A long layover in Gillette is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Gillette Campbell County Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave GCC:
- 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 Gillette takes about 40 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.
Exploring Gillette on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Gillette, two standouts are:
- Rockpile Museum — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Dalbey Memorial Park — A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside GCC — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Main Terminal Relax & Observe
- Local History & Aviation Display
Getting to Gillette from the Airport
From GCC, the local transport gets you to Gillette in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 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.
Where to Eat
In Gillette
If you make it into town, Rib & Chop House is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try The Main Bagel.
Inside GCC
If you’re staying in the terminal, Runway Cafe is your main option. Airport Vending & Grab-and-Go works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Gillette layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and GCC is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Gillette and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at GCC aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Gillette itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at GCC include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Gillette count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave GCC. 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.