Closest hotels to Bucharest airport in Romania

Henri Coandă International airport (IATA code: OTP) is popularly known as Bucharest airport and named after the Romanian inventor who built the first ever experimental jet airplane. Located to the north of the metropolis in the town of Otopeni, it serves Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. It has one main passenger terminal comprising three concourses from which flights by flagship airlines BlueAir and Tarom are handled. Notwithstanding that, there are other many carriers running regular scheduled services from and to OTP, such a Ryanair, Wizz Air, Swiss, Lufthansa, LOT, Pegasus, KLM, Eurowings, flyDubai, easyJet, British Airways, Air France and Aegean, to mention but a few. The busiest domestic air routes from Bucharest have Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Iași as their destinations, while some of the most in-demand international flights departing from Otopeni airport are headed to Athens, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Vienna, Barcelona, Cologne – Bonn, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Lisboa, Oslo, Stuttgart, Milan, Madrid, Düsseldorf, London (several airports), Liverpool and Dortmund.

If you are having an overnight layover at Henri Coandă, or consider sleeping in a hotel room near the facilities of Bucharest International airport in Romania to spend the night after or before your flight, the hotels listed below are the ones that stand the closest to the main passenger terminal.

Hotels to spend the night near Bucharest airport in Romania

Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest airport (4 stars)

Within short walking distance from the terminal building (a walk of 5 minutes at the most), we find this Hilton hotel providing guests with courtesy wireless internet, room service and round-the-clock front desk assistance. Its fully-equipped rooms include private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, clothes dryer, kettle and safety deposit box, and can accommodate solo travellers, couples, groups and families. Children under 12 stay for free and get breakfast at no extra charge. There are concierge services, a convenience store and a restaurant on site, although you can order your take-away breakfast if you are leaving early for your flight. Additionally, guests can benefit from other amenities like a gym, business spaces and a parking lot.

Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Otopeni airport (4 stars)

This Wyndham hotel in the vicinity of Bucharest airport offers free transfer services and secured parking. Aside from being superbly situated just 2 kilometres away from the passenger terminal, it stands by road E60, which means it is very well connected by road. It has accessible and non-smoking rooms and suites with lounge access, entertainment options you can enjoy during your stay, safes, fitness centre, buffet-style breakfast and also take-away options. The soundproofed rooms all feature tea and coffee maker, air-conditioning, bathroom for personal use and free toiletries.

Hotel Otopeni near Bucharest airport in Romania (3 stars)

Only 1 kilometre from the airport terminal, this transit hotel provides confirmed guests with free transfers any time of the day or night. It also offers free WiFi connection all throughout, courtesy parking and air-conditioned rooms including bathroom and cable TV that can be twin, double or triple regarding capacity. If your flight out of Bucharest departs in the morning, there is an early-breakfast option, while you can have dinner at the onsite restaurant in the evening as well. There is a bus stop about 300 metres from this location.

FAST airport hotel close to Bucharest airport

Conveniently located 2 kilometres from Henri Coandă International airport, this transit hotel affords beautiful views over the Otopeni gardens, and provides travellers who choose to stay here with free private parking spaces, double, triple and twin rooms or apartments with balcony, bathroom and fridge.

Hotel Aviator Boutique (4 stars)         

The Aviator Boutique hotel lies 4,5 kilometres from Otopeni airport serving Bucharest in Romania, and it features onsite bar, complimentary WiFi all throughout the facilities, well-equipped guest rooms to work, rest and refresh. Airport shuttle transfers are offered for a surcharge. You can stay in a single, double, triple or twin room or suite and enjoy 24-hour security, safes, free luggage storage in case your flight departs later on in your day of check-out, meeting facilities and breakfast.

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Closest hotels to Porto airport in Portugal

Porto International airport (IATA code: OPO) serves the city of the same name and the capital of the Oporto district in Portugal. It is considered as a major aviation hub in the country since Porto is one of the largest urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula as well as the second city in the country only behind Lisbon. Its convenient location in the north-west allows for direct air links to and from cities all over Spain, regular domestic routes to popular destinations in the mainland, Madeira and the Azores islands, and international flights to and from Canada, USA, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, UK and Switzerland to mention but a few countries. Most of these routes are operated by airlines such as Tap Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Eurowings, WizzAir, Vueling and Brussels Airlines, among others, and travellers arriving aboard their planes or catching an early morning outbound flight may consider spending the night in a hotel near the terminal of Porto airport.

