What to Do During a Long Airport Layover: City Guide for 30 Major Airports

Making the Most of Your Layover

A long layover does not have to be dead time. Some of the world's best airports are destinations in themselves, and many are close enough to their cities that you can squeeze in a genuine sightseeing experience between flights. The key is knowing what each airport offers and how much time you actually need.

This guide covers 30 major airports worldwide, breaking down what you can do inside the terminal and whether a city excursion is feasible.

How to Decide: Stay in the Airport or Explore the City?

Before heading through immigration, consider these factors:

• Layover length: You generally need a minimum of 5-6 hours to leave the airport and return comfortably. For cities with efficient transit, 4 hours can work.
• Transit visa requirements: Some countries require a visa even for a brief city visit. Others offer visa-free transit for certain passport holders.
• Luggage situation: If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you are free to explore. If not, you will need to collect and re-check them.
• Immigration queue times: Peak hours at major hubs can mean 45-60 minutes just to clear immigration.
• Return buffer: Always allow at least 2 hours before your next flight for re-clearing security and reaching your gate.

Asia-Pacific Airports

1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Inside the Airport:

Changi consistently ranks as the world's best airport for good reason. The Jewel complex features a 40-meter indoor waterfall (the HSBC Rain Vortex), over 280 shops, a canopy park with hedge mazes and sky nets, a butterfly garden, a rooftop swimming pool (Terminal 1, free for transit passengers), and a 24-hour movie theater showing free films.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

The MRT connects Changi to downtown Singapore in about 30 minutes for SGD 2.50 (approximately USD 1.90). Visit Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, or grab a plate of chicken rice at Tian Tian in Maxwell Food Centre for SGD 6.

Free City Tour:

Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport offer free 2.5-hour guided city tours for transit passengers with 5.5+ hour layovers. Sign up at the Free Singapore Tour booths in Terminals 2 and 3.

Transit Visa: Most nationalities do not need a visa for a brief city visit. Check the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website for your specific passport.

2. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)

Inside the Airport:

Narita offers traditional Japanese experiences in-terminal, including a cultural display area, multiple ramen shops (try Ramen Kagura in Terminal 2), and duty-free shops with excellent Japanese whisky selections. Day rooms at the Nine Hours capsule hotel in Terminal 2 start at JPY 1,500 (about USD 10) per hour.

City Excursion (6+ hours):

Narita Express to Tokyo Station takes 53 minutes (JPY 3,070, about USD 21). With 8+ hours, you can visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, walk through Shibuya crossing, or explore Shinjuku. Budget JPY 1,000-2,000 for a fantastic ramen or sushi lunch.

Transit Visa: Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for short stays. US, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders get 90 days.

3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Inside the Airport:

Terminal 3 (international) has Edo Market, a shopping area designed to look like an Edo-period town, complete with a replica Nihonbashi Bridge. Multiple restaurants serve excellent tonkatsu, soba, and sushi.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita. The Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamamatsucho in 13 minutes (JPY 500), and the Keikyu Line reaches Shinagawa in 11 minutes (JPY 300). With 5 hours, you can comfortably visit one neighborhood.

4. Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN)

Inside the Airport:

Korean Cultural Experience Center offers free traditional Korean crafts workshops (paper folding, fan painting). The transit area has sleeping rooms (KRW 20,000/hour, about USD 15), free showers, an ice skating rink (seasonal), and a Korean Garden. Excellent bibimbap at Korean Air's Sky Hub Lounge or the food court (KRW 10,000-15,000, about USD 7-11).

City Excursion (5+ hours):

The AREX Express train reaches Seoul Station in 43 minutes (KRW 9,500, about USD 7). Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Myeongdong for shopping and street food.

Free City Tour:

Incheon Airport offers free transit tours of varying lengths (1 hour, 3 hours, and 5 hours) covering Incheon city highlights, traditional markets, and temples. Book at the Transit Tour Desk in Terminal 1 or 2.

