Stuck on a layover at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) in southern California? Located roughly three miles from downtown San Diego, the city is an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers.  If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your North Carolina layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck inside the San Diego airport during your layover, you can take advantage of the passenger services available including a variety of restaurants and eateries, and local and national brand shops – a directory of the shops and restaurants can be found here. In addition, new dining and shopping options will be available at the airport at the end of 2012. The airport also hosts rotating art exhibits, and free Tarmac Tours of the airport and airfield (sign up for a tour online).

There are a number of lounges available at the San Diego International Airport including the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 2 inside security (800.237.7971), the Delta Crown Room in Terminal 2 between gates 37 and 38 (800.221.1212), the United Red Carpet Room in Terminal 1, Mezzanine Level (619.231.5692), and the Neil Ash USO Center on the ground level of Terminal 1.

For great parking deals at SAN, CLICK HERE!

If you have time to leave the San Diego airport during your layover, there are a number of transportation options including car rental and taxis. There are a few public transportation options including Amtrak and Coaster, Metro Bus, and Trolley service.

If you have an overnight layover in San Diego and are looking for a place to spend the night, click here for a comprehensive list of nearby hotels at varying price points.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In San Diego:

Gaslamp Quarter

This 16 block historic district of San Diego has something for everyone.  With a ton of shops and restaurants, historic sites, clubs and bars, this area is a great place to stop off in between flights!

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is much more than your average zoo. With the bus trips, Safari Park, rare animal breeding centers, and impressive exhibits, it is a zoo experience unlike any other.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a taste of California beaches at its best. Here you can take a dip, watch the surfers, stroll along the beach, grab a coffee, roller skate, or just catch some rays.

Cabrillo Tide Pools

This beachside mile long hike offers a chance to take a look in a series of tidepools and see some fun marine life including sea anemones, crabs, and tons more.

For tons more ideas of things to do during your San Diego layover, click here!

Stuck on a layover at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CTU)? As the main hub for US Airways, Charlotte is a popular layover destination. The airport is located roughly ten miles from downtown Charlotte, which makes the city a great destination for those on a long layover. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport, you can find a number of services to keep you occupied on your layover wait. There are a number of shops and restaurants that you can find listed by each concourse here. There is also an Information Counter and Visitor Center, Banking and ATM’s in the main terminal, business services and conference facilities are available (call 704-359-4013 for more info), Internet service is available through data ports located throughout the airport, Interfaith 24-hour place of worship, and a Post Office in Concourse D.

For the full Layover Guide to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, CLICK HERE!

If you’re looking for a hotel to rest and unwind before your next flight, there’s the Doubletree Hotel Charlotte Airport and the Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport nearby. For more hotel options near the airport, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport to see some sites, you can catch a taxi outside of Baggage Claim. On average, the cost for a taxi ride to the city center is $25.00 plus $1 gas surcharge. For more information on the Charlotte Airport’s taxi prices, click here. In addition, you can find contact information for a number of limousines, shuttle services, and contract vans here and car rental services here.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Charlotte Layover:

Charlotte Tours
If you have a limited amount of time to explore the city, a tour may be the best way to go to see a number of sights. There’s a number to choose from including Charlotte’s Longest Running Daily City Tour, Guided Historic Walking Tours of Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte Trolley Tour and Charlotte Segway and Bike Tours.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens/
If you’re looking to stretch your legs in a beautiful locale, the UNC Botanical Gardens may be just the spot. The gardens include a greenhouse complex, a 3-acre Susie Hardwood Garden and a 7-acre Van Landingham Glen – each offering a variety of different plants.

Discovery Place
A great place to take children, the Discovery Place in Charlotte has it all – IMAX Dome Theater, hands-on science museum, Discovery Place Kids (opening Fall 2010) and the Charlotte Nature Museum.

Carolina Raptor Center
This non-profit organization helps rescue a variety of birds and raptors, with over 100 residing permanently at the center. To meet the creatures at the Raptor Center, click here and to read up on the various weekly programs offered, click here.

