If you’ve got a layover in George, don’t let it go to waste sitting at GRJ. The city, in South Africa, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at GRJ:
First, verify that you can enter South Africa — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into George, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring George on a Layover
For a layover visit to George, we’d suggest Garden Route Botanical Garden and Victoria Bay Beach. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at GRJ, check out Relax in Main Terminal or Browse Airport Retail Kiosks to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near GRJ
In George
If you make it into town, The Hussar Grill George is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try 101 Meade Street Restaurant.
Inside GRJ
If you’re staying in the terminal, Outeniqua Café & Deli is your main option. Airport Grab & Go Counter works too if you want something quick.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from George Airport into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for George:
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.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at GRJ 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 George 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 GRJ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in George itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for South Africa that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at GRJ
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 GRJ.
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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in George count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave GRJ. 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.