Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Bentonville. Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 70 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave XNA:
- 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 Bentonville takes about 70 minutes by Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) Route 10. 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 Bentonville from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) Route 10 | ~70 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~90 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) Route 10 is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What’s Worth Seeing in Bentonville
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Bentonville, two standouts are:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Downtown Bentonville Square & Walmart Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside XNA — 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:
- The Club XNA
- XNA Art Exhibits
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: The Hive and Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Bentonville.
- At the airport: Core Brewing & Distilling Co. and Smokey Bones BBQ Express will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Bentonville, 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.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Bentonville, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At XNA, you’ll find bag storage at Luggage storage services are generally not available at XNA..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and XNA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Bentonville and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at XNA
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at XNA, 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
Whether you spend your layover in Bentonville exploring the streets or relaxing at XNA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.