Planning a trip with a connecting flight? Several hours at a foreign airport can be such a drag. Luckily, there is a chance for you to divert on a short exploration of your transit country – on a layover tour.
Layover tours, also known as transit tours or airport tours, are a special type of tourist tours for passengers of transit flights who have several hours to spend in a third country between their flights. They are organized by airports, airlines, or special certified travel companies, and are generally available for free or for a giveaway price. Hub airports collaborate with tour service providers to offer same-day visits in the form of transit tours, which let passengers see the sights of the transit city for half a day or so.
As a general rule, you don’t need a visa to take airport layover tours, as you’re considered an “in-transit” passenger. However, not all countries and airports allow you to exit the airport on your transit time. It mainly depends on the country you arrive in and on agreements it has with your country of origin. In each particular case, the countries regulate which documents you need for traveling: you might not need a visa at all, but sometimes there is a transit visa or a regular visa requirement; your flight tickets and passport expiry date might also be checked. Finding out that you cannot leave the airport when you have psyched yourself up for an adventure is quite disheartening, so be sure to check in advance the possibilities, requirements, and travel documents.
Don’t forget about time: after all, you don’t want to miss the flight to your final destination, right? Transit tours are not recommended for less than two-hour connections. Keep track of time to be back at the correct terminal for your next flight.
You should also consider where to store your luggage, if applicable – some tours may not have room or allow you to bring your luggage with you.
To help you think through your possible connecting flights, we have assembled a list of top cities for a layout tour.
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Seoul
If you have a long transit stay at Incheon International Airport, don’t miss a chance to have a taste of Korean culture. While we would argue whether a layout tour will be enough to explore Seoul, it will give you a snippet of the modern capital of South Korea with its spiritual temples, tranquil palaces, contrasted by modern skyscrapers.
Registration for layout tours can be made online or at transit tour desks at the Incheon International Airport.
Even if you don’t go out on a tour in Seoul, there is a Cultural Museum of Korea right at the airport – check it out if you have the time.
Tokyo
Joining one of the exciting transit activities and tours is a splendid way to experience some of the popular sights and sounds of Japan. The transit tours start at Tokyo Narita Airport and are led by volunteer travel guides in training. These tours are free, but you have to pay all transport and entry fees.
There are a variety of tours available, and the approximate duration is 3 hours. Registration is available at Narita Transit Tourism Counter during the day, or online.
Cairo
If you have a connection at Cairo International Airport, you have a chance to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx on a half-day tour – quite naturally, they are the highlights on a short trip to Egypt. Other popular sights available include the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, and the Egyptian Bazaar.
Passengers with between 6 and 48 hours to wait between flights can leave the airport and explore the area without a visa. A valid onward flight ticket is required.
Dubai
Dubai is a great destination in itself, but also the perfect stopover for going to all kinds of other wonderful places around Asia. A transit in Dubai is the perfect opportunity to discover this rapidly changing international megapolis.
Generally, you will need at least six hours to take a two to three-hour city tour. You can book your layover tour online, or check with your airline.
Istanbul
If you have a connection for your flight in Istanbul with an over 6-hour transit, you can go out on a free tour to explore the colorful cultural city of Istanbul. The tours, organized by Turkish Airlines, include a visit to Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, the incredible Grand Covered Bazaar, and more.
Registration can be made at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrival Hall.
