Passing through New Castle Airport? A layover in Wilmington is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave ILG:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Wilmington takes about 60 minutes by DART First State Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into Wilmington from ILG
From ILG, the DART First State Bus gets you to Wilmington in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the DART First State Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Wilmington, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Wilmington.
Bag Storage Near ILG
Luggage storage options at ILG 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 Wilmington for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Exploring Wilmington on a Layover
If you head into Wilmington, here are two things worth checking out:
Riverfront Wilmington is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Delaware Art Museum is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ILG, check out Delaware Aviation Museum or ILG Airport Waiting Area & Aircraft Viewing to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
In Wilmington
If you make it into town, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Bardea Food & Drink.
Inside ILG
If you’re staying in the terminal, The Landing Zone Cafe is your main option. Airport Grab & Go Deli works too if you want something quick.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ILG, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ILG for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Wilmington 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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Wilmington exploring the streets or relaxing at ILG, 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.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.