Have you ever day dreamed about exploring a city during your long layover, but not sure if it is worth the hassle?
I’ve done it multiple times… and let me tell you, it was definitely worth it!
No one likes waiting in the airport and sitting for long periods of time, but sometimes flights with long layovers are the only options due to finances and time constraints.
So just leave the airport during your layover, explore, and come back… right?
Not exactly.
First, there are important things to consider before leaving the airport, so it would be best if you read this before you book that flight and travel. However, if you’ve already booked your flight, these tips will still help you make the most of your time, to not make the mistakes I made, and to make sure you get to your connection on time!
Let’s get to it. Here are my best tips for exploring the area comfortably during your long layover.
1. Trust your instincts.
When I first relayed to my family and friends that I was planning on entering the city during my 10-hour layover in Tokyo, Japan, I heard several valid concerns.
“You won’t have enough time to enter the city!”
“You’ll miss your connecting flight!”
“Going through Immigration / Customs twice will be too much of a hassle.”
“What will you do with your luggage?”
Maybe they are right, I thought. It would be easier to just wait in the airport. But the adventurer in me said, no – you will be passing through Tokyo anyway, so let’s do this thing!
Remember that not everyone has the same style of travel, and that’s ok. Thank your friends and family for having your best interest, but don’t let naysayers prevent you from following through your plans if you’ve done your research. (I ended up having a fantastic night, although I did get extremely sleepy as the evening progressed!)
Tip: Trust your gut, whether that is staying in the airport or leaving to explore. Now on to the real tips.
2. Pick the right airport.
Major cities may have more than one airport. Make sure that the airport you are flying into is close to the city center, or the sights you would like to see. You will have to factor in the transportation time to and from the airport, as well as the costs associated with it.
For example, I was able to visit Tokyo from Haneda Airport, only 40 minutes from the area I wanted to see, Shinjuku. If I was flying into Tokyo at Narita Airport, it is about 90 minutes each way, and may not have been worth it for me.
Tip: Double check the airport that you are flying into and look up the distances to the sights you want to see in the surrounding area.
3. Note the time of day you are arriving and returning.
Are you arriving at night? Bear in mind some attractions may not be open at all hours of the day, or some areas may be unsafe to walk around at night. The heat may be unbearable in the day, or the traffic entering the city could be wild during rush hour!
If you are excited to travel, however, I do believe you can always find something to do at any time. Maybe you cannot hit the beach at night, but instead can find a cool restaurant or rooftop bar to visit.
Do not assume that all methods of transportation will be available at all hours. The trains may close in the evening, or taxis will be tough to call in certain areas. Have a plan (or two) to get back to the airport safely and on time.
Tip: Look up timetables for transportation and attractions, and make sure you are not entering unsafe areas at the wrong time.
4. Allow time for necessities.
Unless your first flight was short, it is rare to just walk off the plane and be good to go. For your own comfort, factor in the time it will take you to walk through the large airport, go through customs and handle your Visa requirements - some countries may let you enter the country briefly without one, while others you will have to apply for in advance.
You may need to find a SIM card , exchange currency, grab something to eat or drink, freshen up or even shower.
Next, figure out what you will need to do to check in to your next flight later when returning to the airport, such as transferring your bags if taking separate airlines, or acquiring a new boarding pass. Domestic flights can skip some of these steps.
Research the airport layout online to save time when finding certain services, or at least where the information desk is. This will save you the hassle of walking back and forth with heavy bags.
Tip: Allow more time than you think as some airports are much larger than others and may have long lines.
5. Be comfortable and prepare ahead.
Make sure you are comfortable during your layover. Bring toiletries in your carry-on; you will definitely want that toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and deodorant before leaving the airport!
What will the weather be like when you land? Bring a change of clothes or extra layers, as your final destination’s weather may be very different than the connecting city. You may need an umbrella, or it could be extremely humid.
Do you need certain apps downloaded beforehand? Will you have WiFi or use a SIM card?
When choosing an outfit, read about the customs of that country to blend in and risk wearing something offensive. Some countries will frown upon skimpy clothing or require you to cover your head.
Tip: Make sure your clothing, toiletries, and any accessories you might want (camera, day pack, rain boots?) are all prepared for landing.
