These Countries Are The Only Ones In The World Without An Airport

Transportation is one of the most important types of infrastructure in any country. Not only does it allow locals to get from point A to point B, but a strong transportation network also enables trade, bolsters overall economic growth, and opens up a country to tourism. From the seemingly indestructible jeepneys of The Philippines to Thailand's ubiquitous tuk-tuks, some countries boast one-of-a-kind ways to get around. However, other modes of transportation are so common we expect to see them everywhere we go.

Despite the convenience of plane travel, five countries survive without a single airport within their borders. While some are simply too small to house an airport, other nations face topography challenges that make constructing an airstrip or landing a commercial plane impossible. From the smallest city-state in the world to a Mediterranean gem, these countries may lack access via plane, but they are certainly still worth a visit to learn about history, marvel at natural beauty, indulge in luxury, or enjoy a combination of all three.

Measuring only 0.17 square miles with a population of 800, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, so it's no surprise that there's no space for an airport. Home to the papacy and some of the most spectacular paintings in Europe to add to your art bucket list, this tiny city-state also lacks hospitals and primary schools. Shockingly, it has a soccer team formed by the Swiss Guard — go FC Guardia!

In order to reach Vatican City, visitors must fly into Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) or Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA), both of which serve Rome. From here, it takes between 30 and 45 minutes to reach Vatican City by bus or train. 

Another fun fact for travelers: the capital of Catholicism doesn't have public train or bus stations (there's a rarely-used train station for papal travel). In fact, Roma S. Pietro Train Station, the official train stop for Saint Peter's Square, is technically outside of Vatican City. Considering Vatican City is one-eighth the size of Central Park, there's really no need for public transportation, and getting around on foot is easy for visitors. 

Famed for its luxurious lifestyle that attracts the rich, famous, and influential, Monaco doesn't have enough room for its own airport. Perched on the sun-drenched French Riviera, this sovereign city-state is the second smallest country in the world, measuring approximately 0.78 square miles. For reference, California's Disneyland Park is almost exactly the same size. However, with a densely packed population of almost 40,000 people, Monaco truly uses up every bit of space.

Those willing to pay can take a five-minute helicopter transfer from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) to Monaco Heliport. However, the rest of us must travel 19 miles from the airport by car. The sea and mountain views are incredible, but the winding two-lane road might leave you with a touch of car sickness.

Fortunately for travelers with a weak stomach and anyone who enjoys the ease of efficient train travel, Monaco is well connected to the rest of Europe via rail. Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, the country's only train station, offers TGV high-speed trains to Paris, EuroCity trains to Italy, overnight Russian Railway trains to Moscow, and many more popular routes. Plus, the station is clean, air-conditioned, and boasts stunning views of the coast. 

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein doesn't have an airport for several reasons. First, it's not that big. As the fourth smallest country in Europe, this tiny nation measures 62 square miles and is home to 40,000 people. Although larger than Monaco and Vatican City, it's still smaller than Washington, D.C. Second, about 75% of Liechtenstein is covered in mountains, making it difficult to build a safe airport. Finally, there are plenty of ways to access Lichtenstein, so there's really no need for a national airport.

For instance, most locals and visitors fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), in neighboring Switzerland, and then take a bus or self-drive into the country. Usually, the journey takes between an hour and an hour and a half depending on your final destination. Travelers can also fly into tiny St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH), in Switzerland, or Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH), in Germany. Keep in mind that Zurich Airport welcomes more flights and is better connected to the best airports in Europe. 

Technically, Liechtenstein has several train stations, but few trains pass through and an Austrian company runs the railway. Instead, we recommend taking a train to Feldkirch, in Austria, or the towns of Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland. From these cities, it's only a short bus ride to numerous destinations in Liechtenstein. Generally speaking, tourists find traveling in Liechtenstein easy and have few complaints about public transportation. 

Occupying a unique position on this list, Andorra is the largest country without an airport, and arguably the most isolated. Measuring 181 square miles, this microstate is slightly larger than Las Vegas. However, unlike the gambling capital of the U.S., Andorra has a population of about 80,000 people. This small nation bordering France and Spain is the perfect destination for avid skiers. However, Andorra's rugged terrain, high elevation, and frequent icy conditions make building an airport challenging.

Yet, this landlocked nation has expressed keen interest in bringing air travel to its borders. In 2021, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced plans to build an airport near Pas-de-la-Case, a popular ski resort town bordering France. Despite excitement about the project, construction hasn't begun and there's little information available about the future of the proposed air transportation hub.

Those planning a visit to Andorra must fly into Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport (LEU), a small airport in the Spanish town of La Seu d'Urgell. Situated at 2,630 feet above sea level, this high-altitude airport welcomes year-round flights from several Spanish airports. From here, travelers can take a free shuttle bus to the capital city. The journey takes about one hour and offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Although located 125 miles away, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is another popular entry point for Andorra. 

Although San Marino's mountains are less dramatic than Andorra's (excluding Monte Titano, of course), this landlocked country has no airport due to space constraints. As one of the oldest sovereign states and the fifth smallest country in the world, San Marino is surrounded by Italy on all sides and has an area of only 24 square miles. People come to San Marino to hike towering Monte Titano, visit ancient towers that look like something out of a fantasy novel, or simply for the chance to experience a country within a country. 

Fortunately for the nation's 33,500 residents, San Marino is well-connected to Italy via ground transportation. Travelers can fly into Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), in Rimini, Italy, and self-drive or take a bus 17 miles to the center of San Marino. Alternatively, visitors can book a flight to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which is about 85 miles away and welcomes flights from numerous cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.