Hohenems Airport (HOH) is a small regional airport serving the Vorarlberg region of Austria. While it’s a Tier 3 airport with limited facilities, a layover here offers an opportunity to explore the charming Austrian countryside and nearby towns. Whether you have a short connection or a longer stopover, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
| Language | German (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Visa Requirements | Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality |
| Transit Time Rule | Need 6+ hours total to leave the airport safely (1hr immigration + 2-3hr return buffer + explore time) |
Pro Tip: Download offline maps and translation apps before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable.
Getting to the City
Hohenems Airport is a small regional facility with limited public transportation options. For specific transit information, check the official airport website.
When planning to leave the airport, always factor in immigration and security time on your return. For groups, budget an extra 15-30 minutes for slower movement through transit areas.
What to Do During Your Layover
At the Airport
As a Tier 3 airport, HOH has limited amenities. Specific details about lounges, dining, and facilities are not currently available. We recommend:
- Contacting the airport directly for current amenity information
- Checking your airline’s lounge access options
- Bringing snacks and entertainment in your carry-on
In Hohenems & Surrounding Area
If you have a longer layover (6+ hours), the Vorarlberg region offers charming Austrian experiences:
- Hohenems Town Center: Explore the historic old town with its medieval architecture and local shops
- Lake Constance (Bodensee): One of Europe’s largest lakes, located nearby, perfect for a scenic walk
- Local Cafés: Enjoy Austrian coffee culture and pastries at a fraction of airport prices
- Regional Museums: Learn about Vorarlberg’s history and culture
Luggage Storage & Facilities
If you need to store luggage while exploring, consider these options:
- Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero: Partner with local businesses near the airport for luggage storage – typically $5-10/bag/day, much cheaper than airport lockers
- For groups, book all luggage together for multi-bag discounts
Money & Dining Tips
| Category | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Currency Exchange | Use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card – never exchange at airport counters (terrible rates) |
| Food Costs | Airport food is 2-3x city prices – eat in town if you leave the airport |
| Groups | Food courts work better than sit-down restaurants – everyone chooses what they want |
Quick Tips for Your Layover
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing to navigate without relying on airport WiFi
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security – helps manage jet lag
- For groups: Designate a group leader to manage timing and use WhatsApp for real-time coordination
- Share your location: Solo travelers should share their location with a trusted contact when exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave HOH airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, but only if you have sufficient time. The general rule is to have at least 6+ hours total layover time to account for immigration (1 hour), returning to the airport (2-3 hours), and exploration time. Always check your visa requirements before leaving – some nationalities may face restrictions. For groups, add an extra 15-30 minutes to account for slower movement.
What is there to do at HOH during a layover?
At the airport itself, amenities are limited as a Tier 3 facility. If you leave the airport, the Hohenems area and Vorarlberg region offer charming Austrian experiences including historic town centers, Lake Constance nearby, local cafés, and regional museums. For shorter layovers, stay at the airport and use your time to rest or catch up on work.
How long of a layover do I need at HOH?
For a safe layover at HOH, plan for at least 2-3 hours for domestic connections and 2.5-3 hours for international departures when returning to the airport. If you want to leave the airport and explore, you’ll need a minimum of 6+ hours total layover time to account for immigration, security, travel time, and exploration.
Are there lounges at HOH?
Specific lounge information for HOH is not currently available. Check with your airline about lounge access – some airlines offer complimentary access to frequent flyers or premium ticket holders. Alternatively, you can purchase a one-time day pass from your airline (typically $39-59) or explore Priority Pass membership, which gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide.
Is there luggage storage at HOH?
Specific luggage storage facilities at HOH are not currently available. We recommend using Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near airports for luggage storage at $5-10/bag/day – much cheaper than typical airport lockers. For groups, book all luggage together for multi-bag discounts.
Make the Most of Your Layover
Whether you have a short connection or a longer stopover at Hohenems Airport, planning ahead is key. Download offline maps, check visa requirements, and decide whether to explore the charming Vorarlberg region or rest at the airport.
Ready to optimize your layover? Use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically accomplish during your stopover.