Let’s face it, an airport terminal or a gate look pretty similar in London, Paris, or your local airport. Why just hang out when you have a longer layover?
In most cases with a little research you can put together a short interesting itinerary that can be infinitely more fun than counting passengers at a gate! Just be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get back for your flight.
Some general tips on layovers
Visas and vaccinations
Make sure that you have the required visas and vaccinations to visit the country and for someone going to that destination from the country at hand.
Know Your Entry, Visa, Health and Transit Requirements
Airport proximity
Some airports are simply too far away to do anything, but for the longest layovers it makes sense. We’ve put together some of our own successful layovers here but check the options and timetables to see the possibilities.
How to Spend a One-Day Stopover in Iceland
Transportation options
Explore the options!
Public transport: Many airports with direct subway access may let you buy a day pass with unlimited access. (Do check about timetables and even strikes. We had a rail strike in Paris that affected what would have typically been our return path, fortunately there were alternate routes).
Long Layover in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport Stopover)
London Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Self-Guided Transfer Tour
Rental car: In some cases, the best option is a rental car. With pickup and drop off right at the airport you can typically get going quickly. Of course, make sure that the sights you are visiting have parking available and that driving is realistic.
Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis: For airports closer to cities this may be your best option. It’s fast and convenient.
How to Spend a Long Layover in Miami (MIA)
Pre-booked tours: Some destinations (like Amsterdam for example) have several tours available depending on your layover length. These include drivers and tour guides. Some even store your luggage for you, just check before booking a tour.
Important things to consider
Local traffic: It may take you a half hour to leave midday but if you must return during rush hour be sure to plan for extra time to get back to the airport.
Cost: Sometimes even if it’s possible to go have a croissant overlooking the Eiffel Tower, if it costs you $100 and two hours to get there is it worthwhile? It depends on you of course. You may decide to load up Netflix movies instead if this is not worth it for you.
Time of day and day of week: Ensure attractions are open on the days and times you want to visit and check whether tickets can be bought at the door or pre-purchased online.
Language: If a problem occurs are you able to communicate enough in the local language to get by? Do you have enough local currency? Make sure you know your options to get back to the airport (even if this is a paper in the local language that says: “Help me get to the airport!”).
Above all, don’t turn your layover into an expensive reroute! Don’t miss your connection to your final destination. If you miss the last leg of your flight itinerary, your return ticket can be cancelled!
See our Travel Planning Guide: