Layovers: How Much Time Do You Need To Leave The Airport?
Jan 30, 2009 | Comments 4
There are many factors to take into account when deciding whether you have enough time to leave the airport during a layover and venture out into the surrounding area.
Before you leave, check with your airline to see if your ticket permits you to leave the transit area. Some tickets may not permit you to leave the airport. It is also helpful, if possible, when checking in for your flight to check your baggage through to your final destination. If you can’t, you can always ditch your bags at airport lockers, Left Luggage offices, or even a cheap hotel room while you explore.
When determining your time frame, and whether you have time to leave the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Figure out how far the airport is from the area you’re looking to explore. Many airports are close to the city centers, while some aren’t. For example, the Narita Airport in Japan is quite a distance from Tokyo, while the airport in Amsterdam is about a 15 minute train ride. Always plan for delays, so budget extra time to and from for getting lost (if you’re not familiar with the destination), and if traveling by taxi, keep in mind traffic and rush hour.
- Check to see if, at the airport you’re having the layover, whether you’d have to clear customs to leave the airport and then go through it again to re-enter. The website to your particular airport can help you learn the procedures, as well as calling your airline.
- If you need to store luggage, keep in mind the time to both drop it off and pick it up.
- If you need to transfer money to the local currency, budget time to do so.
- In addition to immigration and customs, budget time for security. At some airports these lines can get lengthy. Layoverguide suggests arriving back at the airport two hours before your flight.
For additional layover tips, check out Can I Leave The Airport During A Layover, Catching Connecting Flights: What You Need To Know and “Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Layover.”
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Filed Under: general • immigration • luggage • security
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At Heathrow it takes 45 minutes to get into London for someone who knows how to navigate the Underground, A tourist / newbie would take an hour. So you need 4+ hour layover to make it in and back safely.
There is plenty to do at the airport, depending of course on which terminal you are in. Terminal 5 is British Airways only and has a higher standard of shops and things to do than the rest of the airport. Go to T5 if you have a few pounds to spend!
http://www.heathrowterminal5.com/things-to-do/
I will be having a 5 hr layover at London Heathrow – first visit with family and was wondering if I can do a quick tour of the city. Appreciate any guidance. Thanks.
I am flying to Salzburg with a 5 hour stop in Zurich. I want to check out the city a little and mabye the lake. Nothing fancy. Do you think i will be back on time?