There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Hartsville into a quick city adventure. From HVS, the local transport can get you into town in around 20 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside HVS
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at HVS:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 20 minutes into Hartsville, 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.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Hartsville, here are two things worth checking out:
Kalmia Gardens of Coker University is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Hartsville Museum is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside HVS, you can spend time at Private Aircraft Observation Deck or try Coker Aviation FBO Lounge. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Hartsville: Sam Kendall’s and Bizzell’s Food & Spirits. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for FBO Vending Machines or Pilot Lounge Courtesy Coffee & Water. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Getting from HVS to Hartsville
You have two main options for getting from Hartsville Regional Airport into town:
- local transport: About 20 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 40 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.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Hartsville might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$8 USD
- A meal: ~$15 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$33 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Hartsville, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at HVS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hartsville’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 HVS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hartsville 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.
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 HVS.
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 Hartsville count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave HVS. 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.