Countries that offer free city tour during airport layovers

September 27, 2017
These airports have changed the meaning of long layover by offering free city tours

When you are booking a long-haul flight, you would often hope that the layover is of a comfortable duration – not too short that you have to dash to the boarding gate, but not too long that you are left with too much time to wander around. Let us face it, long airport layovers are not fun at all. How many hours can you spend shopping at the duty-free or drinking coffee? But these airports have changed the meaning of long layover by offering free city tours:

Taiwan

Do you have more than eight hours to kill at the Taipei airport? If yes, you have some good news, because the Taipei airport organizes two free tours. One of the tours takes you to the Zushih Temple and also to some shops that sell locally-made pottery items. The other tour takes you to many popular attractions in the city.

Singapore

Singapore's Changi airport is a pleasure to hang out with – be it the butterfly garden or the video gaming room, there is a lot that you can do to keep you entertained. But if you feel like stepping out and exploring a bit, Singapore offers two free city tours. If you opt for the City Sights tour, you get to visit the top attractions such as the Merlion and the Gardens By the Bay. The Heritage Tour, on the other hand, takes you to places like Little India and Kampong Glam.bold text

Amsterdam

Do you have a layover at the pretty canal city of Amsterdam? Then, it’s a pity if you can’t get out and explore a bit. First, you have to sign up with the national carrier KLM’s 'layover with a local program (ie, if you are flying with the airline). Once you fill out your areas of interest, they will introduce you to an English-speaking local who matches your interests and give you bus tickets. It can’t get cooler than this.

Tokyo

If you have a layover time of more than 5 hours at the Tokyo airport, then there is a lot you can see and do. There are two different city tours arranged by the Tokyo airport – one will take you for sightseeing and the other will take you on a shopping expedition. The sightseeing tour will take you on a forest walk and give you a chance to explore the towns of Tako or Shibayama.