Booking a flight that includes a stopover can save you up to 50%, which sounds great in theory but as soon as we’re waiting at the airport we are all left wondering if the savings were worth it.
We’ve all had to endure an uncomfortable nap on those rigid airport chairs, usually while surrounded by your belongings and trying to soothe exhausted travel companions.
Did you know you can leave the airport during a stopover?
Some airports even offer complimentary city tour in-between flights.
Skyscanner Australia explains how it’s done.
Singapore Changi Airport – Singapore
It’s known as the world’s best airport for a reason.
The first complimentary city tour runs four times a day and will let you explore Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam and the city’s mascot Merlion.
The City Sights Tour takes place at night and takes you to explore Singapore skyline from Merlion Park and marvel at the Avatar-like Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
Registration for both tours takes place in the transit area of the airport.
Hamad International Airport – Doha, Qatar
Get a taste of the beautiful Doha on a free 3-hour tour looking at chic waterfront development The Pearl-Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Bookings are available at the transit desk of Hamad International Airport in Qatar.
Incheon International Airport – Seoul, South Korea
There’s something here for everyone, with Incheon International Airport offering 1, 2 3 and five-hour tours. You’ll get to see local temples and attractions including Incheon Grand Bridge, Gwangmyeong Cave and Songdo Central Park Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and the Seoul Tower.
You can pre-book tours online.
Taoyuan International Airport – Taipei, Taiwan
Taoyuan International Airport offers tours both morning and afternoon.
You’ll see such sites as Sanxia and Yingge in the morning and Taipei 101, Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in the afternoon.
You can book 30 days in advance by emailing an application form.
Narita Airport – Tokyo, Japan
At Narita Airport you’ll get a local volunteer to take you on a free tours of the nearby towns of Shibayama, Tako, Sakae or Narita City, perfect for anything more than a three hour stopover.
You can book online or at the transit desk.
Ataturk International Airport – Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish airlines offer 5 different tours for those who have a 6-hour layover or more.
You’ll get to see the Blue Mosque, Obelisk of Theodosius, Topkapi Palace, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Grand Covered Bazaar plus more.
To book, check in with the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals at Ataturk International Airport.
