A long layover in Abilene is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Dyess Air Force Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 20 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave DYS:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Abilene takes about 20 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Transport from Dyess Air Force Base to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Dyess Air Force Base into town:
- local transport: About 20 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 40 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Abilene:
Start with Frontier Texas!. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to The Grace Museum. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside DYS, you can spend time at Abilene Airport Aviation Exhibit or try ABI Gift Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Joe Allen’s Pit Bar-B-Que and Belle’s Chicken Dinner House are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Abilene.
- At the airport: Crosswinds Cafe and Airport Vending Machines will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Abilene:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $18 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $37 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Abilene, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Bag Storage Near DYS
Luggage storage options at DYS can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Abilene for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at DYS for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Abilene or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Taking a Break at DYS
Long overnight layover? Your options at DYS include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Abilene exploring the streets or relaxing at DYS, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.