Huntington, West Virginia offers a charming Appalachian experience for layover travelers. Located along the Ohio River, this historic city provides a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and local dining. Whether you have a few hours or an overnight layover at Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS), this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Language: English is the primary language in Huntington.
- Currency: US Dollars (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters.
- Mobile Data: Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for reliable connectivity without hunting for WiFi.
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Getting to Huntington City Center
Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS) is located approximately 8 miles from downtown Huntington. For specific transit options and current schedules, visit the Huntington Tri-State Airport website.
Transit Tips:
- For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure when returning to HTS.
- For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes to return to the airport.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
With limited time, focus on airport amenities and quick refreshment:
- Grab a meal or snack at airport food vendors.
- Use airport WiFi to catch up on work or entertainment.
- Visit restrooms and freshen up before your next flight.
- Download offline maps and entertainment before landing to maximize your time.
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
You have time to explore downtown Huntington:
- Heritage Station: Historic train station with local history exhibits.
- Huntington Museum of Art: Features American and international art collections.
- Pullman Square: Downtown shopping and dining district with local restaurants.
- Ritter Park: Scenic green space along the Ohio River – perfect for a walk and fresh air.
- Local Dining: Try regional Appalachian cuisine at local restaurants. Eat in the city rather than the airport – food costs 2-3x more at HTS.
Long Layover or Overnight (8+ hours)
With extended time, consider a deeper exploration:
- Visit the Huntington Museum of Art for a full cultural experience.
- Explore downtown Huntington on foot – the city center is walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
- Take a scenic drive along the Ohio River for Appalachian views.
- Visit local cafes and breweries for authentic West Virginia hospitality.
- For overnight stays, search for hotels near the airport or downtown. Book in advance if possible.
Luggage Storage & Rest Options
If you’re leaving the airport but don’t want to carry luggage:
- Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near HTS – typically $5-10 per bag per day, much cheaper than airport lockers.
- For rest, check SleepingInAirports.net for airport sleeping options and reviews.
- If you need a proper bed, book a hotel room near the airport for a few hours.
Airport Amenities at HTS
Huntington Tri-State Airport is a smaller regional airport. For current information on dining, shopping, and services available, visit the official airport website.
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access.
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable.
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. Staying hydrated helps manage jet lag.
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best exchange rates with zero markup when spending in USD.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave HTS airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave HTS during a layover if you have a valid passport and meet entry requirements for the United States. However, always factor in security screening time. For international connections, budget at least 2.5-3 hours before departure when returning to the airport. For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes. A general rule: you need 6+ hours total layover time to comfortably leave the airport and explore.
What is there to do at HTS during a layover?
At the airport, you can dine at food vendors, use WiFi, and rest. If you leave the airport, downtown Huntington offers the Huntington Museum of Art, Pullman Square shopping district, Ritter Park, and local restaurants. For short layovers (2-4 hours), stay at the airport. For medium layovers (4-8 hours), explore downtown. For overnight layovers, consider visiting multiple attractions or booking a hotel.
How long of a layover do I need at HTS?
For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes between flights. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure. If you want to leave the airport and explore, aim for at least 4-6 hours total layover time to account for transit, security, and exploration time.
Are there lounges at HTS?
For lounge access information at HTS, check with your airline or visit the airport website. If you have a Priority Pass membership (included with some credit cards), you may have access to lounges worldwide. One-time day passes are available from most airlines for $39-59, though availability varies by location.
Is there luggage storage at HTS?
For luggage storage options at HTS, contact the airport directly or check their website. Alternatively, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near the airport – typically $5-10 per bag per day, which is often cheaper than airport lockers.
Plan Your Layover with Yopki
Make the most of your time in Huntington. Use the Yopki layover calculator to plan exactly what you can do based on your layover length, and discover personalized recommendations for your connection.