Often yes, if you can legally enter the country, your bags are checked through, and you have enough time — usually six hours or more. Subtract immigration, transit both ways and a 90-minute return buffer before deciding.
Three questions decide it:
- Can you enter? Visa-free entry, a visa, an ETA/eTA/ESTA, or a transit-without-visa scheme. Some countries let you transit airside without a visa but not leave.
- Are your bags checked through? If you must collect and re-check, add an hour and the need to enter anyway.
- Is there time? Total layover minus arrival buffer, immigration, transit to the city and back, and a 90-minute return buffer. If under two hours remains, stay.
Best airports for a quick city visit: Zurich (10 min to the centre), Amsterdam (15), Lisbon (25), Hong Kong (24), Singapore (45 but painless). Worst: Narita, Istanbul, Guarulhos — far from town.
Use our layover planner to run the numbers for 30 airports.
Related questions
What is a layover, and how is it different from a stopover?
A layover is the time between connecting flights on one ticket — usually under 24 hours. A stopover is a deliberate stay of more than 24 hours (often days) at the connecting city, sometimes offered free by hub airlines. Full answer →
Do I have to go through security again on a layover?
Not if you stay airside in the same terminal. You will re-clear security if you change terminals without an airside link, leave the airport, or arrive internationally into a country (like the US) that makes everyone clear immigration and customs. Full answer →
Where can I sleep at the airport?
Best options in order: an airside transit hotel (hourly rooms, no immigration), a capsule or pod hotel, a lounge with rest areas, then free rest zones. Singapore, Seoul Incheon, Doha, Munich and Abu Dhabi have the best free or cheap sleep; most US hubs have almost none. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.