Carolinas Aviation Museum
If you don’t have enough time to make to Charlotte, you can find the Carolinas Aviation Museum only a 5 minute taxi ride from the airport’s main terminal. The museum has an extensive collection of planes and a great observation deck.

None of these interest you? Try the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, Carowinds amusement park, or the Old Mecklenburg Brewery.

Have a suggestion or advice for Charlotte layovers? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Hong Kong layover? The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located roughly 25 miles from downtown Hong Kong which makes the city accessible only for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Hong Kong layover, click here for useful tips.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport during your Hong Kong layover, fortunately you are in the airport that was currently ranked #1 in the world’s top airports. In the Hong Kong airport, in addition to many choices of restaurants and shops, you can get a foot reflexology massage, see the 4D Extreme Screen in Terminal 2 with the largest 4D screen in Asia, and visit the Aviation Discovery Centre in Terminal 2 which includes a Cockpit Simulator, a full-motion plane-cabin ride simulator and much more.

For Gwyneth Paltrow’s Hong Kong Picks, Click Here!

In addition, you can check out Asia Hollywood in Terminal 2, Level 6 where you can experience this interactive themed entertainment centre that educates about the local film industry. You can also play I-Sports in Terminal 2, Level 6 where you’ll find sports simulators such as soccer, basketball, golf, boxing, skiing, car racing, and shooting.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, The Regal Airport Hotel is connected to Terminal 1. There are also a number of hotels in the area for varying price points. For a comprehensive list of Hong Kong hotels, click here.

The World’s Tallest Hotel Opens In Hong Kong

If you have a long layover in Hong Kong and plan on leaving the airport, in addition to taxis, the easiest and more affordable way to get from the airport into town is to take the Airport Express. The trains are on time, clean and efficient. The Airport Express links HKIA directly to Hong Kong’s central business district and from there, buses connect the airport with most of the city. Trains depart at 12-minute intervals. For schedule of the Airport Express, please click here.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Hong Kong Layover:

Victoria’s Peak
Take the Airport Express to HK station and take the mini bus (from the bus terminus below IFC/HK station), and then take the Peak Tram to The Peak. This high point gives you a great lookout onto Hong Kong and the harbor. It’s the perfect place to snap some great shots and get a good look at the city.

Star Ferry
From Central, take the ferry to TST, Kowloon and check out another great view of Hong Kong. You can walk along Nathan Road for shopping and food.

Business District and Mid-Levels Escalator
To central business district of Hong Kong has the fancy buildings and shopping malls, and gives you a feeling for the city. Take the Hong Kong stop of the Airport Express. You’ll be at a large mall and office building, called ‘IFC’. You can take the ‘Mid-Levels Escalator’ which is the longest covered outdoor escalator in the world. It starts from the western end of IFC and it is an outdoor escalator that will take you through the middle of the city, restaurant/bar area and then up towards the more residential areas.

Tian Tan – The Big Buddha
Although on the same island as the airport, unless you take a taxi which can be pricey, you need to take public transportation there, which can take some time and is only recommended for those on very long layovers. You can reach the Buddha by traveling to Tung Chung station via the MTR. You can find an MTR map here. Visitors can then take the following bus routes: Mui Wo to Ngong Ping (NLB No. 2) and Tung Chung to Ngong Ping (NLB No. 23)

Have a suggestion for a Hong Kong layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a layover at Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Austria? You’ll find that there’s plenty to do to keep you busy, both inside and outside the airport. The airport is located 12 kms from downtown Vienna which makes the city an accessible destination for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your layover in Vienna, click here for useful tips.

The Vienna airport offers a number of services that will help bide the layover wait. You can find an interactive airport map here (Macromedia Flash required) to help you get situated. There are more than 70 shops, as well as a number of restaurants and cafés. On Level 1, there’s a supermarket. In addition, you can find two post offices, 10 lounges, and you can also take advantage of the VIP and Business Services. Wireless Internet access is available for free in the lounges and within certain ranges.

If you’re looking to ditch your bags, the airport offers luggage storage at the Baggage Claim in the Arrivals Hall.  Luggage storage at the Vienna Airport is open from 5:30am to 11:20pm, as well as safe deposit boxes for smaller items.