OPO has one main terminal building that stays open 24 hours a day; it has four distinct entrances (A, B, C and D) and different levels from which transportation, car rental offices, check-in, arrivals and departures are handled. In order to reach the terminal from the city centre, or else to commute to Porto or other areas of the region after landing, you may use underground trains (the Estádio do Dragão – Aeroporto metro line) transporting passengers from one point to the other in approximately 20 minutes. STCP buses numbered 601, 602 and 604 connect the terminal to the downtown, and there is also a bus route linking Porto airport to Vigo airport in Galicia, Spain. Alternatively, taxi cabs are available outside the building.

Where to sleep near Porto International airport in Portugal

Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto (3 stars)

This transit hotel is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk away from the passenger terminal in Porto and offers double, twin, family, premium and superior soundproofed guest rooms with an ample bathroom and cable TV. A buffet-style breakfast is served daily, and dinner is available at the restaurant on site. Other services offered include concierge and luggage storage. The premises, which are non-smoking all throughout, are accessible for handicapped travellers and lie close to two metro stations connecting the area to different points of the city.

Hotel Singular Porto Airport

Perfect for a short stay, this hotel is only 400 metres away from the aeroporto. You can spend your overnight layover near the departures zone in a twin, double or family room with complimentary WiFi and private bathroom. The front desk is open for check-in around the clock and guests are entitled to enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning. It is superbly situated within walking distance of the nearest metro station providing links to the centre as well as of the highway to Viana de Castelo.

Opohotel Porto Airport (4 stars)

This establishment features restaurant and bar also 400 metres from the terminal building of Porto airport in Portugal. All rooms, which may be twin, double, 2-bedroom suites or executive suites are equipped with bathroom and some of them also feature a balcony. The breakfast buffet includes options for kids and you can also order it to be delivered to your room. There are free shuttle services and parking for guests in this spot located 11 kilometres from Porto and really close to bus and metro stops in the vicinity.

Hotel Aeroporto (2 stars)

This budget-friendly option is found after a 4-minute walk from the airport terminal in Porto, Portugal. It has been recently renovated and offers well-equipped twin and double rooms with air conditioning, work desk, TV, minibar, private bathroom and wireless internet free of charge. As a guest, you are entitled to enjoy a continental or buffet-style breakfast in the morning. Its accessible facilities are close to the nearest subway station and the staff speaks Portuguese and English.

Stay Hotel Porto Airport (3 stars)

Although the Stay Hotel Porto Airport stands 1,6 kilometres away from its main terminal, travellers may use the metro trains to the airport from a nearby station. It also has a payment private parking in case you commute by car, and courtesy bikes that you can borrow and use. Guest units may be twin or double and all are air-conditioned, feature complimentary wireless internet and have a bathroom with shower for personal use. Other amenities provided include a clothes rack, a kettle, cable TV, a hair dryer, a desk, bed linen and towels. There is room service available upon request, as well as luggage storage and a business room.

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Closest hotels to Geneva airport in Switzerland

Geneva International airport (GVA) serves the second most populous city in Switzerland, being conveniently located 4 kilometres away from the centre. Its main terminal can be accessed from both Switzerland and France since it is divided into two differentiated sectors, and it is frequented not only by tourists whose final destination are the nearby ski resorts, but also by business travellers and interpreters attending events at the United Nations Office in Place des Nations or the Geneva International Conference Centre. In such cases, it might be a great idea to book a hotel room near the facilities of the airport.

Hotels near the United Nations Office in Geneva (Switzerland)

Continue scrolling for airport hotels in Geneva

Passengers arriving on regular scheduled flights operated by Swiss or easyJet from airports in Europe, Africa or North America, and those on seasonal routes handled by AirFrance, AnadoluJet, Icelandair, Norwegian or SunExpress can easily commute to Cornavin Station from the airport by train, or else ride local buses to their destination. Some of the main cities with air links to Geneva include New York (from JFK), Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Funchal, Marrakech, Athens, Dublin, Montreal, Rome, Dubai, Cairo, Oslo and Frankfurt.

Nearest hotels to the terminals of Geneva airport in Switzerland

The recommended hotels below are those that stand closest to GVA, so if you are looking for a place to sleep near Geneva airport either after or before your flight, take good note and pick the most suitable one for your travel needs. Also note that all the accommodations below provide guests with a free transport pass to use public transportation for the whole duration of their trip and this should be taken into account when planning your trip expenses.

Ibis Genève Aéroport (2 stars)

This budget hotel lies 450 metres from Geneva airport and you can either walk to and from its terminal or benefit from their complimentary shuttle services. Its double and twin guest rooms are modern and fully equipped, featuring free WiFi. The accessible facilities are soundproofed and travellers can order breakfast to go or enjoy a continental, American or buffet-style breakfast on site. This Ibis location stands a short drive away from the United Nations headquarters in Switzerland and is also within short walking distance of public bus stops.

