Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Bareilly. Bareilly Air Force Station is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 40 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside BEK
Three things to verify before you walk out of BEK:
- Can you legally enter India? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Auto-rickshaw / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Bareilly is the Auto-rickshaw / Taxi, which takes about 40 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 60 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Auto-rickshaw / Taxi is usually the smarter call.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Bareilly might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Bareilly.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Bareilly, we’d suggest Alakhnath Temple and Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Bareilly.
If you’d rather stay inside BEK — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Waiting Lounge Area
- Airport Snack & Beverage Counter
Food Worth Trying
For food in Bareilly, local travelers recommend Kwality Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Amber Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at BEK, Terminal Food Kiosk is the go-to. Tea & Coffee Stall rounds out your in-terminal options.
Luggage Storage at BEK
Specific locker facilities at BEK aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Bareilly itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BEK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Bareilly 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.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BEK, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Bareilly with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Bareilly 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.