For overnight layovers, the NH Vienna Airport Hotel is located close to the terminals. For a full list of Vienna hotels of varying price ranges, click here.

For those looking to leave the airport during your Vienna layover, there are a few different options for transportation into Vienna. You can take the city airport train which leaves every half hour and takes 16 minutes from the airport to the city. Bus services through Vienna Airport Lines take roughly 20 minutes and there are also bus routes available to nearby countries including Slovakia and Hungary.  In addition, car rentals, taxi and limousine services are also available at the airport.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Vienna Layover

Sightseeing tours
From free walking tours to city segway tours, there’s tons of options depending on your interests and time limitations. Click here for a good list of the various tours you can take.

Schonbrunn Palace (Schloss Schonbrunn)
The Schonbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s main attractions and a royal residence in the city. The palace, surrounded by expansive gardens with sculptures, also contains the Tiergarten Schonbrunn zoo which is considered the world’s oldest zoo.

Naschmarkt
The Nanschmarkt is a huge outdoor market which sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to seafood. On Saturdays, you can find antiques and other goodies. The market dates back to the 16th century and is a great place to people watch and get a sense of the city, as well as a bite for lunch.

State Oprah House (Staatsoper)
The State Oprah House is the main theater in Vienna and considered one of the top eight opera houses in the world. You can take a tour of the Opera House, or can purchase a ticket and attend a show. This blog gives a detailed description on how to order tickets. vienna-tips.blogspot.com

Donauturm
If you’re looking for a good view of the city, and to grab a bite, check out the Donauturm Observation Tower and Restaurant. The express elevator takes you up to the 150m above the ground where you can get a panoramic view of Vienna.

For some more ideas of things to do in Vienna during your layover, click here. Have any suggestions for a Vienna layover? Leave a comment below!

If you’re stuck on a Shanghai layover at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport, you can find plenty to do to bide your time. Shanghai is China’s largest city, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Shanghai layover, there are dozens of restaurants and plenty of shopping including duty free shops between gates 15 and 20 for international travelers. There are also medical clinics, banks, and airline lounges throughout the airport.

For those on an overnight Shanghai layover, or looking to rest between flights, there is a three-star hourly hotel on the transfer level of the main terminal. You can reserve a room in advance by calling 021-68346480 (domestically) and 021-68346490 (Internationally). For a list of Shanghai hotels at varying price points, click here.

Stuck on a layover at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina? As a hub for American Eagle, the airport serves North Carolina’s triangle region and is located in roughly 14 miles from downtown Raleigh, 14 miles from Durham and 18 miles from Chapel Hill, which makes these destinations accessible for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your North Carolina layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the Raleigh airport during your North Carolina layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport offer shopping and restaurants, and a number of services including wireless internet, XpresSpa, money exchange and ATMs, shoe shining, an interfaith chapel, a florist, and more.

For the full Layover Guide to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, CLICK HERE!

There are a few Airline clubs and lounges in the airport as well, including the American Airlines Admirals Club on the second floor of Terminal 2, the U.S. Airways club in Terminal 1 across from Gate A22, and the Delta Airlines Sky Club which is planning on opening December 2010 in Terminal 2.

The airport also offers the following art exhibits to enjoy at the airport in between flights, and the RDU Observation Park where passengers can watch planes land and take off from the airport’s longest runway. A playground and picnic tables are nearby.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are many hotel options available near the airport. For a list of hotels near the airport in Morrisville, click here.  You can also find hotels in Raleigh here, Durham here, and Chapel Hill here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport during your North Carolina layover, taxis are available outside the airport – click here for more information and rates. In addition there are shuttle and limo services, rental cars, as well as bus and rail.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Raleigh, North Carolina:

Raleigh Museums

If you want to stroll around and see some exhibits during your layover, there’s a lot of museums in Raleigh to choose from including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural Sciences, Artspace, and the Marbles Kids Museum.

Raleigh Parks

Get outdoors and enjoy your time at one of Raleigh’s parks including Mordecai Historical Park, Frankie’s Fun Park, Pullen Park, and Historic Oak View County Park.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Durham, North Carolina:

Duke University

Stroll around the campus of Duke University and check out the libraries, arts, and events.