Nash Pratik Hotel (3 stars)

Travellers staying in the Nash Pratik Hotel close to the terminals of GVA will enjoy a terrace, well-appointed rooms with tea and coffee maker, satellite TV channels and a private bathroom with shower. There is free wireless Internet available all throughout the premises, and guests may order an early breakfast to take away when leaving for the airport or have a continental one at the hotel before departure. They have a shuttle bus running services between the accommodation and the passenger terminal from 4:30 to 00:00, although you can also walk and get there in a few minutes.

Nash Airport Hotel near Geneva airport (4 stars)

Superbly situated 500 metres from the airport terminal and just a 10-minute drive to Geneva city centre, this transit hotel offers free shuttle services from 4:30 every day of the week, in-room wireless internet free of charge, a public zone to relax, business facilities, sauna, gym and private parking. It is close to the Palexpo Exhibition Centre and 5 minutes away from the nearest bus stop. Guests are entitled to enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning, there is a coffee house on site and various restaurants in the vicinity. Its wide range of rooms, apartments and suites of different capacity can accommodate up to 4 adults.

Nash Suites Airport Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland (4 stars)

Also within short walking distance of GVA, the Nash Suites Airport Hotel offers room service, courtesy wireless internet network, concierge services, luggage storage, lounge, fitness centre, secured parking and currency exchange. All rooms are carpeted and feature ironing facilities, kitchenette and bathroom with either shower or bath. Breakfast is served from 5:30 to 10:30, there are business facilities open to guests and the United Nations Office is roughly 4 kilometres away. Its soundproofed apartments and suites have been designed to meet your needs as a travelling work team or family.

Crowne Plaza Geneva (4 stars)

This Crowne Plaza hotel near Geneva airport in Switzerland lies 10 minutes away from the city centre by car. It provides guests with complimentary WiFi, shuttle transfers, rooms for meetings, a gym, a sauna and a hairdressing salon inside the premises. If you stay on the top floor, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings and be granted access to the Club Lounge where breakfast and snacks can be enjoyed at no cost. All rooms have both cable internet and WiFi, a laptop safe and a balcony or terrace. The onsite parking features an electric car charging station.

Sleeping in Frankfurt airport: hotels on the airside and the landside

Frankfurt International airport is the operational base of Lufthansa airlines and a major aviation hub in Europe, and is located just twelve kilometres away from the city of Frankfurt in Germany. Its strategic situation in one of the world’s financial capitals and halfway between the eastern and the western side of the continent makes it a frequent stop for passengers on long-haul journeys from one continent to another, as well as for business travellers attending conferences, conventions and networking events at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds.

Where to spend an overnight layover in Frankfurt airport

You have four options to sleep in Frankfurt International airport without leaving the complex: three of them are found on the landside (public area) and one of them on the airside or restricted area after security, therefore only accessible to passengers in transit and in possession of a boarding pass. All airport hotels in Frankfurt, Germany, are located in Terminal 1; there is a Hilton Garden Inn right next to the terminal building, a Sheraton (which is both hotel and conference centre) offering direct access to the terminal, a Hilton in The Squaire on top of the airport’s railway station and a transit hotel –the My Cloud- in the international departures concourse.

If you need more details before deciding which airport hotel in Frankurt, Germany, suits your travel needs best, see a more detailed account of our recommendations below.

The Sheraton Frankfurt airport hotel & conference center, perfect for business travellers

When it comes to spending the night in Frankfurt airport, staying in the Sheraton enables you to make the most of your layover as you will not only get the chance to rest and refresh yourself before resuming your journey, but also to organise the last business meetings and events in the city. Located within short walking distance of the departures public hall, it provides comfortable soundproofed guest rooms, a fitness centre, wellness facilities and two onsite restaurants.

Staying at the Hilton during your layover in Frankfurt airport

The Hilton Frankfurt airport hotel, a relatively new construction in the known as Squaire building inside the airport complex, is on top of the railway station. Its wide array of guest amenities particularly attracts travellers making a connection here before continuing with their holidays, an Europe tour or even a world trip: it offers complimentary spa access and its rooms  and suites are fully-equipped with coffee maker, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, safety deposit boxes and room service.

