Olympia is the capital of Washington State, known for its vibrant arts scene, waterfront location on Puget Sound, and proximity to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. A layover here offers a chance to explore local culture, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the region’s outdoor attractions. Whether you have a short connection or an extended layover, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
| Language | English is the primary language |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) |
| WiFi | Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing. Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for reliable data |
Getting to Olympia from OLM
Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) is located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Olympia. For specific ground transportation options, check the Olympia Regional Airport website. Common options include rental cars, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft), and taxis. The drive to downtown Olympia takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
What to Do During Your Layover
At the Airport
While specific amenity data for OLM is limited, most regional airports offer basic services including:
- Dining options and food courts (note: airport food is 2-3x more expensive than city prices)
- Retail shops and newsstands
- Restrooms and basic facilities
- Charging stations for devices
Luggage Storage: If you’re leaving the airport, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero to store bags near the airport for $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Exploring Olympia
With a longer layover (6+ hours), consider exploring downtown Olympia:
- Capitol Building & Grounds: Tour Washington State’s impressive Capitol building and surrounding gardens (free admission)
- Waterfront District: Walk along Puget Sound, visit local shops, galleries, and cafes
- Farmer’s Market: If visiting on a weekend, explore the Olympia Farmer’s Market (year-round, Saturdays)
- Local Dining: Enjoy fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine, including seafood and farm-to-table restaurants
- Arts & Culture: Browse galleries and independent shops in the downtown arts district
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Eat in the city, not the airport: If leaving OLM, grab meals downtown where prices are reasonable and quality is higher
- Download offline maps: Airport WiFi can be unreliable – use Google Maps or Maps.me offline before landing
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security; staying hydrated helps manage jet lag
Travel Tips by Group Type
Family Travel
- Pack entertainment and snacks in your carry-on for easy access during the layover
- Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables and bottle warmers – ask at information
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security to keep kids hydrated
- Use Bounce or Stasher for luggage storage ($5-10/bag/day) instead of dragging bags around the city
Solo Travel
- Luggage storage: Use Bounce or Stasher for $5-8/bag/day to explore hands-free
- Safety: Share your location with a trusted contact when exploring the city
- Currency: Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates with zero markup
- Data: Get an eSIM before traveling (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi
- Lounge access: One-time day passes available: Alaska ~$39, American ~$45, Delta ~$49, United ~$59
Group Travel
- Designate a group leader: Manage timing, headcount, and communication before the layover
- Use group chat: Share departure gate and boarding time as a pinned message in WhatsApp or group chat
- Luggage discounts: Book all group luggage together with Bounce or Stasher for multi-bag discounts
- Food courts work best: Everyone can choose what they want without waiting for sit-down service
- Track expenses: Use Splitwise to automatically calculate who owes what for shared transport and food
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave OLM airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave OLM airport during a layover if you have enough time. However, always factor in security screening time when calculating if you can leave. For international connections, budget at least 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, allow 60 minutes minimum. Solo travelers should aim for 6+ hours total layover time (1 hour + 2-3 hours return buffer + explore time) to comfortably leave the airport.
What is there to do at OLM during a layover?
At the airport, you can dine at food courts, shop at retail stores, and use charging stations. If you have a longer layover (6+ hours), leave the airport and explore downtown Olympia: visit the Capitol Building, walk the waterfront district, enjoy fresh seafood, browse galleries, or visit the farmer’s market (Saturdays). Eat in the city rather than the airport – food is 2-3x cheaper downtown.
How long of a layover do I need at OLM?
For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure. If you want to leave the airport and explore Olympia, aim for 6+ hours total layover time. This accounts for 1 hour 2-3 hours to return to the airport, and time to explore the city.
Are there lounges at OLM?
Lounge availability at OLM depends on your airline and ticket class. Check with your airline for lounge access. If you don’t have complimentary access, one-time day passes are available: Alaska ~$39, American ~$45, Delta ~$49, United ~$59, and Plaza Premium varies by location. Priority Pass gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide – some credit cards include it free.
Is there luggage storage at OLM?
For affordable luggage storage, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near the airport. Storage costs $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers. Groups can book multiple bags together for discounted rates.