While many travelers assume a long layover is a curse, it can be a blessing. Depending on where your next long layover is, you may be able to take advantage of a free or low-cost transit tour. These tours make for a stress-free way to see another city. Several international airports now offer this to travelers who are making their way through the airport for several hours before they take off to their next destination. Check out some of our favorite airports that offer free and low-cost transit tours.
Incheon/Seoul, South Korea: Incheon International Airport
- Free tours and transit are available for travelers transiting to another country within 24 hours
- Multiple tours are available in different time lengths depending on how much time you have—each tour has its own theme
Singapore: Singapore Changi Airport
- Free tours and transit are available for travelers transiting to another country with at least 5.5 hours and up to 24 hours
- Choose between the Heritage Tour or the City Sights Tour
Tokyo, Japan: Narita International Airport
- Several guided tours are available—each tour lasts 3 hours
- Two bus tours are available daily—each tour lasts 6 hours
- Self-guided tours are also available for those who wish to adventure alone
- Guided tours are free, plan to pay only for food and transportation
Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul Ataturk Airport
- Guided transit tours are available to Turkish Airline passengers who have a layover between 6-24 hours
- Various tours are held daily, and they’re free for Turkish Airlines passengers
- To sign up, head to the hotel desk in the International Arrivals Terminal
Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport
- Guided tours and transit are available for passengers who are transiting through with at least a 5-hour layover
- Several Doha City Tours are scheduled throughout the day, and travelers should pre-book
- The Doha City Tour costs 75 QAR (approx. $21 USD)
- Additional tour options with private transport are available and start at 250 QAR (approx. $69 USD)
Taiwan: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- Free tours and transit are available for visa-exempt travelers who are transiting between 7 and 24 hours
- Visitors can choose to take part in a daily morning tour or a daily afternoon tour—reservations must be made in advance
Transform your layover from boring and uneventful to memorable and exciting! These are some airports that offer free or low-cost transit tours to travelers just like you. If you have several hours to kill during a layover, make use of these fantastic transit tour opportunities. It’s a great way to explore a new place in a comfortable and stress-free way.