A functional hotel for tourists and business travellers in Frankfurt

The Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport caters to the specific needs of those travelling for work, but also of holiday goers and explorers. If you are sleeping in Frankfurt airport before going back home from a visit to Messe Frankfurt, you can rest assured that your room will have the required atmosphere and facilities to complete your work, send your reports and even have them remotely printed at the onsite business centre without leaving your bed. A daily breakfast buffet is served.

Transit hotel inside Frankfurt International airport in Germany

The MyCloud hotel for passengers in transit in Frankfurt airport is available exclusively to travellers passing through the restricted boarding area of Terminal 1 (non-schengen zone) to catch a connecting flight within the following hours or early on the following day. In spite of being a transit hotel, all rooms are fully-equipped, feature private bathroom and entitle you to use the WiFi internet network at no extra charge. This property is found next to gate Z25, so you are advised to confirm whether you will have access to this area of the airport (dedicated to non-schengen operations) before making your reservation.

Apart from those cases when you fly to Frankfurt airport in Germany for work or tourism purposes, you are likely to have a layover in FRA if making a connection with any of the following airlines: Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Alitalia, American Air, Asiana, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Delta, Easyjet, Emirates, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Royal Air Maroc, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Tap Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United and Wizz Air.

George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston (Texas) and nearby hotels

George Bush Intercontinental (IATA code: IAH) is the largest international airport in Texas, United States, and serves the metropolitan area of Houston and its surrounding towns being located 37 kilometres away from the downtown. If you are planning to visit Houston for either tourism or business purposes, this post will help you design your trip with valuable tips and info such as which airlines operate at George Bush airport, how many terminals it has and how to navigate them, which transport options are available to and from the city, where to sleep in Houston airport or how to find an affordable hotel close to the terminals. Continue reading below to find out more.

Domestic and international flights to Houston, Texas

George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston, Texas, is a hub for United Express and Spirit Airlines, and both airlines operate the majority of domestic flights within the United States that depart from their terminals. Frontier, Delta, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also fly from George Bush airport in Houston to various domestic destinations across the USA.

Some of the main routes to and from this hub are handled by United, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Eva Air, Emirates, Air France, Air China and Aeromexico, and so many international flights landing in Houston originate in major overseas hubs like Rio-Galeao in Brazil, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Taipei in Taiwan, Dubai International, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Beijing and Mexico City.

Travelling between terminals at George Bush Intercontinental airport

Transferring from one terminal to another in Houston Intercontinental airport is easy thanks to the shuttle transportation options for passengers on the airside as well as on the landside. After security, the Skyway train of George Bush airport connects all five terminals and the international arrivals area, while travellers who are on the public zone can commute between terminals and to the Marriot transit hotel inside the facilities with the courtesy train designated for that purpose.

Travelling from George Bush Intercontinental airport to the city

Many travellers who land in Houston airport (Texas) opt for hiring a vehicle to get around during their stay, especially when they are staying for a considerable length of time. Alamo, Sixt, Dollar or Thrifty are some of the car rental companies you can find at George Bush Intercontinental airport in the US. Nevertheless, if you would rather use public transportation to get to downtown Houston, you may ride the 102 IAH Express Bus connecting the bus station on the south side of terminal C to the centre. Also, if you fly with Eva Air, know that this airline provides their passengers with courtesy shuttle services to the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Transit hotel inside the facilities of George Bush Intercontinental airport

Should you need to stay overnight in Houston airport or sleep in their terminals to catch a very early morning flight, you may book a room at the Marriot hotel conveniently located between terminals B and C, which features 573 guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a wellness center and conference spaces. Whether you arrive late at night or need to check out early, take into account that trains transporting passengers towards the hotel or taking the reverse journey do not operate from 00:30 to 03:30.

Finding an affordable hotel near the terminals of George Bush airport in Houston, Texas

Travellers who prefer to spend the night outside the terminals yet close to George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston will find budget options –mostly motels- within few kilometres of the facilities. The following are some of our recommendations.

Airway Inn (2 stars): this motel near IAH airport offers guests a courtesy shuttle to and from the terminals, less than 4 kilometres away. It has wheelchair-accessible facilities and rooms, featuring free WiFi, air conditioning, in-room TV and private parking spaces. Guests staying in their double, queen or queen rooms are entitled to enjoy continental breakfast in the morning.

Spring Hill Suites near Houston International airport: also offering free transfers to and from the airport as well as secured parking spaces, this motel-style accommodation close to George Bush airport provides ample rooms equipped with beds, sofa beds, tub and shower, microwave, fridge and coffee facilities. A breakfast buffet is put at the guests’ disposal every morning, while they can also enjoy other services like fast WiFi, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, terrace dining and ATMs on site.

