Long-haul air travel often requires transit or long waiting periods at airports. To make the most of this downtime, there are many interesting activities available, one of which is participating in Free City Tour services provided by several airports around the world.
Free City Tour is a complimentary sightseeing program offered by some international airports for passengers in transit or waiting for their next flight. Through this service, passengers are invited to explore the city or surrounding area of the airport using buses or special transportation at no extra cost.
Which airports around the world offer this exclusive service?
Singapore Changi Airport ā Singapore
Changi Airport offers a Free Singapore Tour program specifically for transit passengers with a layover of 5.5 to 24 hours at the airport. This program provides a unique opportunity for passengers to explore some of Singapore's iconic destinations without exiting the transit process.
There are three types of tours available, depending on the passengerās duration and interests:
- Heritage and Culture Tour, which takes participants to see Singaporeās cultural and historical side through visits to Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
- City Sights Tour, featuring modern landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and Gardens by the Bay.
- Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour, which takes participants along the Singapore River and the architectural marvel of Marina Bay Sands.
These tours are conducted using comfortable tour buses and guided by professional English-speaking guides. All tour facilities, including transportation and guides, are provided free of charge, allowing passengers to make the most of their transit time with a meaningful Singapore experience.
To join the Free Singapore Tour, passengers must register and meet certain requirements, such as:
- Being a transit or transfer passenger at Changi Airport
- Checked baggage must be tagged through to the final destination
- Transit time must be between 5.5 and 24 hours and align with the tour schedule
- Arrive on time at the registration point after disembarking the plane
- Transit passengers may only enter and exit Singapore once during their layover
More detailed information about the tour schedule and how to participate can be found on the official Free Singapore Tour website by Changi Airport.
Taoyuan International Airport ā Taiwan
Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan offers a Free Half Day Tour service for passengers who meet the following conditions:
- Transit passengers with a layover of 7ā24 hours who hold a Taiwan (R.O.C.) visa or come from visa-exempt countries can join the program.
- Citizens of India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos can also participate if they have applied for a Travel Authorization Certificate online. This certificate must be printed and brought for immigration checks upon entry and exit from Taiwan.
The Taiwan Free Half Day Tour offers passengers the chance to explore various interesting destinations around Taipei at no additional cost during their transit. There are four types of tours to choose from, depending on the available time:
- Morning Tour: Discover Taipeiās 100 Years of Glory, including National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, and Yongkang Street.
- Afternoon Tour: The Beauty of Taiwanese Traditional Arts & Nature, featuring Yingge Pottery Street, New Taipei City Art Museum, and Sanying Spatial Art District.
- Evening Tour: Gourmet Guided Tour with Night Market, taking participants to Li Jing Ding, Ren Hai Temple, and Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
- Self-Guided Tour, which allows participants to explore selected destinations independently using a Taoyuan Metro ticket that can be redeemed at the airportās tourist service center.
To join these tours, passengers must register in advance and meet transit time and travel document requirements, including a passport valid for at least six months and a completed immigration arrival/departure card available at the immigration desk.
More information is available on the official Taiwan Free Half Day Tour website.
Istanbul Airport ā Turkey
The free sightseeing tour service provided by Istanbul Airport is called Touristanbul. This service allows passengers with a layover of 6 to 24 hours to travel to various historical sites and scenic restaurants around Istanbul. Requirements to join this program include:
- Having an international connecting flight through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
- Transit time of at least 6 hours and a maximum of 24 hours
- Ability to join a tour that fits the layover schedule
- Visit the Touristanbul counter in the transfer area for further information and tour eligibility check
- Tour registration must be completed at the Touristanbul counter in the arrivals hall
- Arrive at the counter at least 30 minutes before the tour begins for those who have reserved a spot
There are many places to visit on this tour, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, GĆ¼lhane Park, and more.
Tour schedules and registration details can be found on the official Touristanbul website.
Incheon International Airport ā South Korea
Incheon International Airport offers a Transit Tour Guide service specifically designed for passengers in transit with certain layover durations. This program allows passengers to explore Seoul and its surroundings without needing a visa, provided they meet applicable requirements.
A professional tour guide accompanies participants throughout the journey, visiting popular destinations such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsan Seoul Tower. This service offers a brief yet memorable opportunity to experience South Korean culture and iconic landmarks.
Passengers can join the Transit Tour Guide without a visa if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Your transit time must be 24 hours or less. Passengers with layovers longer than 24 hours cannot join the tour
- Registration requires a passport and arrival/departure boarding passes
- Arrive at the registration desk at least 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Unclaimed seats will be given to passengers on the waiting list
However, even if you are from a visa-exempt country to South Korea, you must still apply for K-ETA unless you are from a country/region temporarily exempted from Koreaās Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
Examples of destinations on this tour include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae (Blue House), Odusan Unification Observatory, Imjingak Pyeongwha Nuri Park, and more.
Further information is available on the official Incheon Airport Transit Tour Guide website.
Aside from being a fun way to fill transit time, these free tours also provide an opportunity to learn about the culture and beauty of the destination city without the hassle of planning your own itinerary.
So, the next time you have a long layover, donāt hesitate to take advantage of these services and make your travel experience even more memorable!
