There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Hailey into a quick city adventure. From SUN, the Taxi/Shuttle can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SUN:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Shuttle takes about 60 minutes into Hailey, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Hailey
The most straightforward way into Hailey is the Taxi/Shuttle, 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 Taxi/Shuttle is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Hailey, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Exploring Hailey on a Layover
For a layover visit to Hailey, we’d suggest Stroll Downtown Hailey and Rotarun Ski Area (Viewpoint). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
If you’d rather stay inside SUN — 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:
- Friedman Memorial Airport Fireplace Lounge
- Friedman Airport Gift Shop
Best Bites Near SUN
- In the city: Power House Bike & Coffee Bar and The Wicked Spud are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Hailey.
- At the airport: Friedman Airport Cafe and Airport Vending Machines & Snack Area will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Storing Your Luggage at Friedman Memorial Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at SUN may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hailey’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.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SUN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hailey 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.
Need a Nap? Options at SUN
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 SUN.
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.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Hailey count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave SUN. 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.