Passing through City of Derry Airport? A layover in Londonderry is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 50 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.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Londonderry, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United Kingdom vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Londonderry is roughly 50 minutes from LDY via Ulsterbus (Route 26). Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in GBP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From LDY, the Ulsterbus (Route 26) gets you to Londonderry in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Ulsterbus (Route 26) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Bag Storage Near LDY
Specific locker facilities at LDY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Londonderry itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Londonderry:
Transport to the city and back runs about $12 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $23 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $45 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Londonderry, we’d suggest Walk the Historic City Walls and The Peace Bridge. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Londonderry.
If you’d rather stay inside LDY — 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:
- Amelia Earhart Lounge Bar and Cafe
- Runway Shop (WHSmith)
Eating Well on a Londonderry Layover
For food in Londonderry, local travelers recommend Browns Bonds Hill. If you have time for a second stop, The Exchange Restaurant & Wine Bar is another popular pick.
Back at LDY, Amelia Earhart Cafe is the go-to. Amelia Earhart Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
WiFi at LDY should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United Kingdom and you’re good to go.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at LDY, 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
Whether you spend your layover in Londonderry exploring the streets or relaxing at LDY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.