What Is the Difference Between a Layover and a Stopover?
When booking flights, you’ll often come across the terms layover and stopover.
At first glance, they may seem the same, but in air travel they mean different things.
A layover usually refers to a short break between connecting flights, often lasting just a few hours. It’s the time you spend at an intermediate airport before boarding your next flight to the final destination.
A stopover, on the other hand, is generally a longer pause in your journey, often lasting more than 24 hours for international travel (or more than 4 hours for domestic trips). Stopovers are sometimes built into tickets, giving travellers the chance to leave the airport, explore the city, or even stay overnight before continuing their journey.
What Is a Layover?
A layover is a short stop at an airport between connecting flights, usually lasting less than 24 hours (for international travel) or less than 4 hours (for domestic flights).
- Purpose: It’s meant for passengers to change planes on their way to their final destination.
- Experience: Most passengers spend their time inside the terminal—shopping, dining, or waiting in a lounge—without leaving the airport.
Example Scenario (Layover at Heathrow)
Imagine you’re flying from New York (JFK) to Rome (FCO), with a 3-hour layover at London Heathrow (LHR).
- You land at Heathrow, pass through the international transit area, and head to your next gate.
- You might grab a coffee at Costa, shop for duty-free perfume, or relax in the Plaza Premium Lounge before boarding your onward flight.
- Since the layover is short, there’s no time to leave the airport.
What Is a Stopover?
A stopover is a planned stop at an airport that lasts more than 24 hours for international travel (or more than 4 hours for domestic).
- Purpose: Airlines sometimes schedule stopovers to break up long-haul journeys. Travellers also choose them intentionally to explore a city before continuing their journey.
- Experience: A stopover often feels like a mini holiday within your trip—you can exit the airport, explore the destination, and then catch your next flight.
Example Scenario (Stopover at Gatwick)
Suppose you’re travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Toronto (YYZ), and your airline offers a 2-day stopover in London Gatwick (LGW).
- Instead of rushing through the airport, you book a hotel in central London.
- You explore iconic sites like Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye before returning to Gatwick for your onward flight.
- In this case, the stopover lets you add a London experience to your journey at no extra airfare.
How Layovers and Stopovers Affect Your Travel in London Airports
- Transfers Between Airports: Sometimes your layover or stopover involves switching between airports (e.g., arriving at Heathrow but departing from Gatwick). In that case, you’ll need a reliable airport transfer service or chauffeur-driven car to ensure you don’t miss your next flight.
- Time Planning:
- Layover → Focus on staying airside; use lounges, dining, or duty-free.
- Stopover → Plan hotel stays, sightseeing, and airport transfers in advance.
- Visa Rules: Depending on your nationality, you may need a UK transit visa or visitor visa if you leave the airport during a stopover.
Quick Comparison: Layover vs Stopover
| Feature | Layover | Stopover |
| Duration | < 24 hrs (international) | > 24 hrs (international) |
| Purpose | Short connection between flights | Extended stay before next flight |
| Activities | Stay inside airport | Explore city, book hotel, tour |
| Example | 3 hrs at Heathrow between NYC–Rome | 2 days in London via Gatwick on Dubai–Toronto |
How a Chauffeur Service Can Help on a Stopover in London
-
Quick City Tour – See landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, or Buckingham Palace.
-
Shopping & Dining – Stop at Oxford Street, Harrods, or enjoy a fine meal.
-
Relax in Comfort – Travel in a luxury car instead of waiting in the terminal.
-
Time-Saving – Chauffeur tracks your schedule to ensure you return in time for your next flight.
-
Hassle-Free Travel – No need to navigate public transport or worry about luggage.
Final Takeaway
- A layover is a quick pause at an airport before catching your next flight.
- A stopover is a longer stay, often giving you the chance to explore a city like London.
So, the next time you notice a layover or stopover on your ticket, think beyond just waiting at the terminal.
With City and Airport Cars, you can turn any break in your journey into a smooth travel experience. Whether it’s a quick transfer, a comfortable ride to your hotel, or a chance to explore the city in style.
