There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Hyderabad into a quick city adventure. From BPM, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at BPM:
First, verify that you can enter India — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into Hyderabad, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring Hyderabad on a Layover
For a layover visit to Hyderabad, we’d suggest Charminar and Golconda Fort. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
If you’d rather stay inside BPM — 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:
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Airport Novotel Hyderabad
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Hyderabad: Paradise Restaurant (Secunderabad) and Bawarchi Restaurant (RTC X Roads). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Paradise Biryani or Blaster Express Food Court. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Hyderabad is the local transport, which takes about 30 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
What to Budget for Your Hyderabad Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Hyderabad layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Hyderabad.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at BPM may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hyderabad’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BPM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hyderabad itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at BPM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in India also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Hyderabad count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BPM. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.