If you’ve got a layover in Bismarck, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BIS. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 45 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of BIS:
- 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 45-minute journey each way by Taxi/Rideshare, 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.
The Best Way Into Bismarck from BIS
The most straightforward way into Bismarck is the Taxi/Rideshare, which takes about 45 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 65 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi/Rideshare is usually the smarter call.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Bismarck:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Bismarck, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at BIS aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Bismarck itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What’s Worth Seeing in Bismarck
If you head into Bismarck, here are two things worth checking out:
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
North Dakota State Capitol Building is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BIS, you can spend time at Prairie Rose Gift Shop or try Free Wi-Fi & Lounge Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Bismarck, local travelers recommend Space Aliens Grill & Bar. If you have time for a second stop, JL Beers is another popular pick.
Back at BIS, Airway Grill (Dining) is the go-to. Airway Grill (Bar & Snacks) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BIS.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and BIS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Bismarck 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.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Bismarck count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BIS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.