There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Shreveport into a quick city adventure. From SHV, the SporTran Bus can get you into town in around 50 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Shreveport, 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: Shreveport is roughly 50 minutes from SHV via SporTran 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.
The Best Way Into Shreveport from SHV
From SHV, the SporTran Bus gets you to Shreveport in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the SporTran Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Shreveport Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Shreveport:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $18 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $37 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Shreveport.
What to See and Do in Shreveport
Two recommendations for your time in Shreveport:
Start with Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. Then, if time allows, make your way to Sci-Port Discovery Center. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SHV, you can spend time at SHV Terminal Amenities & Free Wi-Fi or try Shreveport Regional Airport Art Program. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Herby-K’s Restaurant and Marilynn’s Place are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Shreveport.
- At the airport: River City Cafe and Starbucks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Bag Storage Near SHV
Luggage storage options at SHV 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 Shreveport for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and SHV is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Shreveport 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
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 SHV.
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 Shreveport 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.