Passing through Bob Baker Memorial Airport? A layover in Kiana is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave IAN:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Kiana takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Kiana
You have two main options for getting from Bob Baker Memorial Airport into town:
- local transport: 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.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Kiana, we’d suggest Stroll along the Kobuk River and Explore Kiana Village. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Kiana.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside IAN, you can spend time at Observing Local Air Traffic or try Enjoying the Quiet Alaskan Scenery. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Kiana Commercial Co. and Kiana Village Cafe are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Kiana.
- At the airport: Kiana Airport Refreshments and Bush Plane Grab & Go will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Kiana might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$13 USD
- A meal: ~$25 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$48 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at IAN may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Kiana’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 IAN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Kiana itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at IAN, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Kiana with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Kiana may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.