Tag: getting around

Yes, Napa Valley, but Which Airport?

You want to go to California wine country–and for good reason. Not only will you see the scenic splendor of soft hills covered with vineyards, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the history, architecture, and some of the best restaurants in the U.S. However, since Napa and Sonoma Valleys don’t have their own commercial airports, you will need to select among airports nearby, including the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, and the airports in Sacramento (SMF), San Francisco (SFO), and Oakland (OAK).

Picking the right airport can definitely impact your costs and enjoyment of the California Wine Country. Here I’ll review the pros and cons of each airport so you can pick the one that suits you best.

Oakland Airport (OAK)

Can we talk? Oakland Airport is my least favorite choice because its highways are congested, and the drive to Napa passes through urban sprawl.

If you do select this airport, be especially careful with timing. You won’t want to mix rush-hour traffic with trying to make a flight.

On the other hand, Oakland Airport offers the most budget airfares in Northern California.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

If you are visiting both the Bay Area and Napa Valley, this airport is a good choice.

The San Francisco Airport offers the most non-stop flights into Northern California. And, with Southwest, AirTran, and Frontier serving SFO, you can get airfares as low as Oakland’s.

However, just traveling toward Napa, you can get stuck in traffic congestion, or even worse, rush-hour slowdowns.

Here’s a route that cuts down on congestion by avoiding downtown San Francisco: From the airport, take westbound Interstate 380, which starts just north of the rental car terminal. Then take the northbound I-280 freeway, northbound Highway 1, and then the Golden Gate Bridge for better scenery, even though you’ll encounter some stop and go driving on Highway 1 in San Francisco.

Beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, your route will depend on your first stop, but see the link at the bottom of this article for instructions on locating the most scenic drives through Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Sacramento Airport (SMF)

The Sacramento Airport is probably used least for access to the Wine Country, and yet I often prefer it.

With a population nearing 2 million, Sacramento benefits from extensive air service, including budget airlines, such as JetBlue and Southwest, which help to keep the fares down of all the airlines serving this airport.

In addition, you don’t have to drive through dense urban areas to get to Napa Valley. In fact, you don’t have to drive through Sacramento at all, which allows you to avoid rush-hour congestion.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport reopened to commercial flights in 2007. It is often called the Sonoma County Airport, and also referred to as the Wine Country Airport or Santa Rosa Airport.

(The airport is named for the famous Charles Schulz, creator of Charlie Brown and his pals. Charles Schulz lived in Santa Rosa and nearby Sebastopol for more than 30 years.)

Commercial airlines serving the Sonoma Airport include Alaska Airlines’ Horizon Air arriving from Seattle, Los Angeles, and Portland. Delta may also begin service to Sonoma Airport.

With little airline competition and few commercial flights, the biggest disadvantage to choosing this airport is high prices for flights and rental cars.

However, you may very well balance these higher costs with excellent deals on hotel rooms in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and garden-filled Santa Rosa (my favorite), all near the Sonoma Airport. For extra savings, you may wish to use Priceline’s “name your own price” bidding, available for these cities.

The strongest reasons to select the Sonoma Airport come down to beauty and proximity. Using scenic Highway 12 from Santa Rosa, a route lined with wineries–some world-renowned–you’re one hour from Napa and 45 minutes from the Sonoma Plaza. St. Helena in the upper Napa Valley is approximately 30 minutes from the airport.

And, on top of breathtaking beauty, this choice can steer you clear of Bay Area congestion.

You Pick

As you can see, if you want to see California’s gorgeous wine country, you CAN get there from here. I’ve told you my preferences–San Francisco Airport if I’m visiting the Bay Area too, or Sacramento Airport if I’m just going to the Wine Country. And, nonstop flights to Sonoma County Airport will certainly appeal to travelers who live in Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

But of course choose according to your own needs and preferences. I hope my summary of pros and cons has helped you decide which airport will work best for your next trip to Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Gold Coast – Australia – Getting Around

The Gold Coast has a great range of public and private transport to get you where you need to go at a price you can afford.  Consider your families needs and shop around for the best deal.

