A long layover in Beckley is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Raleigh County Memorial Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave BKW:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Beckley takes about 30 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting to Beckley from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Beckley is the Taxi/Rideshare, which takes about 30 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 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi/Rideshare is usually the smarter call.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Beckley might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Beckley, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Beckley, we’d suggest Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Tamarack Marketplace: The Best of West Virginia. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d rather stay inside BKW — 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:
- Airport Terminal Waiting Area
- Aircraft Observation
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Beckley: The Char Restaurant and Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Vending Machines (Snacks) or Airport Vending Machines (Beverages). Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Storing Your Luggage at Raleigh County Memorial Airport
Specific locker facilities at BKW aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Beckley itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BKW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Beckley itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at BKW
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, BKW has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Beckley genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.