When it comes to layovers, people deal with it in different ways. Luckily, when it is long enough, you can even use up this time to explore your layover city. There are a few big cities in the world that offers city tours for passengers who are waiting for their layover time. Here are six of them:
London
Despite having the option to shower, shop, or enjoy a spa at both Heathrow and Gatwick Airport, you can take advantage of your long layover time to do some exploring around the city. London Magical Tours was the first agency to come up with the layover tour trend. Although the tour comes with a fee, passengers who aren’t keen on waiting around at the airport can have a short gateway with a private chauffeur around London, Windsor, Hampton Court or Oxford from Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.
Singapore
Changi Airport might be known as one of the world’s greatest airport with the swimming pool, butterfly park, and other shops for passengers to enjoy. However, if you have around four hours to kill, it’s the perfect amount of time for you to enjoy the free Singapore city tour by Singapore Airlines. In this two-hour tour, you’ll see the world’s tallest observation wheel — the Singapore Flyer, breathtaking gardens at Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay Sands, the colonial districts of Singapore and other famous areas like Little India and Chinatown.
Beijing
Having to wait for your next flight for more than eight hours will surely be boring. However, you can make the best out of this bad situation as the Beijing Layover tour provides a half-day tour for passengers to explore the city for $60 per person. Although the price seems to be a little steep, you are provided with a private tour guide and driver going through some of the most iconic places like Olympic Sites, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City. Not only that, the value is still great as you don’t have to fuss with the language barrier if you attempt to explore the city yourself.
Istanbul
Anyone flying from one side of the world to another using Turkish Airlines usually has their layovers in the city of Istanbul. If you have six or more hours to kill, Touristanbul, the airline’s tour operator has got you covered. Their free of charge city tour covers Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Bogota
If you have five hours or more of layover time in Bogota and interested in exploring the city a little, Bogotravel Tours has got your back. You can enjoy sightseeing with the day trip around the city’s historical, social, and political centers or bike along the city if you’d like to stretch your legs before hopping on another flight. The tours might not be free of charge, but the experience is surely better than staying at the airport.
Reykjavik
Last but not least, if you’re interested in turning your layover into a mini-vacation, Icelandair allows their passengers into a seven days holiday without having to purchase a new ticket. The airline collaborates with Reykjavik Excursions that provides various tour options and airport pickup for the passengers. Prices for the tours might vary depending on the activities, but this chance of a lifetime for a short gateway is surely tough to beat and something money can’t buy.
From free tours to priced tours, there are options available out there for you to kill some time during your layover. So, make sure to do some research and plan ahead for your activities.