Getting to the Gold Coast
There are direct flights to the Gold Coast from most major cities in Australia and New Zealand  If you are outside our major cities or flying internationaly you may need to get to the Gold Coast by flying into Brisbane  From some rural centres it may be easier to get to the Gold Coast by coach.  Surfers Paradise Transit Centre provides convenient access to a range of coach services in Surfers Paradise (hours 6am to 10pm).  Car Hire is also a great optiona for a family as it works out to be very economical especialy weekly car hire.

When your flight arrives on the Gold Coast or Brisbane
Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport transfers include coach, door-to-door services, limousines, taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis and maxi-taxis. There are car rental on the Gold Coast who can arange car hire for you when you arrive at the airpots and leave it there when you fly out.  Enjoy the sun and salt air, hire a convertible sports car or jeep. Rental companies are based in central locations and at airports.  From Brisbane Airport, also catch the Airtrain (direct rail service to Gold Coast) or Airtrain Connect (train with limousine service).

Getting around Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has many quality bus services including a high frequency bus service along the Gold Coast Highway to Theme Parks, Shopping Centres and Rail Links. TransLink can provide more information at or TransLink view the Route Map.

Disabled Transport Gold Coast
Get about with disabled modified vehicles, wheelchair-accessible taxis or buses.

Regent Taxis – phone: 131 008

Fun Gold Coast Transport
The Gold Coast has a great range of alternate an funt transport options.  You can hire just about anything from bicycles, mountain bikes, tandems, motor bikes and Harley Davidsons or you can even hire a scooter or moped. There are a large number of bicycle tracks on the Gold Coast so you can have great day without the hassel of traffic.

Gold Coast Water Activities
Ferries and water taxis connect islands and canal estates.  The Gold Coast has a fantastic range of water activities and hire craft, kayak, surf, or kite surf hire. If you are looking for adrenalin activitied how about jet ski or speedboat rides, or relax with boat or houseboat hire, fishing charters, sail cruises or luxury charted cruises. Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the nation’s leading leisure boat destinations with marinas and boat ramps throughout the region.

Nature Walks on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast hinterland offers more than 100,000ha of nature reserves.  Take a peaceful walk in the hinterland or  join a guided tour.

Public Transport Gold Coast
Transport choices are many and varied on the Gold Coast, catering for residents and the large number of visitors to the Gold Coast.   Surfside Buslines services areas from as far south as Pottsville and Murwillumbah in New South Wales to as far north as Beenleigh in Queensland.  For information on public bus timetables, visit TransLink or Phone 13 12 30

 

 

Expert advice on saving time and money when booking Birmingham Airport parking

Birmingham International Airport is the Midlands gateway to Europe. The airport is home to many scheduled and charter services to over 100 domestic and international destinations. Birmingham Airport handles over 9 million passengers per year, so it’s hardly surprising that finding the right Birmingham Airport parking to suit your needs can be such a nightmare – time consuming and expensive. However, the key to finding the right parking for your needs, at the right price, is now divulged for your reading pleasure…

There are various Birmingham Airport parking options available to passengers travelling through the Airport depending on budget, length of stay and level of service required. Determining which Birmingham Airport parking option will best suit your needs is the first step:

* Standard Birmingham Airport Parking
Birmingham short term parking is situated opposite the two terminals and suitable for stays of up to 5 hours – perfect for collecting or dropping off passengers, or for short trips. Any cars left unattended in the set down or pick up areas, will be towed away by the police and a release fee will be incurred. Therefore, if you need to leave your car unattended, motorists must park in the Birmingham short stay car parks available at the Terminals.

* Business Birmingham Airport Parking
Travellers that need fast access through from parking to the airport can either use the short stay car park or for longer trips, there are three long term car parks within easy access of the two terminals.

* Birmingham Long Term Parking
For passengers travelling away for more than a few days, Birmingham long term parking is recommended. There are various different options available for Birmingham Airport parking, and many companies competing for your business. There are three long term car parks available close to the Terminals. For passengers that wish to keep the parking costs down, there are two off-site Birmingham long term parking options.

