- 28 Aug, 2025
Layovers or Stopovers between the United States and Europe are nearly unavoidable aspects of an international journey. Numerous travelers occasionally have several hours at an airport, especially when waiting between connecting flights. However, travelers may find it challenging to find the best stopover cities in Europe, as there are abundant options. Therefore, explore the upcoming sections of this article, and find out some paramount information you can consider when picking the best stopover city on your trip from the USA to Europe.
Smart Tips to Consider when Choosing a Stopover City.
Before you proceed with choosing a stopover city or get a deal with a specific stopover city, there are some things to keep in mind. By considering these facts, you can have a more convenient experience on your journey:
- Consider Cities/Countries with no Visa Requirements: Check if a country requires a Visa. Some countries, like Singapore, Qatar, and Turkey, offer flexible transit Visas, especially for stopovers. Countries such as Russia, Iran, and others must be avoided as they offer strict and expensive Visas.
- Choose Hubs/Cities that encourage long layovers: Airlines often offer a stopover program, where you can visit hub cities for free or at discounted rates. Airlines like Tap Air Portugal, Icelandair, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad Airways offer programs encouraging stopover or layover stays.
- Know what to do with your Luggage: The primary difference between a layover and a stopover is the duration of stay. A stopover is when the stay is extended, often around 24 hours or more, offering more time to the traveler to explore the region. Therefore, passengers must either store their luggage at the airport or get a hotel within a budget so they do not have to face the inconvenience of dragging their luggage while sightseeing.
- Ensure that your City is easy to reach from the Airport: If your airport is located in a more remote area on the outskirts of town, it might be a bit challenging to get into the city, which could end up costing you more time and money when traveling between the airport and your destination. Therefore, ensure your city is close to the airport, so you have no difficulty catching your flight.
- Check the Baggage Requirements: Ensure that the baggage requirements of your stopover country are checked ahead of time. Sometimes, certain items are restricted in certain countries. Therefore, it is advised to check the criteria for a smoother experience.
Best Airlines with Stopover programs
A stopover program permits travelers to elongate their layover into a brief holiday by remaining in the airline's hub city for an extended duration. This is often accompanied by discounted or complimentary accommodation and additional benefits. Several airlines offer such programs to provide a convenient experience for their passengers. Hence, here are some airlines that offer such programs:
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Iberia
- Turkish Airlines
- Icelandair
- Tap Air Portugal
- Copa Airlines
- Air Canada
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Japan Airlines
Some Top Stopover Destinations between the USA and Europe
Some of the top stopover destinations that travelers choose are listed below. Each destination nearly fulfills the conditions required for an ideal stopover city. Therefore, tourists are advised to stay at these locations for a convenient experience:
- Lisbon
- Doha
- Istanbul
- Abu Dhabi
- Amsterdam
- Dubai
- Helsinki
- Paris
- Reynisfjara
Conclusion
If your flight has a stopover, it is an opportunity for travelers to explore more areas and cultures. They tend to be capable of turning a long, fatiguing journey into another mini-vacation, allowing you to explore more regions without spending much money. Hence, refer to the article before choosing an ideal stopover destination when flying between the USA and Europe. Also, consider flying with the listed airlines to enjoy their stopover programs.
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