A layover in Buckley is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Buckley Air Force Base sits just 60 minutes from the city center by local transport, 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
Three things to verify before you walk out of BFK:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Transport from Buckley Air Force Base to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Buckley:
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 Buckley, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at BFK aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Buckley itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Buckley, we’d suggest Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Denver Botanic Gardens. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at BFK, check out Buckley Terminal Lounge or Buckley Souvenir Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Buckley, local travelers recommend Santiago’s. If you have time for a second stop, Sam’s No. 3 is another popular pick.
Back at BFK, Airside Coffee & Deli is the go-to. Terminal Food Court rounds out your in-terminal options.
Need a Nap? Options at BFK
Long overnight layover? Your options at BFK 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.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BFK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Buckley 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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Buckley is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Buckley.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.