The first off-site long stay car park provides secure parking with fencing, floodlighting and CCTV just 4.5 miles from the terminal. A shuttle bus service runs to the terminal building every 15 minutes. Passengers must leave plenty of time to get to the airport, allowing approximately 1 hour for check-in and transfer. Once you have placed your booking, full directions will be sent to you, however, please note that mobiles homes, lorries and caravans are not permitted.

The second off-site long stay car park has capacity for 2000 vehicles and provides a fast and efficient shuttle bus service running to the terminal building every 10-15 minutes, 24 hours a day. The car park is secure and staff are available to help load luggage. Passengers must leave plenty of time to get to the airport, allowing approximately 45 minutes for check-in and transfer. Please note that cycles and windsurfers are not permitted on the shuttle bus.

Keep reading for tips on how to make your Birmingham Airport parking decision and get the best price.

* Meet and Greet Birmingham Airport Parking
If you find bus transfers and off-site Birmingham Airport parking a hassle, meet and greet Birmingham Airport Parking offers customers a convenient valet service. Amongst many benefits, travellers can check-in within minutes of arriving at the airport and drive away minutes after clearing customs.

* Disabled Parking at Birmingham Airport
For passengers with disabilities intending to stay less than two hours at the airport, disabled parking spaces are available within the short stay car park close to the terminal building. For longer stays, there are disabled parking spaces in the multi-storey car parks. Passengers that require assistance should press the ‘Assist’ button situated at the entrance/exit to car parks. The disabled Birmingham parking is charged at the normal commercial rates. For further information on disabled parking at Birmingham Airport, please call the Birmingham Airport Information Service on 08707 335511.

Now we’ve looked at all the options, ‘how do I make sure I get the best quote to save me money?’, I hear you ask…

* Choose the best option for your needs: Whether this be standard or business Birmingham Airport parking, Birmingham long term parking, meet and greet or disabled parking
* Pre-book: Booking Birmingham parking in advance will secure your parking space
* Discounts: Online bookings will normally reward you with a further discount
* Save time, find the right price and compare your options: Use an online Birmingham airport parking price checker to make sure you are not paying over the odds. A price checker enables you to compare parking prices online.

The best Birmingham airport parking price checker that I have found to compare Birmingham airport car parking is available on the Birmingham Airport information site.

* Truly Independent – so they get the best deals on parking prices and pass them on to you
* Better Rates – the Company goes direct to the Birmingham Airport parking operators so they can negotiate better rates
* Monitor Competitors – to ensure they offer you the best prices
* Information in one screen shot – so you can instantly see the best option and price for your needs
* Book online – traipsing around for the best Birmingham Airport parking is a thing of the past!

So next time you travel away, just follow the Birmingham Airport parking tips in this simple guide, and you’re away – more relaxed and with a few extra pennies in your pocket.

This article is free for republishing

Getting Around Barcelona

The airport is 13 km southwest of central Barcelona; to get into town visitors can take a taxi or ride either the train or bus. Taxis are readily available outside any of the airport’s three terminals. The ride into Barcelona is about 20-30 minute and will cost at least 15 euro (by law, the fare must be displayed on the cab’s meter).

Trains are a less expensive option and also easy to come by, since the airport is connected to a train station. The airport station connects to four Barcelona stations Barcelona Sants, Placa Catalunya, Arc de Triomf and Clot-Arago, with trains running every thirty minutes from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Less expensive still are buses. A bus servicing central Barcelona leaves the airport every fifteen minutes and deposits riders at the Plaza Cataluna. The service, which runs from each of the airport’s three main terminals, is available daily from 6 am to midnight and takes approximately 30 minutes. The bus costs 3.30 euro.

Getting Around Town

Once you have arrived at your guest accommodations in Barcelona, you will find that the fastest and most affordable way of getting around town is via public transportation.

Barcelona’s metro runs daily from 5 am to midnight, and until 2 am on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) and holidays. A network of five different color-coded lines covers nearly ever neighborhood within the city of Barcelona. A one-way fare costs 1 euro, and discounts are available for multiple-trip tickets. Tickets are checked before boarding.

