If you’ve got a layover in Gaza, don’t let it go to waste sitting at GZA. The city, in Palestine, is within easy reach — roughly 20 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Gaza, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Palestine vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Gaza is roughly 20 minutes from GZA via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in ILS. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Getting to Gaza from the Airport
From GZA, the local transport gets you to Gaza in around 20 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 40 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.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Gaza might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$17 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$36 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What’s Worth Seeing in Gaza
If you head into Gaza, here are two things worth checking out:
Great Mosque of Gaza (Al-Omari Mosque) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Qasr al-Basha (Pasha’s Palace Museum) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside GZA, you can spend time at Executive Lounge (Terminal 1) or try Duty-Free Shopping Gallery. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near GZA
In Gaza
If you make it into town, Gaza Port Fish Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Al-Salam Restaurant.
Inside GZA
If you’re staying in the terminal, Terminal Cafe & Bakery is your main option. International Eatery works too if you want something quick.
Storing Your Luggage at Yasser Arafat International Airport
Luggage storage options at GZA 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 Gaza 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 GZA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Gaza itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Palestine that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at GZA
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 GZA.
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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Gaza genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.