5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Inside the Airport:

IMAX theater, aviation discovery center, and multiple lounges accessible via Priority Pass. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers shower facilities and day beds starting at HKD 450 (about USD 58).

City Excursion (4+ hours):

The Airport Express reaches Hong Kong Station in 24 minutes (HKD 115, about USD 15). With 5 hours, visit Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram, walk through Central, or take the Star Ferry across the harbor. Dim sum at Tim Ho Wan (the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant) will cost about HKD 100 per person.

6. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Inside the Airport:

Terminal 3 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, with a swimming pool, gym, and spa at the Dubai International Hotel. Multiple lounges, a Zen Garden, and extensive duty-free shopping. The Marhaba Lounge offers shower and rest packages starting at AED 250 (about USD 68).

City Excursion (5+ hours):

Metro Red Line reaches downtown Dubai in about 30 minutes (AED 8.50, about USD 2.30). Visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck (pre-book tickets at AED 169), walk through Dubai Mall, or explore the Gold Souk in Deira.

Transit Visa: Many nationalities get visa on arrival. Indian passport holders can get a 48-hour transit visa if flying Emirates.

7. Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Inside the Airport:

The iconic yellow teddy bear sculpture (Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer) is a landmark. The Oryx Airport Hotel is inside the transit area with rooms from QAR 500 (about USD 137) for 5 hours. There is a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, and spa available to all transit passengers. Al Mourjan Business Lounge is one of the world's best.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

Doha Metro Red Line reaches Msheireb station in about 20 minutes (QAR 2, about USD 0.55). Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (free admission), walk along the Corniche, or explore Souq Waqif for spices, textiles, and traditional Qatari food.

Free City Tour:

Qatar Airways offers free Doha city tours for transit passengers with 5-12 hour layovers. Register at the Qatar Airways Transfer Desk.

European Airports

8. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Inside the Airport:

The Rijksmuseum Schiphol annex displays original Dutch Golden Age paintings for free in the terminal. There is a library with books in 29 languages, a meditation center, and multiple lounges. Nap cabins at Yotel start at EUR 40 for 4 hours.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

Direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal take 15 minutes (EUR 4.70). Visit the Anne Frank House (pre-book essential), walk along the canals, or browse the Bloemenmarkt flower market. A pancake at The Pancake Bakery runs about EUR 12-15.

9. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Inside the Airport:

Turkey's mega-hub features a museum showcasing Turkish cultural artifacts, a library, and multiple prayer rooms. The Yotel offers cabins from USD 40 for 4 hours. Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge is enormous with free meals, bowling, and a cinema.

City Excursion (6+ hours):

The Havaist bus reaches Sultanahmet in about 60-90 minutes (TRY 140, about USD 4.20). Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, or Grand Bazaar. A kebab plate at a local restaurant costs about TRY 150-200 (USD 4.50-6).

Free City Tour:

Turkish Airlines offers free Istanbul guided tours for passengers with 6-24 hour layovers on international flights. Tours cover Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus waterfront. Register at the Hotel Desk in the international arrivals area.

10. Munich Airport (MUC)

Inside the Airport:

Munich's airport has its own brewery, Airbrau, serving fresh beer brewed on-site (EUR 4-6 per glass). In winter, there is an outdoor ice skating rink. The airport also runs a mini Christmas market in December. Napcabs offer private sleeping pods from EUR 15 per hour.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

S-Bahn trains S1 and S8 reach Munich Hauptbahnhof in about 40 minutes (EUR 13). Visit Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel, walk through the English Garden, or visit a traditional beer hall like Hofbrauhaus (meals from EUR 12-18).

11. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Inside the Airport:

Heathrow Express to Paddington is the fastest way out (15 minutes, GBP 25). Inside, Terminal 5 has the best amenities, including multiple lounges and the No1 Lounge (from GBP 40 walk-in). Yotel offers cabins from GBP 40 for 4 hours.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

Piccadilly Line reaches central London in about 50 minutes (GBP 5.50 on Oyster card). With 6+ hours, visit the British Museum (free), walk through Hyde Park, or explore Covent Garden.

12. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Inside the Airport:

Terminal 2E has a Yotel with cabins from EUR 40 for 4 hours. Multiple lounges accept Priority Pass. Laduree sells its famous macarons in the terminal.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

RER B reaches Paris Nord in about 35 minutes (EUR 11.45). Visit Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur, walk along the Seine, or grab a crepe near the Eiffel Tower. A cafe lunch in Paris costs about EUR 15-22.

13. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Inside the Airport:

Germany's busiest airport has multiple lounges, a medical center, showers, and a supermarket in Terminal 1. Sleep pods at the Transit Area Rest Rooms start at EUR 10 per hour.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

S-Bahn reaches Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in 11 minutes (EUR 5.35). Visit Romerberg square, the Frankfurt Cathedral, or the Kleinmarkthalle food market. An Apfelwein (apple wine) and schnitzel at a tavern in Sachsenhausen costs about EUR 15-20.

14. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Inside the Airport:

Clean, efficient, and well-organized. The observation deck offers panoramic views. Multiple restaurants serve Swiss specialties.

City Excursion (3+ hours):

Train to Zurich HB takes just 10 minutes (CHF 6.80, about USD 7.50). Walk along the Limmat River, visit Bahnhofstrasse for window shopping, or take a boat on Lake Zurich. Budget CHF 20-30 for a casual meal.

15. Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Inside the Airport:

Terminal 2 has a playground and a covered observation area. Sleep pods at GoSleep are available from DKK 150 per hour.

City Excursion (3+ hours):

Metro reaches Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen in 14 minutes (DKK 38, about USD 5.30). Visit Nyhavn's colorful waterfront, see the Little Mermaid statue, or walk through Tivoli Gardens (admission DKK 155).

16. Helsinki Airport (HEL)

Inside the Airport:

Finnair's premium lounge features a Finnish sauna (yes, in the airport). GoSleep pods available. Clean and modern facilities throughout.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

Train to Helsinki Central Station takes 30 minutes (EUR 5.50). Visit the Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square waterfront, or warm up in a public sauna like Loyly (EUR 19 entry).

Middle East and Africa

17. Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)

Inside the Airport:

The new Midfield Terminal (opened 2023) features dramatic architecture, extensive lounge options, and premium dining. Rest areas with reclining chairs are available for free.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

Taxi to downtown takes about 25 minutes (AED 70-80, about USD 19-22). Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free, one of the world's most beautiful mosques), or explore Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros World).

18. Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB)

Inside the Airport:

Bidvest Premier Lounges offer shower facilities and rest areas (from ZAR 550, about USD 30). The food court has excellent biltong shops and South African cuisine.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

The Gautrain reaches Sandton in 15 minutes (ZAR 175, about USD 9.50). Visit the Apartheid Museum (ZAR 100, about USD 5.50) or explore Maboneng Precinct for art and food.

The Americas

19. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Inside the Airport:

Art exhibitions throughout the terminal, multiple Cuban coffee windows (a cortadito costs about USD 2.50), and the Centurion Lounge in Terminal D. North Terminal has a yoga room.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

MIA Mover connects to Metrorail, reaching downtown in about 20 minutes (USD 2.25). Visit Wynwood Walls for street art, Little Havana for Cuban food (a Cuban sandwich for USD 8-12), or South Beach.

20. New York JFK Airport (JFK)

Inside the Airport:

The TWA Hotel (the restored 1962 Eero Saarinen terminal) is an attraction itself, with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the runway (day passes from USD 25), vintage cocktail lounges, and mid-century modern design. Terminal 4 has decent food options.