For those traveling a bit farther out, consider Barcelona’s suburban train service, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya or FGC. The FGC offers two lines within Barcelona and four additional lines traveling to nearby towns. Trains run daily from 5:45 am until midnight, and until 2:15 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Like the subway, the fare on the suburban train service is (approximately) 1 euro and tickets are checked with each ride.

Another option is the city bus. Barcelona has an extensive bus network with over seventy lines. While slightly slower at rush hour, the bus in Barcelona is a great way to see the city and get to your destination. The fare is only 1 euro per one-way trip.

Black and yellow taxis are ubiquitous in Barcelona. While they are the most comfortable way to get around, they are also the most expensive. Fares depend on distance and time of day (higher rates are charged during rush hour). By law, the cab drive must display the fare on a meter inside the cab. A more environmentally friendly and fun mode of transportation is bike riding. There a number of rental spots throughout the city.

Finally, visitors can rent a car while in Barcelona. If you are flying into the city, your best bet is to pick up your car at the El Prat de Llobregat Airport, which has a host of international rental companies. Hiring fees vary depending on the type of car, time of year (summer is high season in Barcelona) and the length of rental period.

Tips To Get an Affordable Car Rental in Global City Of Paris

Paris, the largest city and capital of the France situated by the River Seine is an important international city for two millennium in politics, business, education, entertainment, fashion, science eventually in every sphere of life its effect and importance cannot be ignored. It is truly a global city. It is Europe’s biggest city in terms of economy and fifth in the world’s list of cities by GDP. In tourism, it is unparallel to any of the International city and is one of the favorite destinations is visited by nearly 30 million tourists every year. City in abundance is land marked as world famous institutions and popular parks are situated here in Paris.

Geographically, Paris is situated by the north-bending arc of the river Seine and includes two islands, the Ile Saint-Louis and the larger Ile de la Cite. The city has many important hills and its highest point is at Montmarte at 130m (427 feet) above the sea level. The climate of Paris is oceanic as affected by the North Atlantic Current as waves between extremely high and low temperatures. Summers, here are warm with average temperature of 25 degree Celsius and winters with average temperature of 3 °C and rain can occur at any period of the year, however, with sudden shower.

By any reason, it is the best place on the Earth to be visited by any traveler as he can see all the best wonders of life to enjoy in Paris. To visit the city, he can either depend on public mode of transport including Taxi cabs or can rent a car in Paris to make his tour comfortable and full of leisure. In Paris, for renting a car you can seek help from a car renting agency that offers car hiring services in form of lending an automobile after charging fee for a shorter period of time and span. These car rental agencies can either be itself a car rental company or branch of a big car rental agency with an operational office in your city. In case you have no time to visit shop of car renting agency you can hire care of your choice from the number of websites offering online Car Rental Services.

However, getting a car on rent in not that much easy as one would have to pass by a number of conditions applied by a car renting agency. Firs of all, you should be a driver of minimum of 25 years of age then only you are eligible for driving a car in Paris or any other city on the Earth. To check out the habit of speed savvy driver now cars are equipped with GPS system. Or you car rental agency ask you advance over on your credit card for the safety of their vehicle. This way, finally, you can get car from the agency that keep fleets of the car or from the company that works on broker model.

Getting around Cancun, Mexico

The beautiful city of Cancun is home to an interesting and friendly people. Still, it can be a bit frightening to navigate around an unfamiliar place particularly when you dont know the language. But don’t worry! Entering Mexico involves nothing more difficult than the usual passport and photo ID. Flying is the most popular way to get to Cancun, and there are many commercial and charter flights to choose from. After finishing with customs, the hardest decision is deciding between the rental cars and taxis that will take you to your hotel.

Renting a car can be a complicated and stressful experience in Cancun. Not only does the renter need to have Mexican insurance, but they must be thorough in the initial viewing of the car. Every scratch and dent, no matter how seemingly insignificant must be reported before leaving. Tourists who neglect this attention to detail can be faced with large charges and will not be allowed to leave the country until the debt is cleared. As with all vehicles, always carry your driver’s license.