Durham Museums

Durham has a lot of museums to choose from depending on your interests including the Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Life & Science, Nasher Museum of Art, and the Insectarium.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Chapel Hill, North Carolina:

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and offers a lot including an arboretum, trails, gardens and more.

Morehead Planetarium

The Morehead Planetarium is a great place to take the kids on a North Carolina layover, and here you can find planetarium shows, exhibitions, events and activities.

Have a suggestion for a North Carolina layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Dubai layover in the United Arab Emirates? Dubai is the fastest-growing transit hub in the world, and has one of the nicest airports. The Dubai International Airport is located roughly 3 miles outside Dubai, which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your layover in Dubai, click here for useful tips.

The Dubai airport is lined with palm trees and offers upscale shopping and restaurants. For the tired traveler, inside the hotel is the five-star, Dubai International Airport Hotel. You can pay by the hour (starting at $40) or the entire night (from $200) and offers a health club, business center, 24 hour laundry and room service. For additional Dubai hotels of varying price points, click here.

The Dubai International Airport also has many services including a Women’s Lounge & Children’s Play Area located between gates 12 and 14, internet kiosks near Gate 9 and Gate 23, a medical center on the ground level of the Concourse, post office near Gate 18 (open 24 hours), four prayer rooms in Arrivals and the main Concourse, and banking and currency exchange located near Gates 8, 18 and 22.

There are also many lounges to keep you occupied during your Dubai layover. There’s an International First Class Lounge between Gates 114 and 112, a Business Class Lounge beside Gate 108, and lounges for the following airlines: Air France, Gulf Air, Emirates, British Airways, KLM and Star Alliance between Gates 21 and 26. In addition there are two Quiet Lounges in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal near Gates 9 and 23 free of charge.

If you’re planning on seeing some sights during your Dubai layover, keep in mind that Dubai has some strict laws. The slightest amount of any illegal substance can land you in jail for many years, even life. In addition, don’t walk in front of somebody when they are praying, don’t drink alcohol in the street or in any public place (alcohol is only allowed in hotels or private clubs), avoid passionate displays of affection in public, and women should not dress suggestively to avoid any hassle.

Also, immigration can be long, as well as taxi lines. Give yourself plenty of time for delays. Depending on what city you’re coming from, you may also need to get a visa, and pay permissions to enter the country. (You can check out Visa Requirements in the widget on the right hand column of this page.)

Tickets for Big Bus Tours are valid for 24 hours and you can hop on and off whenever you’d like. One ticket covers both routes, which includes the Red Route (Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Fort & Dubai Museum, the Souks (bazaars) and a few shopping malls) and The Blue Route (5-star hotels & the fanciest shopping malls.) Both tours offer live commentary or a choice of eight digitally recorded languages. See website for more info.

Old Souqs
Although many people head straight to the modern mall, check out the Old Souqs along the creek in the older part of town that is what made Dubai the trading capital it is. On the Deira side of the Creek, don’t miss the Gold Souq which has over 300 outlets including all the gold jewelry you can imagine seeing as well as drain covers with diamonds on them. Also on this side is the Spice Souq which has spices from all over the Middle East. On the other side, check out the Bur Dubai Souq with textile and souvenir shops.

Shopping & Skiing
The Mall of the Emirates is a shoppers’ paradise, and for those who prefer to hit the slopes, the mall features the first indoor ski slope in the Middle East. For $40 per person you can get a lift ticket good for 2 hours, ski rentals, ski pants and jackets and even socks (gloves and hats are not provided). You can ski, snowboard and toboggan here, down the over 1300 foot slope. The mall is open 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm.

Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab looks like a giant sail and claims to be “The Best Hotel in the World” with a rating of 7 stars. It is the world’s tallest dedicated hotel, with all the rooms hosting incredible views. The inside of the hotel has a dancing fountain, two massive fish-tank walls, and a soaring atrium. To visit the Burj Al Arab, you need to be staying there, or have advance reservations to eat at one of the restaurants or to have a drink at one of the bars (tip – the most budget friendly option is to book afternoon tea). Photos are only allowed in the lobby area.

