Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in East London. Ben Schoeman Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into East London, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for South Africa vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: East London is roughly 50 minutes from ELS via Taxi / Ride-share. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in ZAR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some ZAR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into East London from ELS
From ELS, the Taxi / Ride-share gets you to East London in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in East London:
Start with Nahoon Beach. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing. Then, if time allows, make your way to East London Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
If you’d rather stay inside ELS — 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:
- Bidvest Premier Lounge
- Airport Retail Shops
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in East London, local travelers recommend Grazia Fine Food & Wine. If you have time for a second stop, Lavender Blue is another popular pick.
Back at ELS, Mugg & Bean Express is the go-to. Airport Grab & Go Snacks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for East London:
Transport to the city and back runs about $6 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $11 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $27 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
You can store your luggage at Luggage storage facilities are generally not available at this small airport.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around East London as well.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ELS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into East London 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 ELS
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 ELS.
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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in East London exploring the streets or relaxing at ELS, 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.