For travelers with a layover in Fort Lewis, the proximity of GRF to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via local transport, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave GRF:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Fort Lewis takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Gray Army Air Field to Downtown
From GRF, the local transport gets you to Fort Lewis in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Fort Lewis:
Start with LeMay – America’s Car Museum. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. Then, if time allows, make your way to Point Defiance Park. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside GRF, you can spend time at JBLM Lewis Army Museum or try JBLM Main Exchange (PX). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Fort Lewis, local travelers recommend Duke’s Seafood. If you have time for a second stop, The Old Spaghetti Factory is another popular pick.
Back at GRF, Subway – Lewis Main is the go-to. Starbucks – Lewis Main rounds out your in-terminal options.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Fort Lewis:
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 Fort Lewis, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at GRF 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 Fort Lewis for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at GRF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Fort Lewis itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, GRF has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Fort Lewis count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave GRF. 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.