Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Gomel. Gomel Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave GME:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Belarus. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Gomel takes about 50 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 Gomel Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into Gomel is the local transport, which takes about 50 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 70 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
What to Budget for Your Gomel Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Gomel layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Exploring Gomel on a Layover
For a layover visit to Gomel, we’d suggest Palace of Rumyantsevs and Paskeviches and Gomel Central Park. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside GME, you can spend time at GME Airport Waiting Area or try Airport Kiosk/Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Pervaya Kofeinaya (The First Coffee Shop) and Cafe “Staroe Mesto” (Old Place) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Gomel.
- At the airport: GME Airport Buffet/Cafe and Airport Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at GME aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Gomel itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at GME 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 Belarus and you’re good to go.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at GME include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Belarus 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 Gomel count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave GME. 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.