The favored way of getting around Cancun is via the bus! Inexpensive and reliable, the public bus is always easy to find – just look for the signs with the picture of the bus! While at the bus stop, don’t assume that the driver is going to stop. Wave your arms at the driver so they know you want to ride the bus and aren’t just hanging out. Speak clearly and slowly when telling the driver where you are heading and then keep track of where you are going. Some drivers get so involved with driving the bus that they don’t always stop where the tourist wants to go! If that happens, speak up! Otherwise – enjoy the ride and congratulate yourself on successfully traveling your way through a foreign city!

Taxis are the second best way to get around the downtown and hotel districts of Cancun. Choose only licensed and regulated “sitio” taxis to ensure the best experience. Tips are included in the cost of every trip. Best of all, any taxi cab ride except for the one leaving the airport can be negotiated by the confident vacationer. If a driver tries to cause trouble after reaching the destination by refusing to take the originally agreed upon price, be sure to get the number off the taxi cab and report the driver to the hotel where you are staying or to the cab company themselves. Most travelers will never have this problem.

Mopeds are handy to use but Cancun can be hectic. Pedestrians do not have the right of way so street navigation can become quite the challenge. It can get a little hairy just trying to go from one side of the street to the other! Add a tourist who doesn’t know where they are trying to go and things could quickly turn disastrous. Helmets are required by law and are provided with rentals. But really, mopeds should be left to the locals who know the ins and outs of every street and are better prepared to handle the unexpected.

There is a lot to see and do in Cancun and it is up to the wise tourist to consider their current travel goals and future needs and plan accordingly. For those vacationers who only want to explore the nearby hotel and shopping districts, the bus or taxi would be ideal. The more adventurous tourists wanting spontaneous trips would benefit from renting a car. Whether you choose bus, moped, rental car, or taxi, use common sense. Relax, you’re on vacation, so what’s the hurry?

Car rentals: Buying rental cars

The most important factor that determines the longevity of a car is whether the car was well maintained by the previous owner. When you are purchasing a previously owned car from a car dealer or an individual, there is no way to determine how well the vehicle was actually maintained. When you purchase a vehicle from a rental car company, the guesswork is taken out of the equation.

As a former manager of a car rental company, I can tell you that the rental vehicles have to be well-maintained. Not only do customers demand a vehicle in tip-top shape, but car rental companies have to keep the rental car maintenance up to date for other reasons:

At many rental car companies, a large percentage of the vehicles are leased with an option for the rental companies to purchase them. The banks that finance the cars often drop by the rental locations to check on their assets and will sometimes ask for vehicle maintenance documentation.

There are also legal aspects that influence the maintenance of rental cars. It is imperative that rental cars have their oil changed on a regular basis, that the tires are in good condition and that the vehicle runs dependably and safely. Rental car companies have been sued when improperly serviced vehicles have caused accidents or prevented their customers from avoiding them.

Most car rental companies use one form or another of rental car software in their businesses. As an attendee of numerous rental car conventions throughout the United States, I have had the opportunity to “test drive” practically every program created for the industry. I’ve never seen one that did not include vehicle maintenance as one of its components. The rental software automatically alerts car rental companies when vehicles are due for service and usually will “ground” those cars until required maintenance is performed. You can easily obtain a copy of these service records for any car on the lot at a rental car company.

Finally, it should be stated that most drivers of rental cars are not maniacs who are trying to abuse the car. Despite the fact that there are people who may comment whimsically that “it’s only a rental,” most people are really a little more concerned about their own personal safety than to do anything too irresponsible in a rental car. Every rental agreement that I’ve ever seen contains a clause that the vehicle may only be driven on paved roads. I know that we fined a few drivers over the years when they returned a car covered in mud and the customer admitted to having driven it off-road.

I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a car being sold by a rental car company. They are the best-maintained vehicles on the road. The fact that the miles are usually low and the car is always clean is just icing on the cake!

