A long layover in Eday is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Eday Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave EOI:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United Kingdom. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Eday takes about 30 minutes by Local taxi/On-demand link. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is GBP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Transport from Eday Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into Eday is the Local taxi/On-demand link, which takes about 30 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 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Local taxi/On-demand link is usually the smarter call.
How to Spend Your Time in Eday
Two recommendations for your time in Eday:
Start with The Viking Stone. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Eday Heritage Centre. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at EOI, check out Eday Airport Terminal Relaxation or Aircraft Observation at Eday to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Eday: The Eday Community Shop & Cafe and Local Guesthouse Dining (by prior arrangement). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Eday Airport Refreshment Corner or Eday Airport Pre-packed Meal Spot. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Eday:
Transport to the city and back runs about $13 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $26 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $49 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at EOI aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Eday itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at EOI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Eday itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United Kingdom that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at EOI, 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 Eday exploring the streets or relaxing at EOI, 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.