If you’ve got a layover in Reims, don’t let it go to waste sitting at RHE. The city, in France, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at RHE:
First, verify that you can enter France — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 60 minutes into Reims, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What’s Worth Seeing in Reims
For a layover visit to Reims, we’d suggest Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral and Maison Mumm Champagne Cellar. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at RHE, check out Reims-Champagne Air Base Vicinity Walk or Local Cafe near Base Entrance (Hypothetical) to keep yourself occupied.
Getting from RHE to Reims
The most straightforward way into Reims is the local transport, which takes about 60 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 80 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Reims: Le Boulingrin and Café du Palais. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Snack Bar La Base (Hypothetical) or Quick Bites at Thillois Commercial Zone. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Reims layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$22 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$43 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at RHE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Reims itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for France that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at RHE 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 Reims for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Taking a Break at RHE
Long overnight layover? Your options at RHE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in France also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Reims exploring the streets or relaxing at RHE, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.