Detailed Information About Dulles International Airport

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

When many travelers make the decision to visit another country, many try and find an international airport that is located close to their home. That is not always the case with the Dulles International Airport. While the majority of travelers use the Dulles International Airport because it is located within a reasonable distance to their home, not everyone does. Since Dulles is located in Washington, DC, many travelers make the decision to schedule a mini-vacation before they begin their big one, often overseas.

Whether you are a Washington, DC resident or not, there is a good chance that you will use the Dulles International Airport, when it comes to taking a flight across the country. If you are, there are number of things that you should do before you leave for your flight. Perhaps, the first thing that you should do is familiarize yourself with the Dulles International Airport. All travelers, whether you have visited the airport before or not, are encouraged to examine the airport. You will want to be on the lookout for important air travel information, as well as airport changes. One of the best ways to get your research started is to visit the online website of the airport.

Once at the online website for the Dulles International Airport, you will have access to an unlimited amount of information. Some of that information is likely to pertain to air travel rules and safety precautions. You are advised to examine all of this information, especially if you are planning on taking on an international flight. You will want to learn more about the airport baggage screening centers, as well as prohibited items. As with most airports, especially international airports, you will find that security has intensified over the past few years. For this reason, you are advised against taking any unnecessary risk, such as arriving at the airport late or tying to sneak prohibited items in your carryon luggage.

Since the Dulles International Airport is located in the nation’s capital and is one of the most well known international airports in the Untied States, a large number of travelers use the airport. For that reason, you will find that the airport is large in size. This is why it is important that you familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport before arriving there. On the online website for the Dulles International Airport, you should be able to find an airport map, which you can print off for your own viewing. This same information can be found at the airport, but you may benefit from familiarizing yourself with this information ahead of time.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

In addition to the location of each airport terminal, you will need to learn about the rest of the airport, namely the parking arrangements. If you are leaving your vehicle behind, while you travel internationally, you will find that you have a number of different options. With long-term parking, you will have to use the airport’s transportation services to make it to the main terminal. With the Dulles International Airport, there is a good chance that you will be relying heavily on this transportation service, especially since not all airport terminals are connected.

As previously mentioned, you should review the online website of the Dulles International Airport. If, by chance, you do not find what you are looking for, you are urged to contact the airport’s customer service department. When taking an international flight, especially at an airport the size of Dulles International, you are advised against arriving without knowing what is in store for you.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

Get Best Car Rental Deals From a Leading Car Rental Agency

There are more car rental companies offering quality car rental services today than ever before. This increased competition means there are more car rental deals for the visitors.

However, there are some basic tips and tricks to help you find the best car rental deals. First of all, you should decide on which class of car suits you whether that is a small hatchback or a large family car.

Try doing research on internet for the best car rental deals in the Middle East and see what prices the various car rental companies are offering for the class of car you are looking for. However, just keep in mind that cheapest may not always be the best.

A car rental itself can be rather pricey, so it is always best to research for car rental deals on the internet before you go.

The internet will give you all the options available, if you know where to look. Booking in advance will also give you the peace of mind that you already have a car reserved.

Whichever car rental company you choose, be sure to read all the previous record of services and check for hidden extra charges. These may include insurance or any other charges that you did not request or need.

Other fees that can push up the cost of car rental include extra drivers and the car rental of standard equipment such as child seats. So decide on your exact requirements before comparing quotes.

Also ensure that CDW (collision damage waiver) is included in your car rental quote. All reputable car rental agencies will include this. If you do not have CDW you will be liable for the full cost of repair to your rental car if you crash.

Once you have chosen a car that suits you, you should be able to get cheaper car rental by booking early and by booking online. Book your choicest car in advance to get the best car rental deals in you, but check again just before you go to see if there are any better short-term deals.

Get best car rental deals from Alamo Rent A Car that offers economy car rental, easy reservations, long & short-term car rental, additional car rental services and seasonal deals.

Dublin Airport Hotels Guide

If you just can’t face that long journey to the airport before your flight we?ve a number of hotels that you might be interested in staying in, and with 30 hotels in and around the airport there?s sure to be one that?ll suit your taste and budget!

