There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Grand Forks into a quick city adventure. From ZGF, the local transport can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave ZGF:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Canada. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Grand Forks takes about 60 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 CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Grand Forks is the local transport, which takes about 60 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 80 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 Grand Forks Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Grand Forks layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$19 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$39 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Grand Forks, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ZGF may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Grand Forks’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
How to Spend Your Time in Grand Forks
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Grand Forks, two standouts are:
- North Dakota Museum of Art — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Grand Forks Greenway — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside ZGF — 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:
- Comfortable Waiting Area
- GFK Gift Shop & Newsstand
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Grand Forks: Rhombus Guys Pizza and Toasted Frog. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for The Skyway Cafe or GFK Express Grab & Go. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at ZGF include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Canada also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ZGF 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 Canada and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Grand Forks is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Grand Forks.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.