Desert Safari & Camel Racing
If you have a very lengthy layover in Dubai, you might want to check out the camel racing and desert safaris offered outside Abu Dhabi city. Camel races are usually held early on Fridays or on national holidays. Safaris are half a day, and offer overnight options to stay in a Bedouin tent. Wadi-Driving explores the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow from the Hajar mountains. Dune driving allows you to try your hand at sand driving, with four-wheel-drive vehicles provided, and an expert guide. Or, try Sand-Skiing down the dunes of the Dubai desert. You can also sign on for a Desert Feasts which follow the safari with evening with an Arab barbecue under the stars.

Have a suggestion for a Dubai Layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Lisbon layover at the Lisbon Portela International Airport in Portugal? The airport is located 5 miles north of Lisbon, which makes the city very accessible to those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Lisbon layover, click here for useful tips.

For those stuck in the airport, services include ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, Internet access, photo machine, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free.

A Baggage Storage Area is open 24/7 to leave your luggage while you explore Lisbon on your layover. It is located in the arrivals area, next to car park area P2. Telephone (+351) 218 413 594

For those on a long layover with time to explore Lisbon there are a few transportation options. Taxi stands are located outside of arrivals and departures, and the Carris Aerobus #91 travels to the city center. You can also rent a car at the airport.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Lisbon:

The World Heritage Belem Tower
It has been said that The World Heritage Belem Tower is to Lisbon what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Big Ben is to London. Built in 1515 as a fortress, now UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument. It is the city’s most photographed landmark, which along with the Jeronimos Monasteryis a must-see monument.

The Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and one of the best facilities of its type. Check out over 25,000 fish, seabirds, and mammals in an enormous world oceans habitat, and a central tank bigger than four Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto, by day, is relatively quiet with restaurants and shopping but by night, it transforms into packed narrow streets of endless clubbing and bar hopping. Great place to visit for a night layover.

St. George’s Castle
On top of the highest hill in Lisbon, the famous St. George’s Castle can be seen from throughout Lisbon. Originally a small fortified town, the castle, the original parts date back to the 6th century.

Have a suggestion for a Lisbon layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Russia layover at the Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg (LED)? The airport is has two terminals – Pulkovo 1 for domestic flights and Pulkovo 2 for international flights, and is located roughly 12 miles from downtown Saint Petersburg which makes the city an accessible destination for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Saint Petersburg layover, click here for useful tips.

In your stuck inside the Pulkovo airport during your Saint Petersburg layover, there’s plenty to do. To help you get situated, here you can find maps of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 which shows where different amenities and services are located. The airport offers inquiry desks inside each terminal to help with questions. In addition, here are some useful phone numbers.

CLICK HERE for the Layover Guide to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport

Pulkovo airport offers a number of services including VIP halls and business lounges (which cater to holders of PriorityPass, CitiGold, and Diners Club International), cafes, bars and restaurants, free Wi-Fi access, duty free shopping, a number of banking services and ATMs, baby care rooms, and a post office.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are a number of hotels nearby the Pulkovo airport. For a comprehensive list of Saint Petersburg hotels at varying price points, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the Pulkovo airport to explore Saint Petersburg during your layover, there are a number of transportation options from airport to downtown including taxis which are located in the arrival halls of both airports, city buses, shuttle buses, and car hire.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A St. Petersburg Layover:

State Hermitage Museum

With over three million exhibits including world-renown artwork including paintings, graphic works, sculpture and more, the State Hermitage Museum is considered to be one of the most famous museums in the world.

Peterhof Palace

The palace and park at Peterhof (also known as Petrodvorets) is one of the most popular attractions in Saint Petersburg and was built to be “the Russian Versaille.” The park, complete with fountains, and the Cottage Palace is a great place to visit during your Saint Petersburg layover.

Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress was built in 1703 and is located along the Neva River, and served as a high security political jail (parts of the former jail are open to the public). In the middle of the fortress, you’ll find the towering Peter and Paul Cathedral which is the burial place of many Russian Emperors and Empresses.

