A layover in Grand Rapids is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Gerald R. Ford International Airport sits just 90 minutes from the city center by The Rapid (Route 17), and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave GRR:
- 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 Rapids takes about 90 minutes by The Rapid (Route 17). 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.
Transport from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Gerald R. Ford International Airport into town:
- The Rapid (Route 17): About 90 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 110 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
Quick budget math for your Grand Rapids 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.
Storing Your Luggage at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Luggage storage is available at No public luggage storage lockers are available at GRR due to security regulations.. 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 Rapids.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Grand Rapids, here are two things worth checking out:
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Downtown Grand Rapids Public Art Walk is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
If you’d rather stay inside GRR — 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:
- Outpost Taproom (Craft Beer & Wine)
- River City Market & News
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Founders Brewing Co. Taproom and San Chez Bistro are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Grand Rapids.
- At the airport: Max & Erma’s and Starbucks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at GRR 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.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at GRR, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Grand Rapids itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Grand Rapids with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Grand Rapids 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.