Not every country has an airport. It sounds surprising, but five small nations in Europe manage without one. They rely on the airports of their neighbors and good roads or rail networks. If you want to visit them, you need to plan a little differently.
Here is a detailed look at these countries, why they have no airport, and exactly how you can get there.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It is less than one square kilometer in size and completely surrounded by the city of Rome. There is no room for a runway here. The only aircraft that land are helicopters for official use.
The way to reach Vatican City is to fly to Rome. The city has two airports: Fiumicino, also called Leonardo da Vinci International, and Ciampino. From the airport you can take a train, bus or taxi into central Rome.
The Vatican is just a short ride away from there, and many visitors simply walk from their hotel.
The experience of visiting is unique because the country is a treasure house of history and art. St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are within a compact area. It is one of the few countries where you can see everything on foot in a single day.
San Marino
San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world. It sits high on a ridge in the northeast of Italy, close to the Adriatic coast. The land here is steep and narrow, which is why there is no airport.
The closest airport is Rimini Federico Fellini Airport in Italy. It is only about 16 kilometers away. From Rimini you can take a bus or a taxi and reach San Marino in less than half an hour.
Some travelers also come from Bologna or Florence airports and drive through the Italian countryside to get there.
San Marino is famous for its three medieval towers, stone streets and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The historic center and Mount Titano are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For anyone traveling through northern Italy, a day trip here is easy.
Monaco
Monaco is a tiny principality on the French Riviera. The whole country is just over two square kilometers and is built on steep coastal rock.
There is no airport within its borders. What it does have is a heliport that handles helicopters from Nice and other nearby cities.
To visit Monaco you should fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France. Nice is around 30 kilometers away. From there it is simple to take a train along the scenic coastline, hire a car or, if you feel like a little luxury, take a helicopter ride that gets you into Monaco in under ten minutes.
Monaco is known for the Monte Carlo Casino, the Formula One Grand Prix, luxury yachts and a high standard of living.
Everything here is within walking distance once you arrive. The streets are tidy and the Mediterranean views are unforgettable.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small country squeezed between Switzerland and Austria. It has mountains on one side and the Rhine River on the other. Its 160 square kilometers are mostly hilly, leaving no space for an airport.
There is a small heliport in the town of Balzers, but it is used for private or official flights, not commercial ones.
The best option is to fly into Zurich Airport in Switzerland. From Zurich, take a train to Buchs or Sargans, both towns close to the border. The train journey takes around one and a half to two hours.
From either Buchs or Sargans you can board a local bus or take a taxi across the border into Liechtenstein. In less than half an hour you will reach Vaduz, the capital.
Liechtenstein has castles, vineyards, a modern art museum and a peaceful pace. It is one of Europe’s least visited countries, so if you want quiet landscapes and hiking trails without crowds, this is an excellent choice.
Andorra
Andorra is larger than the other four countries but is completely inside the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France.
The terrain is high and rugged. For this reason the country never built an airport. There are a few small heliports, but no commercial air services.
The closest small airport is Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell in Spain, about 12 kilometers from the border. Flights to this airport are limited. Most travelers use Barcelona airport in Spain or Toulouse in France.
From either of these cities it takes around three hours by bus or car to reach Andorra. The drive itself is beautiful as it winds up into the mountains.
Andorra is a favorite destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It also offers tax free shopping, hot springs and picturesque villages. If you plan to visit, check transport schedules and book your bus in advance, especially during ski season.
Snapshot Reference Table
Here is a quick table to help you plan which airport to choose when visiting these countries:
| Country | Nearest Major Airport(s) | Approximate Distance | Best Way To Reach |
| Vatican City | Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino (Italy) | 30 km | Train, taxi, bus |
| San Marino | Rimini Federico Fellini (Italy) | 16 km | Bus, taxi |
| Monaco | Nice Côte d’Azur (France) | 30 km | Train, car, helicopter |
| Liechtenstein | Zurich (Switzerland) | 120 km | Train plus local bus or taxi |
| Andorra | Barcelona or Toulouse (Spain/France) | 200 km (3 hours) | Bus, private car |
This table makes it easy to see at a glance how to reach each destination.
Why These Countries Do Not Have Airports
All five countries are small, and most of them sit on steep or rocky land. Building a runway would require taking up a large part of their territory.
Instead, they make use of the airports of their neighbors. Modern train and road networks in Europe make this simple and fast.
These countries also share borders with nations that are members of the Schengen Zone, so border controls are usually light for travelers arriving by land.
That means you can fly into a nearby city, hop on a bus or train, and arrive without much delay.
Tips For Planning Your Trip
If you want to visit these places, plan your entry point first. Fly into Rome for Vatican City, Rimini for San Marino, Nice for Monaco, Zurich for Liechtenstein, and Barcelona or Toulouse for Andorra.
Public transport works well for all of these destinations. In some places like Monaco you can also hire a car for a scenic coastal drive.
When traveling to Andorra or Liechtenstein, it is a good idea to check bus and train schedules in advance. During peak travel periods, buses fill up quickly, and train connections may be limited in the evening.
If your budget allows, consider a helicopter transfer to Monaco or Andorra for a unique arrival. These flights are short and provide stunning views.
Final Thoughts
A country without an airport is not cut off from the world. These five European nations prove that good planning and connections to neighboring airports are enough to keep them open to visitors.
Vatican City offers a unique blend of spirituality and art in the heart of Rome.
San Marino is a hilltop republic that feels like a medieval time capsule.
Monaco is glamour and Mediterranean sun.
Liechtenstein is for hikers and those who love peaceful scenery.
Andorra offers ski slopes and mountain trails.
Visiting them just takes one extra step of planning, but the experience of arriving by road or rail often makes the journey more memorable than a direct flight ever could.
