A long layover in Hohenems is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Hohenems-Dornbirn Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Hohenems, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Austria vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Hohenems is roughly 60 minutes from HOH via Local Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Hohenems-Dornbirn Airport into town:
- Local Bus: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 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.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at HOH can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Hohenems for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Hohenems layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$22 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$43 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Hohenems, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Exploring Hohenems on a Layover
If you head into Hohenems, here are two things worth checking out:
Palace Hohenems (Palast Hohenems) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Jewish Museum Hohenems (Jüdisches Museum Hohenems) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
If you’d rather stay inside HOH — 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:
- Aircraft Observation Area
- Flugschule Dornbirn (Flight School)
Where to Grab a Meal
In Hohenems
If you make it into town, Gasthof Restaurant Adler is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Rösslepark Restaurant & Eventlocation.
Inside HOH
If you’re staying in the terminal, Restaurant Fliegerstüberl Hohenems is your main option. Airport Snack & Coffee Vending works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HOH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hohenems itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Austria that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at HOH
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 HOH.
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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Hohenems genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.