Amarillo, located in the Texas Panhandle, is a vibrant city known for its cowboy heritage, stunning sunsets, and friendly locals. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at Amarillo International Airport (AMA), this guide will help you decide whether to explore the city or stay at the airport, plus tips for making the most of your time.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Amarillo.
- Currency: US Dollars (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters.
- Getting Around: A rental car is recommended for exploring Amarillo. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available but limited compared to major hubs.
Getting to Amarillo City Center
Amarillo International Airport (AMA) is located approximately 10 miles east of downtown Amarillo. Here are your main transit options:
| Transit Option | Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | $30-60/day | 10-15 min to downtown | Flexibility & exploring multiple sites |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $15-25 | 15-20 min to downtown | Solo travelers, no driving |
| Taxi | $20-30 | 15-20 min to downtown | Direct service, no app needed |
For specific ground transportation options at AMA, visit the Amarillo International Airport website.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
Stay at the airport. With security, and travel time factored in, you won’t have meaningful time to explore the city. Use this time to:
- Grab food or coffee at airport dining options
- Use airport restrooms and freshen up
- Charge your devices at airport charging stations
- Download offline maps or entertainment for your next flight
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
Consider a quick city visit. You’ll need at least 6 hours total layover time to leave the airport comfortably (accounting for 1 hour /security, 2-3 hours return buffer, and 1-2 hours exploring). Quick options include:
- Cadillac Ranch: Iconic roadside attraction 12 miles west of Amarillo. Bring spray paint to tag the cars. 30 minutes total.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Stunning natural landscape 30 miles south. Scenic drives and hiking trails available. 1.5-2 hours.
- Downtown Amarillo: Browse shops, galleries, and restaurants along 6th Avenue. 1-2 hours.
Long Layover (8+ hours)
Explore Amarillo properly. You have time for a fuller experience:
- American Quarter Horse Heritage Museum: Learn about Amarillo’s ranching heritage. 1-2 hours.
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum: Comprehensive regional history and art. 2-3 hours.
- Meal at a local restaurant: Try authentic Texas barbecue or Tex-Mex cuisine in downtown.
- Palo Duro Canyon: Full exploration with hiking or scenic drive. 3-4 hours.
Luggage Storage & Facilities
No luggage storage data is currently available for AMA. However, you can use third-party services:
- Bounce: $5-10 per bag per day. Partner with local businesses near the airport.
- Stasher: $5-8 per bag per day. Book online in advance.
Contact AMA directly for current lounge and facility information.
Quick Layover Tips
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi may be unreliable.
- Eat in the city, not the airport: Restaurant prices in Amarillo are 2-3x cheaper than airport dining.
- Use ATMs for currency: Never exchange money at airport counters. ATMs offer better rates.
- Plan return time carefully: Budget 2.5-3 hours before international departure, 60 minutes before domestic flights when returning to AMA.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave AMA airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave AMA during a layover if you have a valid passport and meet US entry requirements. However, you need at least 6 hours total layover time to leave comfortably – accounting for security screening, security on return (1-2 hours), travel time to/from the city (30 minutes each way), and exploration time. For shorter layovers, it’s safer to stay at the airport.
What is there to do at AMA during a layover?
If staying at the airport, you can dine at airport restaurants, charge devices, use restrooms, and relax. If leaving the airport with 4+ hours, visit Cadillac Ranch (30 minutes), explore downtown Amarillo, or drive to Palo Duro Canyon State Park (1.5-2 hours). For longer layovers, visit the American Quarter Horse Heritage Museum or Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
How long of a layover do I need at AMA?
For domestic connections, 60 minutes is the minimum. For international connections, allow 2-3 hours. To leave the airport and explore the city, you need at least 6 hours total layover time. For a comfortable, unhurried experience, 8+ hours is ideal.
Is there luggage storage at AMA?
Luggage storage availability at AMA is not currently documented. Use third-party services like Bounce ($5-10/bag/day) or Stasher ($5-8/bag/day) to store luggage near the airport. Contact AMA directly for the most current facility information.
Plan Your Amarillo Layover
Whether you’re staying at the airport or venturing into Amarillo, make the most of your layover time. Use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and what’s realistic to accomplish.
Ready to optimize your layover? Calculate your layover time with Yopki and get personalized recommendations based on your flight details.