If you’ve got a layover in White Plains, don’t let it go to waste sitting at HPN. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 120 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share to White Plains Station, then Metro-North Railroad. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of HPN:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 120-minute journey each way by Taxi/Ride-share to White Plains Station, then Metro-North Railroad, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into White Plains from HPN
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Ride-share to White Plains Station, then Metro-North Railroad | ~120 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~140 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Ride-share to White Plains Station, then Metro-North Railroad 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.
How to Spend Your Time in White Plains
Two recommendations for your time in White Plains:
Start with Kensico Dam Plaza. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Downtown White Plains (Mamaroneck Avenue). It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside HPN, you can spend time at Hudson Valley News & Gift Shop or try Purchase Street Station. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
For food in White Plains, local travelers recommend City Limits Diner. If you have time for a second stop, Ron Blacks Beer & Burger is another popular pick.
Back at HPN, Purchase Street Station is the go-to. Starbucks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into White Plains might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$13 USD
- A meal: ~$25 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$48 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at HPN may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in White Plains’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at HPN for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate White Plains or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Taking a Break at HPN
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, HPN has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in White Plains 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.