Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and More Countries Without Airports That Are Still Must-Visit Travel Destinations

Published on November 28, 2025

In the world of global travel, Vatican City is often seen as a remarkable exception. Despite being the smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City draws millions of visitors every year without the need for an airport. Nestled entirely within Rome, this tiny but culturally and religiously significant country spans just under half a square kilometer. Its size might be modest, but the importance it holds on the global stage, particularly for Catholics, cannot be overstated.

Visitors usually fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino), which is conveniently located near the Vatican. From there, travelers either take a short taxi ride or simply walk to their destination. Once inside Vatican City, tourists can explore iconic sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, all of which attract millions of visitors annually. The fact that Vatican City lacks an airport does not diminish its appeal—if anything, it emphasizes how easy it is to access this city-state, proving that a destination does not need direct flight access to be incredibly popular.

The proximity of Vatican City to Rome makes it a unique experience, with visitors able to attend a Papal blessing and, within minutes, enjoy gelato in Rome. This ease of access highlights the point that while air travel is the norm for international destinations, it’s not always necessary for tourism. Vatican City’s lack of an airport actually enhances its allure, suggesting that cultural and historical experiences often matter more to travelers than the transportation infrastructure of a place.

San Marino: A Historical Enclave Without Air Travel Access

San Marino, located high in the mountains of central Italy, is one of the world’s oldest republics, with a rich history that stretches back over 1,700 years. Though San Marino is small and landlocked, it continues to attract large numbers of tourists each year. What’s surprising is that, like Vatican City, it doesn’t have its own airport.

To visit San Marino, tourists typically fly into Rimini Airport in Italy, which is just a short drive away. From there, they take a bus or drive directly into San Marino. Despite its lack of an airport, the journey to San Marino only adds to its charm, as visitors travel from the bustling cities of Italy into a peaceful, historical enclave nestled in the mountains.

Exploring San Marino feels like stepping back in time. With its ancient stone streets, medieval towers, and historic castles, the country provides an immersive experience of history. The absence of an airport in no way diminishes the country’s appeal. In fact, it only strengthens the notion that San Marino’s allure lies in its preserved history and authentic atmosphere. Even without direct air access, San Marino remains a highly accessible and captivating destination for travelers seeking history and culture.

Liechtenstein: A Beautiful Alpine Escape Without Direct Air Access

Located between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is another small, landlocked country that offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Alps. Though Liechtenstein does not have its own airport, it is easily accessible due to its proximity to Switzerland, particularly Zurich.

Most visitors to Liechtenstein fly into Zurich Airport, which is located just an hour away by car or train. Once in Zurich, it is simple to travel to Liechtenstein via car or public transportation. The country’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and iconic landmarks like Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital, make it an attractive destination despite not having an airport. The breathtaking views of the Alps and the peaceful ambiance of Liechtenstein continue to draw travelers who are looking for an alpine retreat.

Even without an airport, Liechtenstein thrives as a destination because of its strategic location. Travelers can easily access the country from neighboring Switzerland or Austria, making it an excellent stop on any European itinerary. Liechtenstein proves that the absence of an airport does not prevent a country from becoming an alluring destination; rather, its location and easy accessibility from nearby countries ensure that it remains a popular choice for travelers seeking a unique and tranquil European experience.

Monaco: Luxury and Glamour Without an Airport

Known for its luxurious casinos, prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix, and glamorous lifestyle, Monaco stands as one of the world’s most opulent destinations. Yet, despite its global fame, Monaco does not have its own airport. Travelers visiting the principality typically fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France, which is just a short transfer away from Monaco.

The transfer from Nice to Monaco takes less than 30 minutes by road or helicopter, offering visitors a seamless journey to the heart of luxury. Once in Monaco, tourists can indulge in the grandeur of designer boutiques, fine dining, and the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. The absence of an airport does not hinder Monaco’s status as a luxury hotspot; if anything, it adds to the exclusivity and experience of visiting. The ease of access from Nice enhances Monaco’s appeal, making it a top destination for those seeking luxury and glamour.

Visitors to Monaco can enjoy its exciting events, from the Formula 1 Grand Prix to high-profile parties, or simply relax along its stunning marina. Monaco’s lack of an airport doesn’t detract from its reputation; it highlights that a destination’s luxury appeal isn’t necessarily tied to air access but to the overall experience it provides. With its quick and convenient access from Nice, Monaco shows that luxury can thrive without direct flights.

The Shift in Global Travel: Airport-Free Destinations Can Still Thrive

The success of Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Monaco represents a significant shift in the global travel landscape. These destinations demonstrate that an airport is not always required for a country to thrive as a tourist destination. While airports play an important role in tourism, the ability of these countries to draw millions of visitors each year, despite lacking their own airports, reveals a changing attitude toward travel accessibility.

The proximity of these nations to well-connected international airports, combined with efficient ground transportation systems, means that visitors can easily reach these countries, even without direct flights. This shift in the way travelers access destinations is reshaping the travel industry, as it becomes clear that a destination’s popularity does not solely rely on having an airport. Instead, the ease of access via nearby transport hubs and the rich experiences on offer are what drive tourism.

For travelers, this shift means more opportunities to explore destinations that might once have seemed out of reach due to the absence of an airport. The rise of alternative transportation options, like high-speed trains, buses, and taxis, means that travelers can now access places that may not have their own airports but are still easily reachable. This trend will likely continue to evolve, providing a wider range of options for travelers seeking new and exciting experiences.

Impact on the Future of Global Tourism

The success of Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Monaco highlights a growing trend in global tourism: airports are no longer the only determining factor in a destination’s success. Instead, proximity to major transport hubs and well-connected infrastructure are becoming just as important in ensuring a country’s appeal to tourists.

These destinations have proven that tourism can thrive even without direct flights. The ability to rely on nearby airports and efficient transportation networks has allowed countries without airports to remain accessible, proving that a lack of an airport does not prevent a destination from becoming a popular tourist hotspot. This trend will likely have a profound impact on the future of global travel, as more and more travelers choose destinations that are rich in culture, history, and luxury, even if they lack direct air access.

This shift could lead to the development of more destinations that are currently underserved by airports but remain accessible through improved transportation options. For example, Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Monaco offer a model for other countries that could leverage nearby transport infrastructure to attract tourists.

Key Takeaways

• Vatican City, despite being the world’s smallest country, draws millions of visitors due to its cultural and religious significance, and its proximity to Rome makes it easily accessible without the need for an airport.
• San Marino, known for its preserved medieval architecture and rich history, continues to attract visitors, even without an airport, thanks to its easy access from Rimini in Italy.
• Liechtenstein, with its stunning alpine beauty and cultural heritage, is easily accessible via Zurich despite lacking its own airport.
• Monaco, a luxury destination, attracts elite travelers who fly into Nice and enjoy quick access to the principality, showing that luxury can exist without direct flights.

These examples prove that the future of travel lies in transportation flexibility. Destinations that are well-connected via nearby transport hubs, even without airports, can still attract large numbers of visitors. This change in the travel landscape will encourage more destinations to explore new ways to provide access to travelers while offering unique, culturally rich experiences that go beyond the logistics of air travel. Travelers now have more options to visit fascinating destinations, even those without their own airports, expanding the possibilities for future global exploration.