Augusta is Georgia’s second-largest city, known for its rich history along the Savannah River and as home to the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover, Augusta offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and Southern hospitality. This guide will help you make the most of your time at DNL airport and in the city.
Before You Leave the Airport
| Visa Requirements | Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality and destination |
| Language | English is the primary language; download offline translation apps before landing |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs or a Wise card for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters |
| Getting Around | Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing for reliable navigation |
Getting to Augusta from DNL Airport
For specific transit options from DNL airport to downtown Augusta, check the City of Augusta official website or contact the airport directly. Common options at most regional airports include rental cars, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), and taxis. Always factor in immigration and security time when calculating whether you can leave the airport – budget at least 1 hour for immigration plus 2-3 hours to return and clear security before your next flight.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
With limited time, stay near the airport or explore DNL’s immediate surroundings. Use this time to:
- Rest and recharge at the airport
- Grab a meal at the airport food court
- Use airport WiFi to catch up on work or entertainment
- Freshen up in airport restrooms or baby care facilities if traveling with family
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
You have enough time to explore Augusta’s highlights without rushing. Consider:
- Riverwalk Augusta: A scenic 2-mile path along the Savannah River with shops, restaurants, and historic sites
- Augusta Museum of History: Learn about the city’s colonial and Civil War heritage
- Phinizy Swamp Nature Park: Perfect for a quick nature walk or birdwatching
- Local Dining: Eat in the city rather than the airport – food is 2-3x cheaper and offers authentic Southern cuisine
Long Layover (8+ hours)
With a full day or overnight, you can experience Augusta more thoroughly:
- Masters Golf Tournament Sites: Visit Augusta National Golf Club’s vicinity or golf-related attractions
- Magnolia Cemetery: Historic cemetery with beautiful landscaping and local history
- Savannah River: Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking or riverside walks
- Local Shopping & Culture: Browse downtown boutiques and galleries
- Overnight Stay: Book a hotel near the airport or downtown for rest and comfort
Luggage Storage & Sleeping Options
If you need to store luggage while exploring:
- Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near DNL – typically $5-10 per bag per day, much cheaper than airport lockers
- For overnight layovers, book a hotel room or check SleepingInAirports.net for airport sleeping tips
Airport Lounges & WiFi
DNL airport amenities vary by terminal. For lounge access:
- Check if your airline offers complimentary lounge access with your ticket class
- Purchase one-time day passes: Alaska (~$39), American (~$45), Delta (~$49), United (~$59)
- Priority Pass gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide – some credit cards include it free
- Download offline entertainment before your layover, as airport WiFi may be slow or time-limited
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack Smart: Keep a ‘layover bag’ inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries for easy access
- Stay Hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security – staying hydrated helps manage jet lag
- Get an eSIM: Consider Airalo or Holafly for instant data without hunting for WiFi
- Share Your Location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact
- Group Coordination: For group layovers, designate a leader and use WhatsApp or group chat to track everyone’s whereabouts and flight times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave DNL airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave DNL airport during a layover if you have enough time. Budget at least 1 hour for immigration, 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security, plus your exploration time. For international connections, aim for a minimum 6-hour layover. Always check your visa requirements before leaving the airport.
What is there to do at DNL during a layover?
At the airport, you can rest, eat at food courts, use WiFi, and freshen up. If you leave the airport, Augusta offers Riverwalk Augusta, the Augusta Museum of History, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, and local dining. For longer layovers, explore golf-related attractions, historic sites, and downtown shopping.
How long of a layover do I need at DNL?
For domestic connections, 60 minutes is sufficient. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours. If you want to leave the airport and explore, aim for at least 4-6 hours to account for transit time, exploration, and returning to the airport.
Is there luggage storage at DNL?
Check with DNL directly for airport luggage lockers. For more affordable options, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near the airport – typically $5-10 per bag per day, which is cheaper than airport lockers.
Make the Most of Your Layover
Whether you’re staying at the airport or exploring Augusta, planning ahead makes all the difference. Download offline maps, check visa requirements, and use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have to explore. Safe travels!
Need help planning your layover?
Use the Yopki layover calculator to get personalized recommendations based on your flight times and preferences.