A layover in Morgantown is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Morgantown Municipal Walter L. Bill Hart Field sits just 40 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Rideshare, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MGW:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 40 minutes into Morgantown, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Morgantown
From MGW, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Morgantown in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Morgantown, budget roughly $37 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $18 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Morgantown, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MGW aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Morgantown itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What’s Worth Seeing in Morgantown
For a layover visit to Morgantown, we’d suggest West Virginia University Campus Exploration and Caperton Trail / Mon River Rail-Trail. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Morgantown.
If you’d rather stay inside MGW — 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:
- MGW Public Waiting Area & Wi-Fi
- Plane Spotting at MGW
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Morgantown, local travelers recommend Black Bear Burritos. If you have time for a second stop, Table 9 is another popular pick.
Back at MGW, MGW Terminal Cafe & Snacks is the go-to. MGW Grab-and-Go Options rounds out your in-terminal options.
Taking a Break at MGW
Long overnight layover? Your options at MGW include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
WiFi at MGW 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 States and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Morgantown with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Morgantown 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.