Can you leave the airport during a layover?

Can you leave the airport during a layover? The shorter your layover, the less time you'll have outside the airport. Any time you leave the secure area of the airport, you'll need to go back through security when you return:

• If your connection is leaving in under four to five hours, you may not have time to get through security again before boarding
• If your layover is within the six to eight-hour range, you may be able to get a meal, visit a museum, or do some light sightseeing
• Some countries require a visa for entry, even if you're just stepping outside for a coffee.

When you have a long layover for a flight, you might be wondering if it’s possible to leave the airport to get a change of scenery. In some cases, you can leave the airport, but it makes sense to do your research first to ensure you don’t miss your connecting flight. Here’s our guide to leaving the airport during a layover and how to do it effectively.

Are you allowed to leave the airport during a layover?

Technically yes, but it mostly depends on the length of your layover, the country you're in, and whether you need to clear immigration.

Can you leave the airport during a layover on a domestic flight?

If you're flying within the same country, the policies are relatively relaxed. As long as you have enough time before your next flight boards, you can head out of the airport and explore. Just remember you'll need to come back through security again, so plan at least an hour (more if the airport is known for long lines). That means a three-hour layover is probably too tight.

However, if you have an extended layover (think six hours or more), you may have time to leave the airport, stretch your legs, and possibly venture into the city of your connection. Airports can be close to or far from the city center, so be sure to plan in travel time for when you need to return for your connecting flight and to make it through security.

Can you leave the airport during an international flight?

Leaving the airport during an international flight can be a little more challenging than with domestic flights. To leave the airport, you'll have to go through passport control and officially enter the country. That means you'll need a valid visa (if one is required) and enough time to clear customs twice – once on the way out, once on the way back in.

If your layover is under five to six hours, it's usually not worth the stress. If it's eight to ten hours or more, you might have time to see a bit of the city.

Layovers in the European Union

The EU is traveler friendly if you want to leave the airport during your layover. If your passport allows you to enter visa free (like US citizens and many others), you can usually step outside with little hassle. Large hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris even promote short layover tours. Just keep an eye on traffic – what looks like a quick ride into the city on a map can take more time than expected, especially if you’re taking a taxi versus public transportation. Always make sure you have plenty of time to return.

Layovers in the US

If you have an international flight that lands in the US, every international passenger must go through immigration and customs when they first land, even if your next flight is domestic. That means if your layover is short, you won't have time to leave.

For long layovers (six to eight hours or more), you can leave, but don't underestimate how long re-entry security lines can be. Non-US passport holders can leave the airport during a US layover if they're eligible for visa-free entry (like with an ESTA waiver) or already have a valid US visa.

In recent years, international travelers have reported longer lines and tougher questioning at passport control, so be prepared for extra scrutiny before you head out.

Rest of the world

Elsewhere, the policies vary. Some countries require you to apply for a special "transit visa" to leave the airport. Others, like Singapore or Doha, actively encourage layover sightseeing and even run city tours for passengers with long waits. Always check ahead, as a long layover can be a great opportunity to see more of the world instead of spending a long time in the airport.

Types of layovers

What's a stopover?

A stopover is a long pause between flights, usually more than 24 hours on international trips (or more than 4 hours on domestic ones). Airlines often use stopovers to connect far-flung destinations. Some cities even encourage them, offering special deals or tours to turn that long wait into a mini-vacation between destinations.

What is a standard layover?

This is a typical layover that involves a stop before the flight to your final destination. It's usually anywhere from one to four hours. This is usually just enough time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and stroll through the airport.

What is an extended layover?

An extended layover is the middle ground between a quick layover connection and a full stopover. Think six to twelve hours. You have time to leave the airport and explore a bit, but you'll need to plan carefully to make sure traffic, customs, or long security lines don’t interfere with your ability to make the connecting flight.

What's an unexpected layover?

This is the layover no one asks for, which can be caused by delays, missed connections, or bad weather. Sometimes, you may be caught in the airport for hours, which can sometimes be overnight depending on weather and plane and crew availability.

Airlines may provide hotel vouchers or meal credits if it's their fault (such as a mechanical issue), but may not if delays are weather related.

What's an overnight layover?

