A long layover in Hoquiam is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Bowerman Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Hoquiam, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Hoquiam is roughly 30 minutes from HQM via Taxi / Ride-share. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Spend Your Time in Hoquiam
Two recommendations for your time in Hoquiam:
Start with Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. You can see the main features in a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Polson Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside HQM, you can spend time at Bowerman Airport FBO Lounge Area or try Aircraft Viewing. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
How to Get Into Hoquiam
From HQM, the Taxi / Ride-share gets you to Hoquiam in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
In Hoquiam
If you make it into town, Billy’s Bar & Grill is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Breakwater Seafood & Grill.
Inside HQM
If you’re staying in the terminal, Bowerman Airport FBO Snack Bar is your main option. Vending Machines (FBO Building) works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Hoquiam:
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.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Hoquiam.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and HQM is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Hoquiam and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Luggage Storage at HQM
Luggage storage options at HQM 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 Hoquiam for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Taking a Break at HQM
Long overnight layover? Your options at HQM 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Hoquiam 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.