Red Roof Inn Houston airport: known for its ideal location in JFK Boulevard, this 3-star hotel near George Bush Intercontinental airport offers complimentary shuttle transfers to and from the airport available upon request. The distance between the airport terminals and the hotel is 3,2 kilometres. The establishment boasts an outdoor pool, a business centre, a gym, free WiFi internet, and fully equipped standard and family rooms. Laundry and other extra guest services are provided if requested during your stay.

Terminals of George Bush- Houston airport in Texas

The main international airport in Houston –Texas- has five terminals in total (A, B, C, D and E). If you will be flying to Houston for the first time, you may wonder which terminal in George Bush airport you will need to go to for departure or even in which one you will land. See our quick guide below.

Terminal A: domestic and Canada-bound flights that are not operated by United.

Terminal B: all United Express domestic flights and international operations.

Terminal C: as of today, the premises are considered United’s main home, accommodating most service facilities, a United Club Lounge and priority and TSA PreCheck lanes.

Terminal D: United Express international arrivals and all non-United international operations.

Terminal E: All international United flights.

If you are going to take a business trip to Houston or other city in the United states, consider the perks of staying in an airport hotel close to or inside the terminals.

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A quick guide to the main airport in Costa Rica (Juan Santamaría International)

According to reputed travel publications, Costa Rica is an international destination on the rise for world adventurers, digital nomads and travelers looking for unconventional experiences such as staying in an eco-lodge instead of a resort to spend their vacation learning about environmental care, promoting sustainability and looking after nature in an unparalleled setting. The primary airport serving its capital city –San José- is named after national hero Juan Santamaría and lies roughly 20 kilometers from the downtown. It welcomes passengers who fly into the country, one of the seven that make up Central America, from airports in South America, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and Europe. 

If you have fallen under the spell of its tropical forests and the dreamy coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and whether you want to visit La Fortuna, Puntarenas, Copey, Playa Hermosa, Boca Tapada, Tamarindo or all of them, your flight to Costa Rica will probably land in San José airport, that is, in Juan Santamaría International. The vast majority of its operations within Latin America are operated by Avianca, Copa Airlines, Green Airways, Sansa and Volaris, whereas flights to and from major hubs in North America and Europe are handled by American Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, Iberia, Air France, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa, among others.

Terminals of Juan Santamaría airport in San José, Costa Rica

Since 2018, when the domestic terminal was inaugurated, San José airport in Costa Rica has two terminal buildings: Terminal M (main terminal), also known as the international building, and Terminal D (domestic terminal) exclusively dedicated to Sansa flights. The international terminal of Juan Santamaría airport is divided into three levels, each of which accommodates the arrivals zone, the departures area and the VIP lounges respectively.

Ground transportation options at Juan Santamaría airport of Costa Rica

Travelling by taxi in Costa Rica. The fastest way to commute from Juan Santamaría airport to San José downtown is by taxi; you will find officially licensed taxi cabs outside the terminals and it is likely that you are approached by some drivers too. In order to identify a reliable vehicle, look for either the red with yellow triangles fleet or the orange fleet. They typically charge around $20.

Travelling by bus. The same route can be covered by bus if you hop on the public line “Montezuma-San José” from the airport. The journey lasts about 20 minutes and one-way ticket fares are under $1. Note that this service may be affected by covid-19 restrictions.

*Boarding buses and shuttle services towards Puntarenas, Guanacaste and other regions of Costa Rica is also possible from both the airport and downtown San José.

Hotels near the facilities of SJO

If you are travelling for business or need to spend an overnight layover close to the terminals, you may consider staying in one of the hotels near Juan Santamaría airport in San José, Costa Rica. We recommend:

Holiday Inn Express hotel SJO

Only 1,5 kilometers from the airport, this hotel provides confirmed guests with complimentary transfers to and from the terminals, breakfast is included in the nightly rates and double, triple or family rooms are available for booking. Enhanced disinfection and social distancing measures are currently in place due to covid-19.

Courtyard by Marriott San José airport / Alajuela

This hotel near Juan Santamaría airport in Costa Rica is equally striving to ensure the safety of their guests throughout their stay, and the use of face masks is mandatory in all communal areas of the premises. Its rooms and suites are conveniently located less than one kilometer away from the passenger terminals and shuttle transfers are operated at no extra charge.

Passenger services in San José airport of Costa Rica

Should you need to connect your device to the WiFi network, eat, drink, buy a last-minute gift, withdraw cash in the local currency or spend the wait at an airport lounge, Juan Santamaría International has you covered. See a quick guide to the available services and amenities below.

