A long layover in Laval is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Laval-Entrammes Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 50 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave LVA:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for France. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Laval takes about 50 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Laval from LVA
You have two main options for getting from Laval-Entrammes Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 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.
Bag Storage Near LVA
Dedicated luggage storage at LVA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Laval’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.
What to Budget for Your Laval Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Laval might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Laval.
What’s Worth Seeing in Laval
For a layover visit to Laval, we’d suggest Château de Laval and Musée d’Art Naïf et d’Arts Singuliers (MANAS). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Laval. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside LVA — 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:
- Apron Viewing & General Aviation Spotting
- Terminal Relaxation Area
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Laval: Le Bistronome and La Table de Laura. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Restaurant l’Aérogare or LVA Terminal Snack & Coffee Point. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LVA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Laval itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for France that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, LVA has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Laval 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.