A layover in Atar is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Atar International Airport sits just 40 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Shared Taxi, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ATR:
First, verify that you can enter Mauritania — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Shared Taxi takes about 40 minutes into Atar, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — MRU is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some MRU in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from ATR to Atar
From ATR, the Taxi/Shared Taxi gets you to Atar in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Shared Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Atar might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Atar, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to See and Do in Atar
For a layover visit to Atar, we’d suggest Atar Central Market (Souk) and Ancient Ksar of Atar. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside ATR — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Main Terminal Waiting Area
- Local Souvenir Kiosk
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Restaurant des Voyageurs and Restaurant La Gazelle are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Atar.
- At the airport: ATR Airport Cafe & Snacks and Arrivals Area Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ATR may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Atar’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ATR is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Atar and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at ATR include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Mauritania also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Atar 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.