Long-haul flights can be a slog, but stopover programs offer a refreshing break. These programs let travellers pause their journey, explore a new city, and sometimes even enjoy complimentary stays — all without additional airfare or hotel bill.

For Aussies heading to Europe, Africa, or the Americas, a well-planned stopover can transform your trip into a two-in-one adventure.​ Here’s how.

Where you can fly from: Sydney, Melbourne

Stopover destination: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sample final destinations: London, Paris, New York

Cost: Free

Includes accommodation: Yes

Etihad Airways is a popular option for Aussie travellers heading to Europe and America, and it's famous for its luxury vibes and smooth service. From Oz, Etihad flies straight into Abu Dhabi, giving you easy connections onwards to Europe and beyond. Their comfy seats, good food, and nice extras mean you arrive refreshed — well, as refreshed as you can after a long flight.

Keen to test out the UAE? You can add a one- or two-night stay in Abu Dhabi at no cost. Just book directly on their website and select the Ethad stopover option. Accommodation choices range from good value 3-star to sleek 4-star hotels. Your stopover package includes a flexible 24/7 check-in and check-out policy, so you can arrive or leave whenever your flight does — no stress. It’s a quick, easy way to add a mini break to your trip.

Where you can fly from: Sydney, Melbourne

Stopover destination: Istanbul, Turkey

Sample final destinations: Athens, Rome, Edinburgh

Cost: Free

Includes accommodation: Yes

Turkish Airlines is part of Star Alliance and now flies direct from Sydney and Melbourne — making Europe, North America, and beyond that bit more accessible. It holds the world record for flying to the most countries, with 131 destinations across the map. Their onboard meals are a highlight, and the service tends to be friendly and consistent, especially on long-haul legs.

Stop for 20+ hours in Istanbul and Turkish Airlines will sort your hotel. That amounts to one night free in a 4-star hotel for economy, or two nights in a 5-star if you’re flying business class. Aussies get two nights even on economy tickets. Email the airline at least 72 hours ahead with your booking details and they’ll send you a voucher. It’s an easy way to fit in a short stay in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Where you can fly from: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide

Stopover destination: Dubai, UAE

Sample final destinations: London, New York, Toronto, Nairobi, New Delhi

Cost: Free (Dubai Connect) or DIY hotel packages available

Includes accommodation: Yes (Dubai Connect only)

Emirates is a go-to airline for comfort, entertainment, and good in-flight service. Flying from Australia to Europe, America or Africa is easy since they've got direct routes to Dubai from a slew of Aussie cities. We hear good things about their roomy seats, quality meals, and entertainment screens that keep boredom at bay.

Emirates’ Dubai Connect program is available for layovers between 8-26 hours. It's totally free and includes hotel stays, transfers, meals, and even your UAE visa. Just pick flights that trigger the Dubai Connect service (usually long layovers with no shorter flights available). After booking online, request "Dubai Connect" under "Manage Booking," at least 24 hours ahead. Emirates sorts the rest – hotel, transport, even dinner – all for free.

Planning a longer stay? Use the Dubai Experience tool to build a stopover with hotel, tours, and transfers at your own pace. Benefits include a 10% discount on new flight bookings, flexible cancellation, and 24‑hour hotel check-in.

Where you can fly from: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane

Stopover destination: Doha, Qatar

Sample final destinations: Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Cape Town

Cost: Cheap hotel deals from about US$14

Includes accommodation: No, but it’s heavily discounte

Qatar Airways is famous for its comfort, service quality, and super-spacious business-class seats. Aussie passengers flying to Europe, Africa or America frequently pick Qatar Airways because connections via Doha are pretty smooth. Their fleet’s super-modern and clean, and travellers generally give them top marks — especially if you’re doing a long haul and want some pampering mid-flight.

The Qatar stopover deal gives you up to four nights in Doha for as little as US$14 per night, based on a shared double room. Hotel options include 4- and 5-star properties, and each night includes up to a 24-hour stay. You’ll need a minimum transit time of 12 hours in Doha, and bookings must be made at least 3 days before you fly. Stopovers are available for Qatar Airways and codeshare ticket holders.

Just a heads-up — if your transit is under 24 hours, your checked bag will stay with the airline, so pack what you need in your carry-on. Travellers from 100+ countries (yep, including Australia) can enter Qatar visa-free, which makes it even easier to squeeze in a short break.

Where you can fly from: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin (Plus many more codeshare options)
Stopover destination(s): Singapore
Sample destinations: London, Los Angeles, Frankfurt

Cost: Free

Includes accommodation: No, but includes guided tour

Singapore Airlines pretty much ticks all the boxes for a comfy ride, tasty food, and unbeatable customer service. With direct routes from across Australia, it’s a solid pick for long-haul trips to Europe or the US. Travellers usually rave about the friendly staff, roomy cabins, and Singapore’s amazing airport – which is a destination on its own.

If you’re stopping for 5.5 to 24 hours, you can join the Free Singapore Tour — a fun and easy way to see the city without needing to plan a thing. These 2.5-hour guided bus tours are run in English and take you to must-see spots like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, and Marina Bay Sands. Just sign up online or at the Free Singapore Tour booth at Changi Airport. No extra cost, no stress — just a quick city fix before your next flight.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the country of your stopover. Some countries offer visa-free transit for certain nationalities, while others require a transit visa even if you're not leaving the airport. Check the specific visa requirements for your stopover destination well in advance of your trip.

Yes, each airline and country has its own rules regarding the duration of stopovers. Some programs allow stopovers of up to four days, while others may have shorter or longer limits. Check with the airline and the destination country's regulations to ensure compliance.​

If your airline doesn't offer a stopover program, you can still plan your own. Book a multi-city itinerary that includes a layover in your desired city. Use Traveloka to find and book accommodations, local tours, and attractions in your stopover city. This approach gives you the flexibility to tailor your stopover experience to your interests and schedule.​