An overnight layover means your outbound flight lands on one day, and your connecting flight leaves the next day, which means you’ll be at the airport overnight.

If the airport allows it, you can sleep in the terminal. Otherwise, it's worth checking if your airline offers a hotel or if it makes sense to book one yourself. In some cities, overnight layovers give you a chance to grab dinner or see the nightlife before heading back to catch your flight.

Things to consider before leaving the airport during a layover

Layover length

The shorter your layover, the less time you'll have outside the airport. If your connection is leaving in under four to five hours, you may not have time to get through security again before boarding. For anything in the six to eight-hour range, you may be able to get a meal, visit a museum, or do some light sightseeing.

Checked and carry-on luggage

If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, it makes it easier to leave the airport with just your carry-on. However, if you need to recheck your luggage during the layover (common in the US), leaving the airport might not be as easy or seamless. You may not want to traverse a crowded city with big luggage in tow, so either skip leaving the airport or look to see if there are short-term luggage storage options in the airport or public transportation center.

Time of day

When you’re deciding if you want to leave the airport during your flight connection, consider what time your layover starts. Landing at 10 am? This gives you plenty of options of things to see. If you’re landing at midnight, however, you might have less to do if you leave, unless you like late-night activities.

Even if the city is safe, late-night transportation options might be limited, and many attractions will be closed. Also consider if you'll have the energy to travel late into the night after a day of flying.

Journey to and from airport

Many airports advertise that they're close to the city center. But always consider the traffic and public transportation timetables to see if it’s realistic to leave the airport during a layover.

Do you need a visa for a layover?

Even if you're just stepping outside for a coffee, some countries require a visa for entry. The US, for example, requires either a valid visa or ESTA approval. Other countries may offer a transit visa, but you'll need to apply in advance. Without a visa, you won’t be able to leave the airport.

Time-management tips for leaving the airport during layovers

Research transportation options

Before you exit the airport, check how you'll get into the city. Some airports have high-speed trains or direct shuttles that make downtown a quick ride away. Others may have a lot of traffic or may cost a lot to take private transportation. Knowing your options ahead of time saves both stress and time.

Leave room for delays

Flights don't always land on the dot, and passport control can move at a glacial pace. Build a buffer into your plan so you don’t have to sprint through the terminal to make your connection. A good rule of thumb: Always aim to be back at the airport at least two hours (domestic) or three hours (international) before your next flight.

Research distances

For iconic attractions, distances like miles or kilometers can mean different timetables depending on where you are. In some cities, it may be an easy ride, but in others, you could encounter more traffic. Look up real-world travel times (not just mileage) before deciding whether you can safely leave the airport during a layover.

Consider avoiding peak hours

If your layover falls during morning or evening commute times, factor that in. If you land during one of these times, it may make more sense to enjoy an airport café, take a rest, or avail yourself of other airport amenities rather than leaving the airport.

Do you have to go through security again?

Any time you leave the secure area of the airport, you'll need to go back through security when you return. That means another round of lines, baggage checks, and scanners. Factor this into your layover plan, especially in airports where security can take longer during busy periods. Even if your boarding pass is already in hand, you won't be able to get back to your gate without entering security.

What to do with luggage if you leave the airport during a layover?

If your checked baggage is already tagged to your final destination, they'll be transferred automatically, and you only need to worry about your carry-on. If you have to retrieve your luggage, look into storage. Some airports offer rentable luggage storage or lockers, which may be worth it so you can explore more freely.

What happens if you miss your connecting flight?

If you miscalculate and miss your connection, you need to speak to the airline directly. Airlines are usually only responsible for rebooking you if the delay was their fault, such as a late incoming flight. If you're late because you chose to leave the airport and got caught in traffic, you may have to pay for a new ticket. To avoid this scenario, leave yourself plenty of buffer time or be ready to handle the financial and logistical challenges of rescheduling.

Making your connection count

Leaving the airport during a layover can be an opportunity to see more on your trip, but only if you plan the timing and logistics correctly. Arrival time, layover time, luggage, transportation, and visa requirements all need to be sorted in advance if you plan on leaving the airport. By planning ahead, you can ensure your time sightseeing is well spent, and you can get back to the airport with plenty of time to continue your journey.