How much a long layover might add to your cheap flight in airports around the world
Snagging a cheap flight is one of the keys to affordable travel, but there’s often a downside to that rock bottom price tag - an inconvenient stopover in an airport halfway to your destination.
But while we all know the typical problems that come with a lengthy layover like uncomfortable airport lounge chairs and hours of boredom, you may not have considered what it might be doing to your holiday budget. From bottles of water to a nearby hotel for the night, a stopover can add up to be more expensive than you might expect.
“An affordable flight can be highly appealing when booking international travel, but remember that an expensive layover also contributes to holiday costs. An expensive beer, sandwich and snooze can really add up at pricier airports like Los Angeles, Paris and New York,” Mozo Director Kirsty Lamont said.
With that in mind, Mozo crunched the numbers on a few of the main airports around the world, to see just how much each destination would add to your travel spend.
“Mozo found a 175% price difference between airport layover pricing, indicating that some terminals are well and truly more affordable than others,” said Lamont.
Check out the cost of a layover* in airports around the world below and remember to factor these costs into your budget next time you dust off your passport and head off for an adventure!
15. Los Angeles, USA - LAX
A stop over in LA can be a bit of a budgetary stretch at $239.04, thanks to a relatively strong US dollar. This airport also boasts the most expensive bottle of water on our list.
Exchange rate: 1 USD = AU$1.29016
14. Paris, France - CDG
You’ll need to be carrying a stash of Euros for a stop over in the city of love as well, but you may not be feeling so romantic when you consider that a night at the Paris airport could set you back $217.68.
Exchange rate: 1 Euro = AU$1.59007
13. John F. Kennedy International, New York - JFK
If your next adventure takes you through The Big Apple, make sure your wallet is ready to take a hit, because a night in New York could cost a total of $195.77.
Exchange rate: 1 USD = AU$1.29016
12. London Heathrow, UK - LHR
If you’re spending a night in Heathrow it’s worth packing your own dinner, since it offers up the most expensive sandwich on our list. In total, a layover in London could come with a $161.50 price tag.
Exchange rate: 1 GBP = AU$1.77958
11. Frankfurt, Germany - FRA
If you’re stuck spending a few hours in Germany’s biggest airport**, Frankfurt airport, you’ll need to have more than a couple of Euros in your pocket, with a total spend of $148.31.
Exchange rate: 1 Euro = AU$1.59007
10. Kingsford Smith, Sydney - SYD
For a lot of travellers living outside Australia’s major cities, the Sydney International Airport might be a necessary stop on their way overseas - but if that’s the case for you, remember to factor an extra $146.30 into your budget.
9. Narita Airport, Tokyo - NRT
Narita Airport is Tokyo’s main airport and many budget international flights come in and out of this hub. If you’re travelling on a shoestring, be aware that a layover here comes with a mid-range price tag of around $145.10.
Exchange rate: 1 JPY = AU$0.0122196
8. Beijing, China - PEK
China’s biggest and busiest airport, spending a night in Beijing international Capital Airport on your way to the rest of the world might set you back $142.89.
Exchange rate: 1 CNY = AU$0.203832
7. New Delhi, India - DEL
Spending a night in New Delhi? The Indira Gandhi Airport offers thirsty travellers the cheapest bottle of water on the list, but you’ll still want to add an extra $140.02 to your travel bill.
Exchange rate: 1 INR = AU$0.0198469
6. Dubai, UAE - DXB
The Dubai International Airport is the busiest airport in the world**. Overall, Dubai came out on the more affordable end of the scale at a total $136.64, but if you fancy a cold beverage after a long day travelling then it may not be the best place to be, since it has the most expensive beer on our list.
Exchange rate: 1 AED = AU$0.351253
5. Moscow, Russia - SVO
A stop over in the Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of three major airports in Moscow, could be a reasonably affordable break in your travel plans, coming in at $133.62.
Exchange rate: 1 RUB = AU$0.0226664
4. Changi Airport, Singapore - SIN
Plenty of Aussies find themselves on a stopover in Singapore, but luckily, it's not likely to break your holiday budget. For a night at Changi airport, you’re looking at a price tag of around $120.28.
Exchange rate: 1 SGD = AU$0.977428
3. Or Tambo Airport, Johannesburg - JNB
On your way to an African safari? You might wind up with a layover in Jo’burg before making it to the Serengeti, but don’t worry - a stop at the Or Tambo Airport will likely set you back just $117.99.
Exchange rate: 1 ZAR = AU$0.107657
2. Bangkok, Thailand - BKK
This destination is a favourite for budget conscious travellers, and being in Bangkok for a layover is no different, with a price tag of $116.92 - and the cheapest beer and sandwich on the list!
