Passing through Albury Airport? A layover in Albury is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of ABX:
- Can you legally enter Australia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi/Rideshare, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Albury
From ABX, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Albury in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Albury, two standouts are:
- Albury Botanic Garden — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
- Murray River Walk — Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ABX, you can spend time at Albury Airport Terminal Viewing or try Albury Airport Cafe Bar Lounge Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: The River Deck Cafe and Border Wine Room are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Albury.
- At the airport: Albury Airport Cafe and Albury Airport Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Albury, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Bag Storage Near ABX
Dedicated luggage storage at ABX may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Albury’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ABX for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Albury or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Need a Nap? Options at ABX
Long overnight layover? Your options at ABX include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Albury with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Albury may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.