There's a huge difference between arriving at a destination with everything organized and arriving without knowing how to get from the airport to the hotel. The second option usually doesn't start well: taxi queues, apps that don't work without local data, lugging suitcases around looking for a bus stop. And that's in the best-case scenario.
Planning transfers before leaving home takes no more than an hour and can save you a lot of headaches. Here's a practical guide to organizing everything in advance.
Why the airport transfer is the most important
The transfer from the airport to the accommodation is the first and, probably, the most critical of the entire stay. You arrive tired, with luggage, perhaps with children, and the last thing you want is to improvise. That's why it's the transfer that should always be booked in advance.
The usual options are taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer. The taxi has the advantage of immediacy, but in busy airports, there can be a queue, and the price varies. The bus is the most economical option, but it involves stops, line changes, and carrying luggage on public transport. A private transfer combines comfort and a fixed price: the driver waits with a sign with your name, even if the flight is delayed, and takes you directly to your accommodation without intermediate stops.
Transfers during your stay: excursions and movements between destinations
Once settled, the next step is to think about daily travel. If the accommodation is in a well-connected tourist hub, many things can be done on foot or by public transport. But if the plan includes visiting remote points of interest (a natural park, a remote beach area, an inland village), it's advisable to plan ahead.
For this type of excursion, the most common options are car rental or private transfer. Rental offers more flexibility if you're visiting several destinations consecutively or want to stop at your discretion. A private transfer is better when the goal is a specific point and you want to arrive without worrying about driving, parking, or unfamiliar roads.
The return transfer: the most forgotten
Many travelers plan their arrival well but forget to organize their return until the last day. The result is usually the same: stress, a hurried search for a taxi, or relying on the hotel to call a trusted one.
The transfer from accommodation to the airport deserves the same attention as the arrival. You need to consider the flight time, check-in time, and usual traffic during that time slot. In tourist destinations, Sunday mornings and public holidays can be especially complicated.
What information is needed to book a private transfer
Booking a private transfer is simple, but it's helpful to have this information at hand:
- Flight number and arrival or departure time.
- Accommodation name and exact address (or hotel name).
- Number of people and amount of luggage (especially if there are large suitcases or baby strollers).
- Local or contact phone number for the day of the transfer.
With this information, the process is quick. And once the booking is confirmed, there's nothing else to worry about: the driver manages unforeseen events (flight delays, terminal changes) and has the client's contact to coordinate if necessary.
How to organize transfers in a single booking
If the destination has several points of interest or you plan to make more than one transfer during your stay, it's worth booking everything at once. Many transfer platforms allow multiple bookings in one session: airport to hotel, excursion to a point of interest, and hotel to airport for the return.
With Million Routes you can book private transfers to and from the main airports of the Canary Islands, with a local driver, fixed price, and availability for all points on the island. Bookings can be made days or weeks in advance, and confirmation is immediate.
Useful tools for planning transfers
- Save all booking details (confirmation, driver number, contact phone) in a shared mobile folder or a note that doesn't require an internet connection to open.
- Always note the flight number with the airline and the origin airport, not just the time: in case of delay, the driver can track the flight in real-time.
- If traveling with small children, indicate this when booking: some private transfer services offer baby seats or booster seats upon request.
- For return transfers, always calculate backward from the flight time: check-in time (minimum 2 hours for international flights), travel time to the airport plus a 15 to 20-minute margin for unforeseen events.
Frequently asked questions about transfer planning
How far in advance should I book an airport transfer?
The sooner, the better. During peak season, quality private transfer services may have limited availability. Ideally, book at the same time as your flight and accommodation.
What happens if the flight is delayed?
A good private transfer service monitors the flight and adjusts the pick-up time automatically. When booking, always confirm that the service includes flight tracking.
Is it better to book a taxi at the airport or book the transfer in advance?
Booking in advance provides more peace of mind: a fixed price, a waiting driver, and no reliance on whether there's a queue or availability upon arrival.
Can I modify or cancel a transfer booking?
It depends on the provider. Most allow modifications and cancellations with at least 24 hours' notice. When booking, always review the cancellation policy before confirming.
