5 countries with no airports, and how to get there anyway

In the age of budget airlines and hassle-free travel, it might sound absurd that some countries don’t even have a single airport. Yet, there are nations where there are no airports, but welcome tons of visitors every year with open arms. If you are curious by now, here are five countries with no airports, and tips on how you can still reach them.

The world’s smallest country doesn’t bother with things like runways or baggage claims. Vatican City, at just 0.49 square kilometers, fits inside a Roman neighborhood and is basically walkable in under an hour. With zero airports and zero parking, your best bet is to land in Rome (Leonardo da Vinci Airport). Also, it’s the only country where you can walk in and get blessed by the Pope on a Sunday, then grab pizza in Italy five minutes later.

Perched on a mountaintop inside Italy, San Marino is a medieval marvel that skipped the whole “international airport” thing altogether. While you won’t hear any boarding announcements here, you can reach it by flying into Rimini (Italy) and then taking a bus ahead. Also, It’s one of the oldest republics in the world, and definitely deserves a spot in your travel wish list.

Sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a microstate that just never got around to building an airport. That shouldn’t be an issue too as there is Zurich Airport in Switzerland that is about an hour’s drive away.

Nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra doesn’t have an airport, but has mountain realness and great ambience to boast of. The nearest airports are in Barcelona or Toulouse, followed by a winding scenic bus ride — or a dramatic helicopter drop-off if you’re feeling extra. Andorra’s main attraction is shopping and skiing. So, no planes, but plenty of slopes and duty-free perfume.

You’d think a country full of superyachts and casinos would have a world-class airport, but no, Monaco doesn’t do takeoffs. Fly into Nice Airport in France and grab a 30-minute car ride to reach there. It’s the only place where you can go from watching Formula 1 cars to playing baccarat in under 20 minutes — with no baggage claim involved.
These countries prove you don’t need an airport to be tourist-worthy. With creative entries via road, rail, or rotor, you’ll discover that half the fun is just getting there.