A long layover in Grand Forks is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Grand Forks International 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.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave GFK:
- 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 Grand Forks takes about 40 minutes by Cities Area Transit (CAT) Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cities Area Transit (CAT) Bus | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Cities Area Transit (CAT) Bus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Grand Forks:
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.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Grand Forks.
Bag Storage Near GFK
Luggage storage is available at Not typically available at this small regional airport.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Grand Forks.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Grand Forks, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at GFK, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Grand Forks Layover
In Grand Forks
If you make it into town, Local Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Popular Eatery.
Inside GFK
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Cafe is your main option. Terminal Restaurant works too if you want something quick.
Resting at the Airport
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 GFK.
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.
Staying Connected
WiFi at GFK 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 United States and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Grand Forks with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Grand Forks may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.