WiFi. Passengers going through SJO can use the free WiFi connection for a limited period of time (3 hours) whether they are on the public landside zone or the restricted airside area.

ATMs. There are BAC San José and Scotiabank ATMs in the arrivals zone and they remain operational 24 hours a day so that you can withdraw your “colones”.

Restaurants. The majority of eateries in Juan Santamaría airport of Costa Rica are found in the Departures area after security. Malinche and Imperial serve traditional Costa Rican dishes, but many international franchises also have presence here such as Cinnabon, Starbucks, Lavazza Coffee, Teriyaki Express and Smashburger.

Duty free stores. They are strategically situated by boarding gates 4, 5 and 8 and boast a wide array of top quality jewelry, watches, liquors, fragrances, make up and accessories for kids, women and men.

VIP lounges in San José airport. There are two airport lounges in SJO, namely the VIP Santamaría –a Star Alliance lounge managed by Avianca-, which stays open from 4:30 to 20:00 every day of the week and is located on the upper floor of the main terminal, and the Copa Club lounge, with the same opening hours and located near Gate 5 on the lower level.

(Archived) COVID-19 prevention measures in place at San José airport

Travelers flying to Costa Rica and landing in Juan Santamaría International airport (SJO) must comply with the rules and regulations in effect aimed at preventing the spread of covid. Due to the changing nature of the global pandemic situation, requirements are constantly being modified, so it is strongly recommended that you check and confirm with both the destination and the airline what you need to do before travelling and upon landing in San José. In the recent months, visitors have been required to submit a digital Health Declaration form, show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival and present evidence for having purchased travel medical insurance. Quarantine measures might apply as well.

Transferring between flights in Miami International airport

Passengers of flights making a stopover in Miami International airport of Florida in the United States of America normally change planes at one of its terminal buildings before they continue towards either a US destination or a city in South America. Provided that they have purchased all legs of their journey with the same airline and as one plane ticket, they will have no more than few hours to navigate their way around the airport, refresh themselves, maybe grab a bite to eat and transfer to their connecting flight in MIA. If you are having a layover in this major air hub and it will be the first time you will pass through it, we are about to give you some tips to become familiar with its different areas prior to landing.

Terminals of Miami International airport in USA

Miami airport (MIA) has three terminal buildings (North, Central and South) that are, in turn, divided into concourses. Thus, the North terminal houses concourse D, the Central terminal accommodates the E, F and G zones and finally, the J and H concourses are found in the South terminal. All these areas are connected and so getting around Miami International is relatively easy: you can use moving walkways and get from one building to another in ten or fifteen minutes; walking from one concourse to the next one will take you far less than that. However, in case you need to make a connection in concourse D and you are running late, you can ride the Skytrain stopping at all main areas of the North terminal in Miami airport. On the contrary, should you have extra time to spare before boarding, do not hesitate to visit the many shops and diverse array of restaurants in Miami airport of Florida.

Do I need to clear Customs again when I land in MIA?

Upon your arrival in Miami airport in the United States, the first thing you will have to do is find the way to either baggage claim or the US Customs and Border Protection filter, or perhaps both. Pay attention to the wayfinding system and you will get there in a breeze, although you can also use the 24-hours assistance phones across the terminals or go to the travel information counter at concourse E in the Central terminal.

Generally, the wisest thing to do is confirm with your airline whether you need to claim your baggage during your layover to drop it off again, or if it is necessary to allow some extra time to go through Customs (we recommend that you complete this step before anything else as there might be queues). Nevertheless, oftentimes the carrier itself cannot give you an answer at the origin airport, so here you go some tips:

-When arriving aboard an international flight to catch a connecting flight out of Miami towards a destination within the US, passengers are required to pick up their bags at baggage claim, go to the drop-off counter of their airline or its codesharing partner and then proceed to Customs. Once all steps have been taken, you can relax and wait for your connection in Miami airport as close to the designated gate as you can.

-In case an international leg of your journey ends in Miami to continue towards another international destination, and as long as you have purchased a single plane ticket instead of two independent ones with different airlines, your checked baggage will travel straight through to the final point of your trip, and so you will only need to comply with the border regulations in MIA.

-If you have flown from another US airport to transfer to an overseas flight departing Miami International, it will depend upon the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with. Thus, we advise you to contact your carrier of choice in advance or else to head over to their office inside the facilities of Miami airport once you are there.

Catching a connecting flight in Miami: arriving at the airport aboard an international flight

Although it may sometimes be subject to operational modifications taking place at the airport, international flights arriving in Miami International land in the areas detailed below.

