If you’ve got a layover in Campeche, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CPE. The city, in Mexico, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of CPE:
- Can you legally enter Mexico? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-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 local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Campeche
For a layover visit to Campeche, we’d suggest Historic Walled City of Campeche and Malecón de Campeche. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CPE, you can spend time at Main Terminal Waiting Area or try Souvenir & Snack Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
How to Get Into Campeche
From CPE, the local transport gets you to Campeche 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 local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Campeche, local travelers recommend La Parroquia de San Juan. If you have time for a second stop, Marganzo is another popular pick.
Back at CPE, Aeropuerto Snack Bar & Cafe is the go-to. Grab-and-Go Counter rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Campeche:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
WiFi at CPE should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Mexico and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at CPE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Campeche itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CPE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Campeche 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 Campeche.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.