Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Billings. Billings Logan International Airport 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 BIL
Three things to verify before you walk out of BIL:
- Can you legally enter United States? 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 MET Transit Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Billings, we’d suggest Zimmerman Park / Billings Rimrocks and Moss Mansion Historic House Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
If you’d rather stay inside BIL — 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:
- Logan Sky Shop
- Aircraft Viewing Area
The Best Way Into Billings from BIL
From BIL, the MET Transit Bus gets you to Billings in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the MET Transit Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Best Bites Near BIL
- In the city: The Burger Dive and Montana Brewing Company are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Billings.
- At the airport: Montana Coffee Traders and Mesa Tacos and Tequila will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Billings:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $18 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $37 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BIL for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Billings 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.
Luggage Storage at BIL
Specific locker facilities at BIL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Billings itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Taking a Break at BIL
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BIL, 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 Billings exploring the streets or relaxing at BIL, 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.