There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Ely into a quick city adventure. From ELY, the Taxi/Rideshare can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ELY:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 30 minutes into Ely, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Ely
From ELY, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Ely in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 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/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Bag Storage Near ELY
Luggage storage options at ELY can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Ely for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to Budget for Your Ely Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Ely, budget roughly $37 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $18 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Ely, we’d suggest Nevada Northern Railway Museum and White Pine Public Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ELY, you can spend time at Ely FBO Pilot Lounge or try Aircraft Spotting Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: J.D.’s Restaurant and Racks Bar & Grill are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ely.
- At the airport: Ely FBO Basic Refreshments and Ely Airport Vending Machines will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ELY should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ELY
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ELY, 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 Ely exploring the streets or relaxing at ELY, 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.