A long layover in Hays is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Hays Regional Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 45 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside HYS
Three things to verify before you walk out of HYS:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-minute journey each way by Taxi/Ride-share, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into Hays from HYS
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Ride-share | ~45 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~65 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Ride-share 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.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Hays:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $18 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $37 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What’s Worth Seeing in Hays
If you head into Hays, here are two things worth checking out:
Sternberg Museum of Natural History is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Historic Downtown Hays is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside HYS, you can spend time at HYS Passenger Waiting Area or try HYS Terminal Information & Local Displays. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Hays: Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. and Professor’s Classic Pub. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for HYS Snack Vending Machines or HYS Beverage Vending Machines. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at HYS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hays’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
You’ll find free WiFi at HYS for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Hays or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at HYS
Long overnight layover? Your options at HYS 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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Hays exploring the streets or relaxing at HYS, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.