Car rental company Avis recently conducted a study examining European cities and airports to provide travelers with valuable time-efficiency information when planning their trips. The analysis highlights which cities travelers waste the least time waiting at airports or at tourist attractions, and which airports have the shortest wait times. The study's findings thus provide useful guidance for travelers looking to maximize their vacation time.
The study identified Europe's most time-efficient airports. Rome Fiumicino Airport tops the list with a score of 4,25 out of 5. This is primarily due to its fast connection to the city center via the Leonardo Express. Ankara and Budapest airports follow closely behind, each with 4 out of 5. A key factor in these airports' high ratings appears to be their lower passenger volume of fewer than 15 million passengers per year compared to major hubs. This allows for smoother processes and shorter waiting times for travelers.
At the other end of the scale are the airports of Athens, Nice, and Krakow, which perform the worst in terms of time efficiency. Athens ranks last with a score of just 2,25 out of 5. One possible reason for this is the significantly higher passenger volume, which can lead to longer wait times at baggage claim, security checks, and other procedures.
Luxembourg, Vilnius and Stuttgart as top cities for time savers
The study also examined which European cities offer travelers the most efficient use of their vacation time. Luxembourg, Vilnius, and Stuttgart performed best. Luxembourg City topped the list of the most time-efficient destinations. The capital of the Grand Duchy of the same name achieved a score of 92,3 out of 100 in the Avis Time Savings Index. This was due to the short travel time of just XNUMX minutes from the airport to the city center, the well-developed and efficient public transportation system, and the lowest waiting times at attractions recorded in the entire study.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, ranks second with a score of 70,9 out of 100. The city combines cultural appeal with convenient accessibility. The low-traffic airport and short transfer time of 19 minutes to the city center allow travelers to maximize their time exploring the city. Stuttgart, Germany, secures third place with a good rating for airport wait times (3,5 out of 5 points) and a low score for queues at attractions. The capital of Baden-Württemberg offers a variety of attractions, from automotive museums to cultural institutions, that seem accessible without long waiting times.
Zagreb and Lyon complete the top five
Zagreb in Croatia and Lyon in France follow in the top five most time-efficient European cities. According to the study, Zagreb excels at short wait times at popular attractions. The Croatian capital's Franjo Tuđman Airport, with only 3,7 million passengers annually, is one of the quieter airports in Europe, which contributes to more efficient operations. Lyon, the culinary capital of France, boasts a well-developed public transport network and an average transfer time of just 29 minutes from the airport to the city center. This allows visitors to explore the city's diverse gastronomic and cultural offerings without wasting much time.
The Avis study highlights that the choice of destination and airport can have a significant impact on the time actually available for vacation experiences. According to Avis, travelers lose an average of almost six hours of their vacation due to waiting times. The study's findings therefore provide a valuable basis for travel planning to make the most of their precious vacation time.
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