Mariinsky Theatre

If you arrive in the evening, or are available to check out a show, the historic Mariinsky Theatre offers incredible ballet and orchestra performances. Click here for tickets and showtimes.

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood

Located on the Griboedova Canal, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood is a spectacularly stunning gold-topped church with intricate mosaic interiors, and marks the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881 (where it was later decided to build a church in his honor).

None of these interest you? Here are more suggestions of things to do on your Saint Petersburg, Russia layover.

Stuck on a United Arab Emirates layover at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)? The airport is one of the fastest growing in the world, and currently being expanded. It is located roughly 30 kilometers from the city center of Abu Dhabi which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Abu Dhabi layover, click here for useful tips.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi airport is roughly a two-hour drive from Dubai, which makes it a viable place to visit for those on very long layovers.  For the full Layover Guide to Dubai, click here!

If you’re stuck inside the Abu Dhabi airport during your layover, there are many options to keep you busy during your wait. The airport has a number of amenities and facilities including 24-hour duty free retail, which permits the following allowances:

• Alcohol: 4 liters or one carton / 24 cans of beer
• Cigarettes: AED 2,000 or 2x 200 carton(s)
• Cigars: AED 3,000 (max.)
• Tobacco (other): 2 kg (max.)
• Gift items (inc. perfume): AED 3,000 (max.)

The airport also offers a business center within the Airport Hotel [Tel: +971 2 5757377], medical services and a pharmacy in terminal 1, Meet & Assist service, a post office open from 7:30am to 9:30pm in terminal 1 ground floor near staff tunnel, and telephone cards available at Duty Free outlets at AED30 and AED 40. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is located in terminals 1 and 2, and ATMs are available in terminals 1, 1A, and 2 in the landslide and transit area. There is also free Internet access at various lounges throughout the airport.

Passengers can relax at one of the Abu Dhabi airport’s many lounges which includes the Ghazal Lounge in terminal 1, the Al Dana Lounge in terminal 2, the Etihad Premium Lounge in terminal 1, the Al Dar Lounge in terminal 2, and the Terminal 2 Premium Lounge. Most lounges allow passengers to pay an hourly rate – all rates can additional location information on the airport lounges can be found here. The Abu Dhabi airport also has a fitness center located within the Airport Hotel (non hotel guests can use for an hourly charge of AED23 per person).

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there is a small 30-room transit Airport Hotel located in the terminal 1 transit area near the Departure Immigration Hall. If you are looking for a place to stay in Abu Dhabi, click here to find a comprehensive list of hotels of varying price points.

If you are planning on leaving the airport to explore Abu Dhabi on your layover, there are a number of transportation options.  The airport offers car rental, there is a 24-hour airport shuttle, taxis and limousine taxis. Bus 901 which arrives outside terminals 1 and 2 and operates between the airport and the city at one-hour intervals at AED3 per trip.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On An Abu Dhabi Layover:

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is named after the first Emirates President and opened in 2007. Large enough for 40,000 people, there are 57 domes made from white marble.

Marina Mall Tower

Opened in 2009, the Marina Mall Tower offers incredible views over the city and the Corniche. At the base of the tower is a skating rink and ski slope, and the mall has over 300 stores for all your shopping needs.

Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit offers a number of motorsport activities including Karting, driving race cars and passenger experiences. Race from their collection of cars including Aston Martins.  To read more about the connecting hotel, the Yas Hotel, click here.

The Corniche

The Corniche is a stretch of 4 miles along the coast of Abu Dhabi from the Sheraton Hotel to the Hilton Hotel. Along with fountains and gardens, refreshments and many activities from wakeboarding to volleyball.

Heritage Village

Heritage Village is a museum that shows the history of the area. With mud-brick houses, gardens, ancient tombs and camel rides, you can see how people used to live in the nomadic cultures.

None of these interest you? Click here for more things to do on your Abu Dhabi layover.

Everything seems to be expensive nowadays, but you can still find cheap holidays that offer great value for money. Visit the site and check out the wide range of destinations.