A long layover in Acapulco is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at General Juan N Alvarez International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 100 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave ACA:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Mexico. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Acapulco takes about 100 minutes by Taxis and colectivos. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is MXN. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Acapulco, we’d suggest Playa Revolcadero and Puerto Marqués Bay. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Acapulco. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ACA, you can spend time at Sala VIP Lounge or try Duty-Free Shopping. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: La Trainera Acapulco Diamante and El Olvido (Punta Diamante) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Acapulco.
- At the airport: Wings Aeropuerto and Coffee & Pastries Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from General Juan N Alvarez International Airport into town:
- Taxis and colectivos: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 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.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Acapulco:
Transport to the city and back runs about $6 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $12 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $28 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ACA 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 Acapulco for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ACA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Acapulco itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Mexico that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ACA has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Acapulco genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.