A long layover in Hof is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Hof-Plauen Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave HOQ:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Germany. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Hof takes about 75 minutes by Bus Line 8. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Hof from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Line 8 | ~75 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~95 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Bus Line 8 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.
Storing Your Luggage at Hof-Plauen Airport
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At HOQ, you’ll find bag storage at Not available due to the airport’s small size..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Hof, budget roughly $36 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $17 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 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 Hof on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Hof:
Start with Theresienstein Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to Hof City Center & Old Town Exploration. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside HOQ, you can spend time at Fliegerstüberl Hof-Plauen or try Aircraft Spotting & Terminal View. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Hof, local travelers recommend Maleki Hof. If you have time for a second stop, Bayerischer Hof Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at HOQ, Fliegerstüberl Hof-Plauen is the go-to. Airport Kiosk & Snacks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HOQ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hof itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Germany that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at HOQ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Germany also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Hof with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Hof 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.