The North Terminal (concourse D) receives overseas flights operated by Aeroflot, American Airlines, Aruba Airlines, Avior, Miami Air, Sunwing, Swift Air and TUI; the Central Terminal (concourses E, F and G) sees the landing of Air Europa, Air Italy, British Airways, Eurowings, Finnair, GOL, Iberia, Qatar Airways and TAP Air Portugal aircrafts; and lastly, the South Terminal of Miami airport –housing concourses J and H- is the one where flights run by Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Caribbean, COPA, El Al, KLM, Latam, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, United, Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines land.

Transferring between flights in Miami International airport: which terminal do I have to go to?

When catching your departing flight in MIA, bear in mind that the distribution of airline operations across the terminals is as follows:

-Most American Airlines flights depart from the North Terminal of Miami airport.

-Aeroflot, Aer Lingus, Air Europa, Air Italy, American Air, Aruba Air, Avior, British Airways, Eurowings, Finnair, Frontier, Iberia, Miami Air, United, Qatar Airways, Sungwing, Swift Air, TAP Air Portugal and TUI operate from the Central Terminal of MIA.

-Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alitalia, KLM, Austrian Airlines, Latam, Avianca, Lufthansa, Caribbean, COPA, Scandinavian (SAS), Delta, Swiss, El Al, GOL, Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic flights take off from the South Terminal.

Where to sleep in Miami International Airport (Florida, USA)

Miami airport is located 13 kilometres from the downtown and lies close to Virginia Gardens, the Fontainebleau neighbourhood and Miami Springs. It is the main international and domestic gateway into the city of Miami as well as an operational base for American Airlines and American Eagle. Most travellers passing through this airport in the United States arrive in long-haul flights from all over the world or have a connection to continue their journey to South America and the Caribbean. Many domestic routes within the US start or end in its terminal.

Miami International airport (MIA) consists of a single terminal building, even though it is divided into different levels with their corresponding concourses, which comprise all kinds of passenger services including the check-in counters, the arrivals halls, the departures areas, plenty of stores and a varied dining offer. Since a short commute separates MIA passenger terminal from the city centre, and taxicabs and shuttles are readily available for travelers to hop on right outside the arrivals zone, sleeping at a hotel in Miami airport is an excellent choice in order to avoid missing a flight but also to make the most of our stay.

3-star hotel inside Miami International airport

Either as a first stop before exploring Miami or to spend the night before an early morning flight, the Miami Airport Hotel gives travelers in transit the opportunity to relax and catch up with work in its soundproofed rooms with free WiFi and extra large beds. If you wish to disconnect during your layover, you may call room service, watch a movie on demand or have a nice meal at the onsite restaurant.

Aside from its accessible facilities and the personnel who can assist you in Spanish and English, this hotel in Concourse E of Miami International Airport boasts a dedicated concierge service along with the convenience of being within walking distance to relevant amenities in the terminal, such as currency exchange bureaus, cash dispensers and eateries. 

Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel

The Sonesta hotel in Miami, Florida (US) is situated less than 1 kilometre away from Miami International airport. Guests are transported to and from the terminal building at no extra charge thanks to the complimentary airport shuttle service. Its standard, deluxe and executive rooms have free WiFi and every amenity that is common to the member establishment of the chain, although there are many other alluring features like the outdoor swimming-pool, the gym and wellness services for guests.

Travellers staying at the Sonesta Miami Intl. Airport may also enjoy room service, meals served at the onside Cafe, meeting facilities (upon request) and a business centre, which makes it a perfect place for business travellers and event professionals with a view to organising presentations and receptions for potential clients in Florida, US. 

Accommodation near Miami International airport

The Doral Inn & Suites Miami Airport West provides studio apartments that are well-appointed with rooms, kitchen, bathroom and living area 1 kilometre away from MIA airport and 15 minutes from South Beach. They are perfect to accommodate groups of up to 6 people who can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast and facilities like Jacuzzi, swimming pool and gym, but also benefit from the independence of being able to cook their own meals throughout the day and relax in spaces considerably larger than average hotel rooms.

These apartments near Miami International Airport are particularly convenient for passengers in transit or on a long layover as they can find themselves at home while away:  at the Doral Inn & Suites they will have a fridge, an oven and a dishwasher at their disposal, and they may hire laundry service or grocery-shopping so that it is ready upon their check-in time. Other amenities include car rental, ATM, safes and express check-out before flying. 

Are you travelling through the United States and would like to stay for longer? We can help you plan your trip to South Beach in Florida.

