Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL) serves the Devils Lake area in North Dakota, a region known for outdoor recreation and natural attractions. While DVL is a smaller regional airport, layovers here offer a chance to explore the local community and nearby natural features. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of your connection time.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Language: English is spoken throughout North Dakota
- Currency: US Dollars (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Time Zone: Central Time (CT)
- Airport Contact: Visit the airport website for current amenities and services
Getting to Devils Lake City
DVL is located approximately 10 miles south of Devils Lake. For specific transit options, ground transportation details, and rental car availability, contact the airport directly or visit the airport’s official website. Most travelers use rental cars or rideshare services to explore the area during layovers.
Pro Tip: Always factor in security screening time when calculating whether you can leave the airport. For a safe layover departure, aim for at least 6+ hours total layover time (1 hour + 2-3 hours return buffer + exploration time).
What to Do During Your DVL Layover
At the Airport
As a Tier 3 regional airport, DVL has limited amenities. Specific details about dining, shopping, and lounge facilities are not currently available. We recommend:
- Contacting the airport ahead of time to confirm available services
- Bringing snacks and entertainment in your carry-on
- Downloading offline maps before landing in case WiFi is unreliable
- Bringing an empty water bottle to fill after security to stay hydrated
In Devils Lake
If your layover is long enough to leave the airport, Devils Lake offers outdoor recreation and natural attractions:
- Devils Lake State Park: A scenic natural area perfect for short walks and enjoying North Dakota’s landscape
- Local Dining: Eat in the city rather than at the airport – city restaurants are 2-3x cheaper than airport food courts
- Shopping & Exploration: Downtown Devils Lake offers local shops and community atmosphere
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack Smart: Keep a “layover bag” inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries for easy access
- Download Offline Maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Stay Hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security; staying hydrated helps manage jet lag
- Use Luggage Storage: Services like Bounce and Stasher offer luggage storage near airports for $5-10/bag/day – much cheaper than airport lockers
- Exchange Money Wisely: Use ATMs or a Wise card instead of airport currency counters for better rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave DVL airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave DVL airport during a layover. However, always factor in security screening time. For a safe departure, aim for at least 6+ hours total layover time (1 hour for + 2-3 hours return buffer + exploration time). Contact the airport ahead of time to confirm ground transportation options like rental cars or rideshare services.
What is there to do at DVL during a layover?
At the airport, amenities are limited at this regional facility. In Devils Lake city, you can visit Devils Lake State Park for outdoor recreation, explore downtown shops, and enjoy local dining. Eating in the city is recommended as it’s typically 2-3x cheaper than airport food courts.
How long of a layover do I need at DVL?
For a safe layover at DVL, budget at least 6+ hours if you plan to leave the airport. This accounts for 1 hour of processing, 2-3 hours to return to the airport with buffer time, and time to explore. For shorter layovers, plan to stay at the airport.
Are there lounges at DVL?
Lounge availability at DVL is not confirmed. Contact the airport directly to inquire about lounge access. If you have a Priority Pass membership, it provides access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards include Priority Pass benefits for free.
Is there luggage storage at DVL?
Luggage storage availability at DVL is not confirmed. For luggage storage near the airport, use services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which cost $5-10/bag/day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Use the Yopki Layover Calculator above to determine exactly how much time you have to explore Devils Lake and what activities fit your schedule. Whether you have 2 hours or 12 hours, we’ll help you make the most of your connection.