Layovers don’t have to feel like a chore. Depending on your itinerary, you can leave the airport during a layover, but timing, location, and logistics make all the difference. While the average layover lasts only a couple of hours, longer connections may offer an added adventure. That in-between stretch can turn into a mini escape: a city stroll, local meal, or sightseeing before your next flight.
How long is your layover?
Before planning an off-airport outing, confirm your arrival and departure times, especially when crossing time zones. Your layover length determines how far you can go and what you can do before boarding again.
If your stop is three hours or less, don’t leave the airport. As a rule of thumb, a layover of six hours or more gives you enough flexibility to explore nearby areas. Plan to be at your gate 90 minutes to two hours before your next domestic flight, or longer if traveling internationally.
Check airport maps and transportation options in advance. Getting through the airport efficiently is key to making the most of your layover.
Can you leave the airport during an overnight layover?
In most cases, you can leave the airport during an overnight layover, and it’s often worth it. Overnight layovers don’t have to mean roughing it. With a little planning, it can be the perfect time to explore or relax in comfort.
If time allows, book a hotel near the airport or venture into the city for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Many major airports even have transit hotels or sleep pods within the terminal, letting you recharge without re-clearing security.
Check local transportation schedules carefully. Rideshares, trains, and buses often scale back service late at night.
Can you leave the airport during a layover while traveling on a domestic flight?
If you’re flying within the same country and have ample time, you can leave the airport during your layover without worry. Again, check time zones to confirm the length of the layover, and then factor in transit time, check-in, and boarding.
Some airports are perfectly positioned for short outings. Denver, Atlanta, and Dallas, for example, offer quick rail or rideshare access to local restaurants and attractions. Use a navigation app to gauge your round-trip time before leaving.
If this is your first trip with connections, this beginner’s guide to flying covers what to expect at every stage, from check-in to boarding.
Can you leave the airport during a layover while traveling on an international flight?
International layovers can be a bit more complicated, but leaving the airport is still possible in many cases. The key is understanding the entry and exit requirements for your layover country.
Most destinations require you to clear customs and immigration before stepping outside. Some allow short-term or visa-free entry for travelers in transit, making it easy to explore nearby attractions. Others require pre-approved visas, which may not be worth the effort for a few hours on the ground.
Keep in mind that you’ll go through passport control and security again when you return, so build that time into your plan. Countries like Singapore, Iceland, and the Netherlands are known for smooth transit experiences that make a quick city visit doable if your schedule allows.
How will you manage your luggage?
Luggage logistics can make or break your layover plans. If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you’re free to explore. But if you need to claim and recheck them — common when switching airlines or crossing borders — it’s often easier to stay inside the terminal. Exploring a city during a layover sounds great until you’re hauling suitcases through crowded streets or waiting hours to recheck them.
If you’re staying in the airport, see if you can access an airport lounge. With their quiet, comfortable spaces, free Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks, lounges can make long layovers feel like a luxury.
The Bottom Line
Leaving the airport during a layover is a great idea if you have the time, your bags are handled, and entry rules won’t get in the way. The key is knowing when it makes sense. Under the right conditions, that downtime between flights can add a memorable stop to your journey.