding areas, with trains running daily from early morning to midnight.

South America

While South America does not have a coherent international rail network, there are some countries with train services worth noting. Argentina, for example, has seen a revival in train travel, with the government working to re-establish long-distance passenger trains between major cities. Buenos Aires, in particular, offers several train routes to coastal cities and other destinations within the country.

Asia

Asia is home to numerous impressive railway stations, such as Kuala Lumpur Railway Station in Malaysia and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, India. These stations serve as important transport hubs, connecting different parts of the country and region.

Africa

Africa is rapidly constructing new railway lines, infrastructure, and stations across the continent. While specific details about train stations at airports in Africa were not readily available, the continent is making significant investments in its rail network, indicating a growing focus on rail transport.

Frequently asked questions