City Excursion (6+ hours):

AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then LIRR or E train to Manhattan takes 50-60 minutes (USD 10.75 total). With 8+ hours, you can visit Times Square, Central Park, or grab a slice of pizza in Midtown (USD 3-5 per slice at Joe's Pizza).

21. Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Inside the Airport:

The new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has improved significantly with better dining and a Designtex art program. USO lounge available for military personnel.

City Excursion (6+ hours):

LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station takes about 35 minutes (USD 9.75). From there, Metro access to Hollywood, Downtown LA, or Santa Monica (via Expo Line). Traffic can be brutal, so public transit is often faster during peak hours.

22. San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Inside the Airport:

SFO Museum has rotating exhibitions throughout all terminals (free). The Aviation Museum and Library in the International Terminal is worth a visit. Multiple yoga rooms available.

City Excursion (4+ hours):

BART reaches downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes (USD 9.65). Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fisherman's Wharf, or explore the Mission District for a burrito at La Taqueria (USD 12-14).

23. Mexico City Airport (MEX)

Inside the Airport:

Terminal 2 has better food options, including authentic Mexican cuisine. The Salon Premier lounge offers day passes from MXN 650 (about USD 33).

City Excursion (5+ hours):

Metro Line 5 reaches downtown in about 40 minutes (MXN 5, about USD 0.25). Visit the Zocalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, or explore Coyoacan and the Frida Kahlo Museum (pre-book tickets at MXN 270).

24. Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)

Inside the Airport:

Multiple lounges, a kids' play area, and decent Canadian food options. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers shower facilities (from CAD 65, about USD 47).

City Excursion (5+ hours):

UP Express reaches Union Station in 25 minutes (CAD 12.35, about USD 9). Visit the CN Tower (admission CAD 43), St. Lawrence Market, or walk through the Distillery District.

25. Lima Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM)

Inside the Airport:

The new terminal expansion has improved amenities significantly. Sumaq VIP Lounge offers Peruvian cuisine and pisco sours.

City Excursion (5+ hours):

Taxi to Miraflores takes about 40 minutes (PEN 60-80, about USD 16-21). Walk along the Malecon cliffside promenade, visit Huaca Pucllana ruins, or eat ceviche at La Mar (PEN 50-70 per person).

Layover Essentials Checklist

Regardless of which airport you are transiting through, always have:

• Phone charger and portable battery pack -- most airports have charging stations, but they are often occupied
• A downloaded offline map of the airport and surrounding city (Google Maps allows offline downloads)
• Your boarding pass for the connecting flight -- screenshot or print it before leaving the terminal
• Light layers -- airport temperatures vary wildly
• Entertainment -- download movies, podcasts, or books before your trip
• Snacks -- food options may be closed during late-night layovers
• Eye mask and earplugs -- if you plan to sleep in the terminal

Sleeping in Airports

If your layover is overnight and you do not want to book a hotel:

• Best airports for sleeping: Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon, Doha Hamad, Munich, Helsinki
• Worst airports for sleeping: London Heathrow (terminals close overnight), New York LaGuardia, Manila
• SleepingInAirports.net provides crowdsourced reviews and best-spot recommendations for every major airport
• Airport hotels inside security are available at Changi, Dubai, Doha, Zurich, Munich, and several others, eliminating the need to clear immigration

Using Layovers to Your Advantage With TripGenie

Long layovers do not have to be wasted time. When planning multi-leg trips, TripGenie can help you identify connection options that give you enough time to explore a transit city, turning a logistical necessity into a bonus destination on your itinerary.

Final Tips

• Set multiple alarms for your connecting flight boarding time
• Keep your boarding pass and passport accessible at all times
• Do not check out of the airport if you need a transit visa you do not have
• Exchange only small amounts of currency for layover city visits -- use contactless payment when possible
• Take a photo of your gate number and terminal before leaving the secure area
• Download the airport's official app for real-time gate changes and wayfinding

A long layover is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. With a little planning, you can turn those in-between hours into one of the highlights of your trip.