When you have a morning flight or a layover, deciding where to stay—near the airport or in the city—can feel like a puzzle. My answer to this common question? “It depends.”
I know, not the straightforward answer you were hoping for. But rather than telling you what to do, I’ll share some guiding questions and real-life examples to help you decide what works best for your situation.
Why Choose an Airport Hotel?
Sometimes staying near the airport just makes sense. Here are a couple of examples:
- Layover Scenario
A family member had a layover in Seoul, arriving at 5 PM and departing the next morning at 11 AM. After weeks in warm Southeast Asia, they arrived to snow in Seoul—with no winter clothes. Add in the hour-long trip to the city and back, and staying at the airport was a no-brainer. - Travel Convenience
On a trip from Leeds to Manchester, U.K., we stayed at an airport hotel before our flight home. It worked because:- The hotel was steps from the terminal and rail station.
- Trains to Manchester city center were frequent and fast (only 20 minutes).
- Our early flight meant skipping the stress of morning city-to-airport travel with luggage.
When a City Hotel Is the Better Choice
If your schedule allows for exploring, a city hotel could make more sense.
- Overnight Layover with Time to Explore
On a stopover in Taipei, my father and his wife arrived at 5 AM and had a 10 AM flight the next day. They stayed in the city to visit a night market. With just a 35-minute Metro ride to the airport, the city option was easy and enjoyable.
- Short Stay to Maximize City Time
On a trip to London, we stayed at the Great Northern Hotel at King’s Cross station rather than moving to an airport hotel. This allowed us to enjoy a show on our last night without the hassle of transferring hotels.
However, this decision wasn’t perfect—our early morning flight meant catching the first Underground train of the day, which added stress. A better plan might have been to drop our luggage at an airport hotel earlier in the day and return to the city for our evening plans.
Questions to Ask Yourself
To decide whether to stay at the airport or in the city, consider these factors:
- Proximity: How far is the airport from the city?
- Transportation: What are your options for getting to and from the airport, and are they available at the times you need?
- Time: How much time do you have, and what do you want to do with it?
- Priorities: Is your goal to explore, relax, or get work done?
- Flight Timing: Does your flight schedule make a city stay impractical?
- Length of Stay: Will you be there for one or multiple nights?
Final Thoughts
Both city and airport hotels have their pros and cons. The right choice depends on your travel plans, schedule, and priorities. Hopefully, these examples and questions help you make the best decision for your trip!
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