Skip the runway: 6 countries where planes don’t land

While airports are common in almost every corner of the globe, there are a few countries where flying in is not an option due to the absence of airports. So, how do you get to these tiny landlocked gems? Well, these nations rely on alternative forms of transport, such as boats, trains, and cars, for international and domestic travel. So, here we go!

The smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City, located entirely within Rome, Italy, has no airport. Given its size—only 44 hectares—there is simply no need for one. Visitors usually fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport and travel by car or train to Vatican City.

This glamorous principality doesn’t have an airport because it’s Monaco! Why waste time at an airport when you can arrive by yacht, helicopter, or fancy car? Your best bet? Fly into nearby Nice and enjoy the scenic ride (or helicopter whizz) to the land of luxury. Famous for its wealth, casinos, and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, is another country without an airport.

San Marino is like that super exclusive club that doesn’t need an airport. It’s surrounded by Italy, so fly into Rimini or Bologna, then take a breezy drive up the mountains. Once there, you’ll be too busy exploring medieval towers to even think about flying.

Sitting snugly between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein doesn’t need its own airport. Fly into Zurich (hello, Swiss chocolate!), and then enjoy the winding mountain roads as you head to this teeny principality. Bonus: The views will make you forget you’re not flying.

Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s lack of an airport just adds to its alpine charm. Sure, you won’t be catching a plane here, but hop off your flight to Barcelona or Toulouse, and soon you’ll be zipping up those mountain roads toward ski slopes and duty-free shopping.

In the middle of the Pacific, Kiribati is an island paradise... that’s hard to reach by air! Sure, one island has an airport, but most of the archipelago is boat-access only. So, if you’re dreaming of Kiribati, pack your bags legs for a scenic ocean journey.