Reims is a historic city in northeastern France famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and world-renowned champagne houses. Even a short layover at Reims Airport (RHE) gives you access to one of France’s most culturally rich destinations. Whether you have 2 hours or 6 hours, this guide shows you exactly what’s possible.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Visa: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality’s requirements
- Language: French. Download a translation app before landing
- Currency: Euro (€). Use ATMs or a Wise card – avoid airport currency exchanges
- Airport WiFi: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before arrival
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
Getting from RHE to Reims City Center
Reims Airport (RHE) is approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) from the city center. Transit options include:
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15-20 min | €20-30 | Direct, no waiting |
| Public Bus | 30-40 min | €2-3 | Budget-conscious |
| Rental Car | 15-20 min | €30-50/day | Groups, flexibility |
Pro tip: For layovers under 3 hours, stay at the airport. For 3-6 hours, a quick taxi ride to the city center is feasible. Always factor in 1 hour for immigration/security and 2-3 hours to return to the airport before departure.
What to Do During Your Layover
At the Airport
- Rest: Find a quiet seating area or use airport benches to rest
- Eat: Airport food courts are 2-3x city prices – grab a coffee and snack only
- Work/Relax: Use free WiFi to catch up on emails or entertainment
- Shopping: Browse duty-free shops if you have time
In Reims City Center (3-6 Hour Layovers)
Reims’ main attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city center:
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims: UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, one of France’s most iconic buildings. Allow 30-45 minutes for a visit
- Champagne Houses: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger offer guided tours (45-60 min) with tastings. Book ahead or walk in
- Place Royale: Historic square in the heart of the city, perfect for a quick stroll and photos
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Art museum with French and European works. 30-45 minutes if you’re interested
- Eat in the City: Grab lunch or dinner at a local bistro – much cheaper than airport food
Sample Layover Itineraries
2-3 Hour Layover: Stay at the airport. Rest, eat a light meal, and prepare for your next flight.
3-4 Hour Layover: Take a taxi to the city center (20 min). Visit the cathedral (45 min), walk around Place Royale (20 min), grab a quick coffee, and return to the airport (20 min). Total: 2.5 hours in the city.
5-6 Hour Layover: Taxi to the city (20 min). Visit the cathedral (45 min), tour a champagne house (60 min), lunch at a local bistro (45 min), and return to the airport (20 min). Total: 3.5-4 hours in the city.
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money
- Use Wise or Revolut: Get the best exchange rates without airport markup
- Share your location: If exploring solo, let a trusted contact know where you are
Luggage Storage & Facilities
If you need to store luggage during your layover, use services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero. These partner with local businesses near the airport and cost $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave RHE airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. However, you’ll need to clear immigration and security, which takes 30-60 minutes. For international connections, factor in at least 2.5-3 hours before your next departure. For layovers under 3 hours, it’s safer to stay at the airport.
What is there to do at RHE during a layover?
RHE is a smaller airport with limited onsite amenities. Your best options are resting, eating, or shopping. For more activities, take a taxi to Reims city center (20 minutes) to visit the cathedral, champagne houses, or local restaurants. See our itineraries above for specific recommendations.
How long of a layover do I need at RHE?
For a domestic connection: 60 minutes minimum. For an international connection: 2.5-3 hours minimum (including immigration and security). To explore Reims city: 4-6 hours is ideal. Under 3 hours, stay at the airport.
Are there lounges at RHE?
Lounge availability at RHE is limited. Check with your airline about access. If you don’t have lounge access, consider a one-time day pass from your airline (typically $39-59) or use a Priority Pass membership if you have one through your credit card.
Is there luggage storage at RHE?
Yes. Use airport lockers or partner services like Bounce and Stasher for luggage storage near the airport ($5-10/bag/day). This is cheaper and more convenient than airport lockers.
Ready to Plan Your Layover?
Use the Yopki layover calculator to see exactly what you can do with your specific layover time. Input your arrival and departure times, and get a personalized itinerary for Reims.
Whether you’re resting at the airport or exploring the champagne capital of France, make the most of your time in Reims.