Most travelers cringe at the idea of a long layover. Sitting in an airport for hours with nothing to eat but overpriced snacks, surrounded by crowded terminals, is hardly exciting. But what happens if you turn that long layover into a positive experience? With the right mindset, a long layover can become a potential mini-vacation in your travel break.
In this article, we'll explore the best things to do on a long layover so you can turn travel time into fun whenever you are faced with a layover. Whether you have five hours or double digits of layover time, you can pamper yourself in luxury lounges, take a quick city trip, or do other activities. Our list of layover ideas will help you get the most out of every free moment of travel.
Whether you're an experienced traveler or on your first international adventure, remember to pack these clever and fun long layover ideas for your next connection.
Gone are the days when airports were merely mechanisms for flying people worldwide. Now, they are becoming mini cities with art, culture, and amenities that rival five-star resorts. Most of the best airport amenities rival five-star resorts.
Layover Tip: Before you visit the airport, use the airport's website or mobile app to see what amenities and airport tours are available.
Even if you do not fly first class, you may still be able to access lounges with a day pass or travel credit card. Lounges offer the following amenities:
This is one of the best long layover activities for turning what could be a stressful wait into a restorative break.
Are you stuck with 6+ hours between flight departures? Hopefully, you can take advantage of a "layover" and try to make a quick trip outside the terminal. Many airports now have airport tours and short trips to nearby cities where you can do some sightseeing or shopping if your stopover is long enough for a layover.
Layover tip: Plan for at least 5 hours to enjoy some of the excursions nearby, and remember to plan for immigration processing and get back to the gate on time.
Feeling stiff after a red-eye flight? Airports increasingly offer wellness zones to relax, refresh, and recharge. These airport amenities provide the perfect layover ideas for body and mind.
XpresSpa (multiple U.S. airports): Massages, facials, and nail care.
Be Relax (global): Affordable massages and quick beauty treatments.
GoSleep Pods or Napcabs: Private sleeping units in airports like Helsinki, Munich, and Abu Dhabi.
Pro Tip: Schedule your treatment or pod session early—these services book up fast on peak travel days.
You might not consider this your go-to layover activity, but some airports are making it easier than ever to stay active on the go.
Yoga Rooms: Available at San Francisco (SFO), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
Walking Tracks: Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) features a 1.4-mile walking loop.
Airport Gyms: Dubai International (DXB) and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) offer full-service workout facilities.
Layover Tip: Pack lightweight workout clothes in your carry-on to stretch or sweat between flights.
Gone are the days of sad sandwiches and soggy fries. Some airports now serve up chef-driven meals and gourmet cuisine that offer an authentic taste of the country you’re passing through.
Tokyo Haneda (HND)— Sushi counters and ramen stalls.
Madrid-Barajas (MAD)— Tapas bars and Iberian ham.
Portland International (PDX)— Local food trucks and artisanal coffee.
Layover Tip: Research top-rated airport restaurants on review apps before you fly to plan your meal stops.
Sometimes, the best use of your travel downtime is a little unplugged peace. Turn your long layover into a retreat with books, journaling, or a digital detox.
Book Recommendations for Layovers:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is short, inspiring, and ideal for travel.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer—Great for solo adventurers.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes—Fuel for future trips.
Pack a paperback or download something new before you board—you never know how much you’ll crave a good read while everyone else stares at screens.
Technology can turn your tedious wait into a productive or entertaining experience.
Seat screen features: Some airlines offer games, guided meditations, movies, and language lessons.
Virtual tours: Explore famous landmarks through VR headsets that are available at some hubs.
Charging stations and workspaces: perfect for catching up on emails or editing vacation photos.
Bonus Layover Activity: Dive into games on planes or download travel-themed puzzles and brain teasers to stay entertained.
If you’re at a central international hub, you’re sitting at one of the most multicultural crossroads on the planet. Airport tours don’t always have to be formal—sometimes, watching people interact across languages and customs is its kind of theater.
Grab a coffee, settle near a departure gate, and try to guess where fellow travelers are headed. You’ll be surprised at how fascinating this simple long layover activity can be.
Duty-free shops and airport boutiques offer a great chance to pick up local products, tech gadgets, or luxury goods without trekking to city stores.
Local snacks or drinks you can’t get at home.
Skincare brands or fragrances are unique to the region.
Travel gear or comfort upgrades (neck pillows, eye masks, etc.).
Layover Tip: Stick to carry-on-friendly sizes and double-check your airline’s rules about liquids and electronics.
Depending on your layover time, here’s how to optimize your stop:
Visit a lounge
You can just eat at a local restaurant.
Read a book or watch a movie.
Take a walk and stretch
Explore airport museums or gardens.
Get a massage or nap in a pod.
Watch a cultural performance.
Shop for souvenirs
You can take a short city trip.
You can go on an airport tour.
Visit nearby attractions
Return to relax in a lounge.
Before you make plans for an extended layover, keep the following in mind:
Check visa requirements: Some countries require a transit visa even for brief exits.
Store your luggage: Most international airports offer luggage storage or lockers.
Allow buffer time: Always return at least 2 hours before your next flight.
Know the terminal layout: Some hubs are vast; use maps to avoid getting lost.
With creativity and planning, your long layover can go from dreaded delay to delightful detour. Whether sipping coffee in a butterfly garden, enjoying local street food, or discovering a mini-museum in Terminal 3, the options are far better than scrolling through your phone for hours.
The next time you’re stuck between flights, remember: this isn’t wasted time—it’s a bonus vacation. Embrace these best things to do on a long layover to turn travel time into fun, and your stopover might become the highlight of your entire journey.
This content was created by AI