A layover in Olathe is one of those happy accidents of air travel. New Century Aircenter Airport sits just 20 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Ride-share, 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
Three things to verify before you walk out of JCI:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 20-minute journey each way by Taxi/Ride-share, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting from JCI to Olathe
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Ride-share | ~20 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~40 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Ride-share is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Olathe might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Olathe, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Bag Storage Near JCI
Dedicated luggage storage at JCI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Olathe’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’s Worth Seeing in Olathe
If you head into Olathe, here are two things worth checking out:
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Ernie Miller Nature Center is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside JCI — 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:
- Executive AirShare FBO Lounge Area
- Aircraft Observation (Apron Views)
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Margarita’s Amigos and Blind Box BBQ are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Olathe.
- At the airport: The New Century Deli and Executive AirShare FBO Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at JCI 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
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and JCI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Olathe and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Olathe is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Olathe.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.