Although taking non-direct flights can save money on airfare, it does come with the dreaded layovers. If it’s a brief one, you have the opportunity to go around Duty-Free, stretch your legs, and take a quick shower in a room larger than a closet. You have time to travel to a new city if it’s a lengthy one. However, those annoying 5- or 6-hour layovers, where you have a little too much time to wait around the gate but not enough time to leave the airport, are the most annoying.
Fortunately, some airports and travel agencies have realized this. Instead of leaving you to deal with the hassle of figuring out a new city’s public transportation system while time is running out or the high expense of a private tour, they are providing planned excursions that will take you to the major attractions and return to the departures lounge in plenty of time to catch your next flight. Quite cool, isn’t it? These are our recommendations for the best airports for these quick and reasonably priced stopover excursions.
Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavík, Iceland
There is a layover at Keflavík International Airport when traveling to Europe and beyond with Icelandair or WOW Air. If you schedule (or find yourself) a lengthy break between connecting flights, you can get a brief snapshot even though the airlines permit a longer, multi-night stay. Get the most out of your visit by taking a trip that includes the local landmarks and at least offers you a taste of Iceland. For instance, Travice provides three- to four-hour tours that include stops at the Blue Lagoon and a number of distinctively Icelandic settlements.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Free tours of the island state of Singapore are available at Changi Airport if you have at least six hours to spare. Transit passengers can select from a variety of tours offered throughout the day, such as the Heritage Tour, which examines Singapore’s historical and contemporary architecture, or the City Sights Tour, which stops at some of the city-state’s most well-known landmarks, such as the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
If you have a 5- to 12-hour layover in Qatar during your Qatar Airways journey, you can schedule a complimentary Doha City Tour. On a first-come, first-served basis, there are approximately four tours offered each day. With visits to places like Dhow Harbor, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Katara Cultural Village, you’ll receive a brief overview of the country’s capital, Doha.
Incheon Airport, Seoul, South Korea
Depending on the duration of your layover, Seoul’s Incheon Airport offers Free Transit Tours at various times and locations throughout the day. For instance, visitors who take the 5-hour trip have access to sights including Namsan Seoul Tower, Myeong-dong, one of the city’s main commercial avenues, and Gyeongbokgung, a palace from the 14th century.
Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Both transit travelers and guests staying at a hotel close to the airport can take advantage of complimentary tours at Tokyo Narita Airport. With visits to local shops, eateries, temples, and shrines, there are guided and self-directed tours that are suitable for culture vultures, foodies, and shopaholics alike.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam, Netherlands
With a walking and canal tour that lasts about four hours (including the trip to and from the airport), a tour from Amsterdam Layovers provides an excellent overview of the capital of the Netherlands. In addition to seeing some of Amsterdam’s top attractions, you’ll drive through the gorgeous Dutch countryside and make a stop at the Rembrandt Windmill.
Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
For travelers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport, ETours provides a layover tour. In addition to lesser-known destinations like Casa Loma, a medieval castle situated in five acres of gardens, the 2.5-hour trip will include some of the city’s most popular landmarks and neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, the CN Tower, and St. Lawrence Market.
Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California
You can use LA City Tours to explore the city if you’re staying in Los Angeles for at least six hours. This tour starts at LAX and takes you to some of the most famous locations on the West Coast, such as the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame. Before stopping at a Farmers Market for lunch, you’ll also love a tour of Santa Monica and the Beverly Hills Sign.