Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Olympia. Olympia Regional Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Olympia, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Olympia is roughly 60 minutes from OLM via Intercity Transit Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Olympia
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Transit Bus | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Intercity Transit Bus 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.
Luggage Storage at OLM
Luggage storage options at OLM can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Olympia for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Olympia layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Olympia.
What to See and Do in Olympia
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Olympia, two standouts are:
- Washington State Capitol Campus — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Percival Landing Park — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OLM, you can spend time at Aircraft Spotting at OLM or try Spencer Aircraft Supply Store. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Olympia, local travelers recommend Budd Bay Cafe. If you have time for a second stop, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill – Olympia is another popular pick.
Back at OLM, FBO Snack & Drink Vending is the go-to. Starbucks (Tumwater) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at OLM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Olympia 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.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at OLM.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Olympia 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.