6. Prepare for language barriers.
Even though most airports will have signs in English, be ready for the language barrier to make everything take a little longer when flying internationally. Basic chores can be trickier in another language, like finding where something is or figuring out how to buy a train ticket. (The airport had English options on the monitor when I took a train into Tokyo, but the station at Shinjuku did not).
Don’t worry though, millions of people travel every day without knowing the language of other cities. You will be fine, especially since you know English, since you are reading this article!
That being said, it is better to prepare. Sometimes translation apps or dictionaries are not completely accurate, and you may not want to be constantly whipping out your phone in an area popular with pickpockets, not to mention you may not have time in common conversation to look up things. Instead, learn a few phrases or important words to ease your mind.
Most importantly, write down the addresses or places you want to go before hand so if you cannot speak the language, you can at least show the address to the cab driver, airport staff, or whoever you are speaking to so they can understand where you are trying to go.
Tip: Write down phrases and important addresses before you go, and research as much as you can beforehand in English.
7. Have a plan for baggage collection and storage.
Not all airlines will transfer your baggage to the next flight, especially if you are taking two different airlines, so it is extremely important to check airline policies online beforehand as well as doublechecking in person with flight staff. You can also track your baggage through your phone if the airline has an app for that, to ease your mind even more.
Even if your checked baggage is automatically transferred to the connecting flight, you may still want to store your carry-on baggage while you explore the city. I prefer the Coin Lockers than the baggage storage operated by staff, because they are cheaper and I am able to access my bags anytime. Also, you can store multiple items for the same cost. Just don’t lose the key!
Tip: Triple check baggage policies to avoid leaving your items at baggage claim, and use a locker for storage.
8. Consider meeting a guide in the city.
Don’t skip this number even if you are on a budget! I found a great local guide on Airbnb who showed me around Tokyo for just $45 USD. If you are not aware already, Airbnb has Experiences you can book, not just Stays, and these are often more affordable and less touristy than a professional tour.
You may want to consider doing a brief tour or private guide to make the best use of your time, help with the language, and take you to the local spots less visited.
Yes, booking things beforehand can be risky if your flight is delayed, so give yourself enough time to get there and hope for the best. It just felt nice to know that I had someone to meet up with and a plan when I arrived.
There are also dating or meetup apps you can use to meet with someone for a few hours, and those are usually free! As always, meet in a public place and let them know you are just in town for a day, but you will find that many people will be happy to hang out or practice their English with you.
Tip: A local guide, tour or activity can make things easier in a short amount of time. You will likely have to book beforehand.
9. Use your coins before departing (international flights).
Ok, I learned this the hard way. You cannot exchange coins at most currency exchanges, so make sure to use them before departing. Anyone want to trade me for $13 in Japanese Yen?
Tip: Try not to be left with any international coins, unless you want souvenirs.
10. Get some rest before if you can.
Not going to lie, you will probably be tired during your layover. Even if you plan on sleeping on the plane beforehand, the time difference can take a toll.
On the plus side, I found that this sleepiness dissipates when you step off the plane and embark on activities. The excitement will power you through!
Tip: Leave flexibility in your plans, as you may be too tired to do everything.
11. Focus on the positives
I understand that after reading this article, it may seem like a lot. But if you focus on the huge positive, getting to explore a city, you will have a blast.
The reason I started enjoying layovers actually came from fear. When I was flying to Australia from the U.S., I feared the long plane ride, so I stopped in Hawaii each way to break up the flight.
The day-long layovers each way ended up being a highlight of my trip - I got to surf with locals at sunrise, hike through the jungle to a waterfall, eat local ahi tuna and meet some new friends!
It is totally worth it to book a long layover, resulting in a break from the stuffy airport - and incredible to get some fresh air, stretch, explore a new part of the world and relax.
Additionally, you will eat better local food and find cheaper drinks than you would in an airport, and arguably have a more enjoyable shopping experience in the city if you want some real souvenirs.
How exhilarating to start your adventures right away - and the time goes by way faster.
Most of all, it doesn’t feel like you are on a layover!
Closing Summary
If you have taken these steps to prepare for your layover beforehand, you will have everything mapped out and ready to go.
During my last trip, the customs process took only a couple minutes, and I was out the airport within an hour. Totally worth it!
Follow your gut instinct, and be ready to change plans if you have to. Your comfort, enjoyment, and safety are top priorities. Happy travels!
Gallery
I had a radical time exploring Tokyo during my 10 hour layover - a fantastic choice at night… although I could barely open my eyes by the end!