Exchange rate: 1 THB = AU$0.0410682
1. Seoul, South Korea - SCN
If you really have to have a layover during your trip, there are worse places to be than Seoul, South Korea, the cheapest airport on our list with a cost of just $87.81. The big difference is in the cost of a hotel, which is around a third of the price you might pay in LA.
Exchange rate: 1 KRW = AU$0.00119333
Tackling different currencies during a layover
So you’re heading off to Europe with a stash of euros at the ready - but what happens when your plane touches down in Narita, you’ve got a six hour layover ahead of you, and not a single Yen to your name?
With airport layovers carrying a potentially hefty price tag, making sure you have a convenient way to pay in multiple currencies is super important. Whether you choose a travel credit card or debit card with a low foreign exchange margin, or a prepaid card that lets you load up a number of currencies ready to go, this is definitely something you need to consider before you’re standing in a Tokyo airport, luggage en route to Paris, desperate for a tube of toothpaste.
Travel credit card options for your trip
-
NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Spend with confidence with a low 13.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).
Purchase rate
13.49% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)Annual fee
$59 $0 in the first yearRewards program
-CompareCompareLow Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Spend with confidence with a low 13.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).
- Purchase rate
- 13.49% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
- Annual fee
- $59 $0 in the first year
- Rewards program
- -
- Purchase rate
- 13.49% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.74% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $59 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3%, Min $3
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
-
Citi Rewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer
Enjoy 0% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate. Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
Purchase rate
0% p.a. for 15 months then 21.49% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 15 months and then 22.24% p.a.Annual fee
$199Rewards program
Citi Rewards ProgramCompareCompareRewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer
Enjoy 0% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate. Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
- Purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months then 21.49% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months and then 22.24% p.a.
- Annual fee
- $199
- Rewards program
- Citi Rewards Program
- Purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months then 21.49% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months and then 22.24% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 22.24% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.40%
- Annual card fee
- $199
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3.5%, min $3.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Rewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer
-
Apply By 14 Jan 2025
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$450Rewards program
Qantas Frequent FlyerCompareCompareQantas Ultimate Card
Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $450
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $450
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Ultimate Card
-
Citi Clear Credit Card - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 24 Months on balance transfers. 1.5% balance transfer fee applies. Rate reverts to cash advance rate. $49 annual fee in the first year, reverts to $99 thereafter. Access complimentary insurance for eligible products purchased with your Citi Clear Credit Card, including Extended Warranty Insurance and Purchase Protection Insurance. Enjoy a low ongoing variable purchase rate of 14.99% p.a. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
Purchase rate
14.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 22.24% p.a. (1.50% balance transfer fee)Annual fee
$99 $49 in the first yearRewards program
-CompareCompareClear Credit Card - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 24 Months on balance transfers. 1.5% balance transfer fee applies. Rate reverts to cash advance rate. $49 annual fee in the first year, reverts to $99 thereafter. Access complimentary insurance for eligible products purchased with your Citi Clear Credit Card, including Extended Warranty Insurance and Purchase Protection Insurance. Enjoy a low ongoing variable purchase rate of 14.99% p.a. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
- Purchase rate
- 14.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 24 months and then 22.24% p.a. (1.50% balance transfer fee)
- Annual fee
- $99 $49 in the first year
- Rewards program
- -
- Purchase rate
- 14.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 24 months and then 22.24% p.a. (1.50% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 22.24% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- 49.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.40%
- Annual card fee
- $99 $49 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3.5%, min $3.50
-
Apply By 15 Oct 2024
American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card
Earn up to 80,000 Membership Rewards® points in your first 120 days when you apply by 15 October 2024 and are approved for The American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card. Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points for each 30 day period in which you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your Card for the first 120 days T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$108Rewards program
Membership RewardsCompareCompareEssential® Rewards Credit Card
Earn up to 80,000 Membership Rewards® points in your first 120 days when you apply by 15 October 2024 and are approved for The American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card. Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points for each 30 day period in which you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your Card for the first 120 days T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $108
- Rewards program
- Membership Rewards
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $108
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- not available
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Essential® Rewards Credit Card
Your selected travel money
Your selected travel money
Your selected travel money
Your selected travel money
Your selected travel money
Head over to our travel money section to learn more about your options and pick out a payment method that suits your travel style.
*All prices given in AUD, except where stated otherwise.
**Based on international passenger traffic
Calculations based on advertised airport accommodation, food, water and toiletry rates from 1-5 March, 2018. International XE exchange rates as at 5 March, 2018 applied to convert items to Australian dollars.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.