Odessa Layover Guide (ODS)

What are you looking for in ODS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Odessa Airport (ODS) is an international airport located in Odessa, Ukraine. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Odessa. The airport officially opened in 1961. Odessa is a major port city on the Black Sea, known for its rich history and unique architecture. It’s considered one of Ukraine’s most charming cities, famous for its vibrant culture, pleasant climate, and a lively mix of entertainment and seaside leisure activities.

Can you leave Odessa Airport (ODS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave Odessa Airport (ODS) during a layover if you meet Ukraine’s entry requirements. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others require a visa. Always check current rules before travel (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Potemkin Stairs & Harbor Experience Odessa’s iconic cascading steps offering panoramic views from Primorsky Boulevard down to the bustling harbor, where historic vessels dock against a seaside skyline and azure waters under wide skies. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 140 ~40 min.)
• Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre Marvel at the opulent Neo-Baroque architecture of Odessa’s historic Opera and Ballet Theatre, renowned for its lavish interiors, acoustics that have enthralled audiences since 1887 in an elegant setting. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 140 ~40 min.)
• Deribasovskaya Street & City Garden Stroll along the vibrant, iconic café-lined Deribasovskaya pedestrian promenade, admire historic facades, then relax amid fragrant blooms and local sculptures in the lush, picturesque City Garden at its tranquil heart. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 140 to Sobornaya ~40 min then walk / Taxi ~25 min.)
• Primorsky Boulevard & Duc de Richelieu Walk the elegant Primorsky Boulevard, pausing at the famed Duc de Richelieu monument overlooking the Black Sea, and enjoy alfresco cafés, picturesque gardens, and stunning coastal vistas along the way. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 140 to Lanzheron ~35 min plus 10 min walk.)
• Odessa Catacombs Tour Dive into the expansive, labyrinthine Odessa Catacombs on a small-group guided tour, exploring mysterious wartime passages, ancient mining tunnels, and local legends beneath the city streets carved from white limestone. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min, prebooked transfer required.)
• Lanzheron Beach Relax on sunny afternoons on sandy Lanzheron Beach with its gentle waves, lively palm-lined promenade, vibrant beachfront cafés, and occasional year-round local events against a backdrop of Odessa’s historic coastline. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus 140 ~35 min.)
• Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art Browse an extensive collection of European and Oriental masterpieces at the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, housed in an elegant Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens and fountains. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 117 ~45 min then walk.)
• Armenian Cathedral of Odessa Visit the serene 19th-century Armenian Cathedral, lovingly restored and featuring an ornate golden iconostasis, vibrant frescoes, and historic commemorative plaques, offering a peaceful spiritual retreat within Odessa’s bustling urban landscape. (Time required: 45 min–1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 117 ~40 min then walk.)

Things to Do in Odessa Airport (ODS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Odessa Airport (ODS) offers a small but comfortable Business Lounge located in the departures area. It provides complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seating in a quiet environment. Access is available for business-class passengers or via lounge membership programs and paid entry for economy travelers seeking relaxation before their flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no transit hotel inside Odessa Airport, but several nearby hotels such as Hotel Menshikov and Airport Hotel Odessa are within a short drive. These offer comfortable rooms, airport transfers, and amenities like breakfast and Wi-Fi, ideal for travelers with overnight layovers or early departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Odessa Airport is small and lacks designated sleeping pods or quiet zones. Overnight stays are possible in the terminal’s public areas, though seating is limited and not ideal for extended rest. For better comfort, travelers often opt for nearby hotels just minutes away from the terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Odessa Airport. Passengers can connect by selecting the airport network and following simple login instructions. While convenient for checking email or browsing, the connection speed may vary depending on terminal crowding and time of day.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Ukrainian providers like Kyivstar and Vodafone are not typically sold inside Odessa Airport. Travelers should purchase SIMs at city stores or kiosks for the best deals. eSIM options are available online from providers such as Airalo or Holafly for instant connectivity upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available just outside the arrivals area. Fares to central Odessa range from 300–400 UAH, and the trip takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. It’s recommended to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uklon or Bolt for fixed rates and safety.

Train: Odessa Airport does not have a direct train connection. The main Odessa-Holovna railway station is about 8 km away, accessible via taxi or bus. From there, travelers can catch regional and long-distance trains across Ukraine. (more info)

Bus: Bus route 117 connects Odessa Airport to the city center and major transit points, including the railway station. It operates from early morning until late evening and costs about 10 UAH. Minibuses (marshrutkas) are also available for local transit. (more info)

Shuttle: Odessa Airport does not currently operate an official shuttle service. However, some nearby hotels offer complimentary or paid shuttle transfers. Travelers can also book private shuttles or rides via apps in advance for more convenient transport to the city or other destinations.

Car rentals: Several car rental agencies operate at Odessa Airport, including international brands like Europcar and local providers. Rental counters are located in the arrivals area. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during tourist season, for better availability and competitive pricing. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Odessa Airport offers short-term and long-term parking just outside the terminal. Rates are affordable, and the lots are monitored for security. Short-term parking is ideal for pick-ups and drop-offs, while long-term options suit travelers leaving their vehicle for several days.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Odessa Airport currently does not have luggage storage facilities or lockers available on-site. Travelers needing storage services should consider local luggage storage providers in central Odessa or check with nearby hotels that may offer luggage holding for a fee. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Odessa Airport (ODS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks