There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Zero into a quick city adventure. From ZER, the Shared Taxi / Auto-rickshaw can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave ZER:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for India. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Zero takes about 30 minutes by Shared Taxi / Auto-rickshaw. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Zero
You have two main options for getting from Ziro Airport into town:
- Shared Taxi / Auto-rickshaw: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Zero layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage at ZER
Specific locker facilities at ZER aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Zero itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Zero, two standouts are:
- Hong Village — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Apatani Paddy-Cum-Fish Fields — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside ZER — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Ziro Airport Waiting Area
- Runway Observation Point
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Dhemaji Dhaba and Hotel Blue Pine Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Zero.
- At the airport: Ziro Airport Tea & Snacks Stall and Basic Refreshments Counter will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
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 ZER.
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.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ZER is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Zero 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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Zero exploring the streets or relaxing at ZER, 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.