The best cities for a stopover

Why visit only one place when you can have the opportunity to experience and discover a couple or more during your long awaited vacation? Expert travellers are well aware of the fact that a trip must be carefully planned in advance in order to make the most of it, and the majority of them agree that the ideal adventure must include one stopover at the least; if you are taking two weeks off to travel, you could even make two.

The main reason why you should consider a short stay in between flights is that there are so many cities in the world that have a lot to offer, and frequently they come in handy for a stop halfway between two destinations, helping you to reduce jetlag and providing a unique chance to take a short trip that otherwise would not fit in your itinerary.

In this post you will find advice on how to include stopovers in your trip, which airlines sell flights with already scheduled stops and the best cities in the world for this purpose. Our selection is based on those cities where you can do and see more in a short period of time as well as on the ones boasting the best transport connections to ensure you won’t miss your outbound flight.

How to schedule a stopover as part of your trip

When planning an international trip that will last more than one week, it is always interesting to try to schedule at least one stop in order to make the most of it. You can either arrange everything yourself or purchase airline tickets that will allow you to sleep in different cities along the way. While the latter is a safer option that guarantees that you won’t miss any flight and your journey won’t be disrupted, by booking separate trips to visit different places during your getaway you can tailor your adventure to suit your travel needs and preferences as nobody else would. Bear in mind, though, that every stopover must be at least 24 hours long in order to enjoy some sightseeing and get some good night’s sleep before the next leg of the journey.

Airlines that sell flights with stopovers

Especially when you want to book long-haul flights to go from one end of the world to the other, many airlines will offer you free stops to make your journey a more pleasant one. For instance, Emirates is popular for its short stay packages that include hotel nights, guided tours and activities. Other airline companies who sell flights with stopovers are Iberia, Air Canada, Finnair, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Tap Air Portugal, Icelandair and Singapore Airlines.

Choosing the best cities for your stopover

Provided that you have flexibility to decide which city you will make a stop at, or else your airline of choice gives you several options to choose from, take into account these upward trending cities for stopovers around the globe.

Toronto, Canada

Stopover in Toronto, Canada: take this opportunity to see the CN Tower –one of the seven wonders of the modern world- and visit St Laurence Market, the historical Casa Loma Castle, Nathan Pillips Square and Kensington Market. This tour is feasible in a few hours by getting around the downtown area.

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Stopovers in Kuala Lumpur are ideally spent shopping, and the malls that travellers love the most are Fahrenheit88, Plaza Low Yat, the Starhill Gallery, Berjaya Times Square and Lot10. Right outside the Lot10 shopping mall there is a hop-on and hop-off bus stop; hop on it to commute to the Chinatown neighbourhood, Little India, the Central Market, the Menara KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers.

Helsinki in Finland

As is the case with other cities, Helsinki also has a tourist bus that can help you achieve your goal of seeing the main landmarks of the city in one day or less; hop on it and see the Lutheran Cathedral, the University, the National Library, the Orthodox Cathedral, the Old Market Hall and the Cathedral of Helsinki. For an entirely different experience, join a husky ride tour, especially if you visit during the winter season.

Reykjavik in Iceland

Travellers who fly into Reykjavik for a stopover in Iceland normally seek to take a trip to the Blue Lagoon as the highlight of this part of their journey; in order to arrive, hire a car and drive for about 45 minutes. If you haven’t had the time to purchase your tickets in advance, stay in the centre and visit the Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery of Iceland, the Museum of Photography, the City Hall or the Art Museum of Reykjavik.

Lisbon in Portugal

A stopover in Lisbon calls for gastronomy tours and living the local nightlife. You won’t need to get too far from the downtown (Chiado and Bairro Alto) or from Alfama to enjoy all the best the city has to offer. You will also be within a short bus commute of Belem, an area you should not miss out on.

Singapore city stopover

The main goal for many tourists and travellers in Singapore is to get a picture at the Marina Bay Sands and the incredibly beautiful Gardens by the Bay. If you are not an avid instagramer and would rather explore the different neighbourhoods in the city, join a Heritage tour or a City Sights tour and get to know the authentic Singapore.

Los Angeles in the United States

A stopover in the City of Angels can be perfect if you stay in the West Hollywood area and rent a vehicle to get around. Where you will choose to go will largely depend on your preferences and available time: if you are a sea lover, head to the beach (Santa Monica, Venice…); if you are a film nerd, go to Universal Studios and take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame; but if you simply want to soak in some of the best views in California, visit Griffith Park or The Getty at sunset.