On site Dublin Airport hotels…

To get your holiday off to the perfect start stay in one of the hotels located in the Dublin Airport complex?
The plush 4 star Clarion Hotel is conveniently located within the Dublin airport complex. The hotel has everything you could want from an airport hotel including restaurants, bars, conference and banqueting facilities and a complimentary pass to nearby ALSAA Leisure Centre, as well as a 24 hour complimentary shuttle bus to and from the airport terminal.

The other hotel to be found within the complex is the 4 star Radisson SAS Dublin Airport Hotel. It?s a very elegant hotel especially designed to meet the needs of the modern day traveller with a ‘Grab & Go’ breakfast served from 5.30am, an Express Check Out service and a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.

Dublin hotels near the Airport?

If you don’t want to be based in the airport complex then take a look at some of the following hotels.

The 4 star Carlton Hotel is probably the nearest offsite airport hotel. It’s located on the Old Airport Road, just a short drive from the airport. This new hotel is the height of luxury boasting a rooftop restaurant where guests can view the planes landing and taking off on the runway.

Another stylish hotel very close to the airport is the Tulip Inn Hotel, which is located next to the Airside Retail Park. It offers a shuttle service to and from the airport and if you’re driving, it’s good to know that the hotel has easy access to the M50 and M1 motorways.

Other luxury hotels close by the airport include the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Hilton Hotel which are both around a 10 minute drive from Dublin Airport.

Hotels like the Bewleys Hotel, the Travelodge Hotel, the Ballymun Plaza Hotel and the Carnegie Court Hotel are all within a 20 minute drive from the airport.

Dublin hotels between the airport and city…
If you’d like your hotel to be between the airport and the city then we recommend you check into the 3 star Regency Hotel or the 3 star Dublin Skylon Hotel which are both located in Drumcondra ? a suburb between the city and airport. These hotels are really handy for a city break in Dublin, and Drumcondra has excellent public transport connections with both the airport and city.

Other Dublin hotels convenient to the airport…
You can also choose peace and relaxation in wonderful surroundings when you stay at the following Dublin hotels.

The 3 star Finnstown Country House Hotel is a superb mansion located on 45 acres of matured grounds and gardens. It’s about a 20 minute drive to the airport from here via the M50. Or maybe you’d like to base yourself at the 3 star White Sand’s Hotel in Portmarnock ? a fantastic hotel overlooking the sea yet it’s just about a 15 minute drive from the airport.

If it’s golf you’re after then check out the 4 star Portmarnock Hotel, the 3 star Deer Park Hotel in Howth or the 4 star Roganstown Hotel in Swords which all come with superb facilities and their own adjoining golf courses. These hotels are located about a 20 minute drive from Dublin Airport.

For something a bit extra special why not book yourself a room at the exclusive 4 star Clontarf Castle Hotel. This historic castle was built around 1172 and inside its thick castle walls you’ll find a world where ancient history meets modern day luxury. The castle has a unique setting secluded in the beautiful area of Clontarf just about 8km from Dublin International Airport.

We’ve also got some good budget hotels within easy reach of the airport. The 2 star Baily Hotel is located in Howth and is about a 15 minute drive from the airport. The Lucan Spa is another 2 star hotel and is located in Lucan about a 20 minute drive from the airport. The 2 star Hawthorn Hotel located in Swords village is the perfect accommodation if you need something comfortable, clean and convenient to the airport as this hotel is about a 5 minute drive away.

Dublin International Airport is about 9km from the city centre and it’s easy to get there with the Aircoach bus service. This bus line stops at all the major hotels in Dublin. The blue Aircoach buses can be spotted outside the arrivals terminals and depart regularly 24 hours a day. It costs ?12 return and ?7 one-way.

Taxis are always available outside the arrivals hall to bring you directly to your hotel, which is a great option if you’ve got some heavy luggage.

Of course, you could always rent a car (which is highly recommended if you’re touring further than Dublin city). Check out our sister website Novacarhire.com and get yourself a quote now!

Book Dublin hotels or Dublin city hotels now for your visit to Dublin.

Mairead Foley writes for Ireland travel website http://www.GoIreland.com