Casper Natrona County Airport (CPR) serves Wyoming’s second-largest city, a gateway to outdoor recreation and Western heritage. Whether you have a short connection or an extended layover, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Casper.
Before You Leave the Airport
| Language | English is the primary language; download offline translation apps before landing |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters |
| Airport Transit | Factor in security screening time when deciding if you can leave the airport |
Getting to Casper City
Casper Natrona County Airport (CPR) is located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Casper. For specific ground transportation options, rental car availability, and shuttle services, visit the Casper Natrona County Airport website.
Tip: If you’re leaving the airport, always factor in return travel time plus a 2-3 hour buffer before your next flight to account for security screening and potential delays.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
With limited time, stay near the airport or explore the terminal:
- Grab a meal or snack at airport dining options
- Use airport WiFi to catch up on work or entertainment
- Stretch your legs and relax before your next flight
- Download offline maps and entertainment for your next leg
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
You have time to explore Casper’s highlights:
- National Historic Trails Interpretive Center – Learn about the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails that shaped the American West
- Casper College’s Goodstein Foundation Library – Modern architecture and public spaces worth visiting
- Downtown Casper – Browse local shops, galleries, and restaurants along 2nd Street
- Eat in the city – Restaurant prices are significantly lower than airport food courts (typically 2-3x cheaper at the airport)
Long Layover (8+ hours)
Consider an overnight stay or full day exploration:
- Casper Mountain – Scenic views and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown
- Edness K. Wilkins State Park – Hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
- Tate Geological Museum – Fossils and geological exhibits at Casper College
- Local dining – Explore Casper’s restaurant scene without airport markups
- Luggage storage – Use Bounce or Stasher to store bags near the airport ($5-10/bag/day) instead of paying for airport lockers
Traveler Tips by Group Type
For Families
- Pack a layover bag inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries – accessible without unpacking everything
- Stay hydrated – Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security; staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag
- Download offline maps before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Luggage storage – Use Bounce or Stasher for much cheaper storage than airport lockers
- Baby care – Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables and nursing areas
For Solo Travelers
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing – essential for navigating without data
- Luggage storage – Bounce and Stasher partner with local businesses near airports ($5-8/bag/day)
- Get an eSIM – Use Airalo or Holafly for instant data without hunting for WiFi
- Share your location with a trusted contact when exploring a new city solo
For Groups
- Designate a group leader who manages timing, headcount, and communication
- Use WhatsApp or group chat for real-time coordination; pin departure gate and boarding time
- Budget return time carefully – Allow 2.5-3 hours before international departure and 60 minutes before domestic when returning to the airport
- Food courts work best – Everyone can choose what they want without waiting for a sit-down restaurant
- Track shared expenses – Use Splitwise to automatically calculate who owes what for transport, food, and activities
Quick Layover Tips
- Eat in the city, not the airport – Airport food is 2-3x more expensive than restaurants downtown
- Download offline entertainment before your layover – airport WiFi may be slow or time-limited
- Use ATMs for currency – Never exchange money at airport counters; rates are terrible
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave CPR airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave Casper Natrona County Airport during a layover. However, you must factor in security screening time. For international connections, plan for at least 1 hour for plus 2-3 hours to return to the airport, clear security, and reach your gate. For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes return time. If your layover is less than 3-4 hours total, it’s safer to stay near the airport.
What is there to do at CPR during a layover?
At the airport itself, you can dine at terminal restaurants, use WiFi, and relax in seating areas. If you leave the airport, Casper offers the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, downtown shopping and dining, Casper Mountain for scenic views, and several museums. For short layovers, airport amenities are your best option; for longer layovers (6+ hours), exploring the city is worthwhile.
How long of a layover do I need at CPR?
For domestic connections, a 1-2 hour layover is sufficient if you’re staying at the airport. For international connections, allow at least 2-3 hours. If you want to leave the airport and explore Casper, plan for at least 4-6 hours total layover time to account for ground transportation, exploration, and return travel to the airport with a safety buffer.
Are there lounges at CPR?
Specific lounge information for CPR is not currently available. However, you can access airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass (included free with some credit cards) or purchase one-time day passes from airlines: Alaska (~$39), American (~$45), Delta (~$49), and United (~$59). Check with your airline or credit card provider for lounge access options.
Is there luggage storage at CPR?
For luggage storage options at Casper Natrona County Airport, contact the airport directly or visit their website. Alternatively, use Bounce or Stasher, which partner with local businesses near airports for storage at $5-10/bag/day – often cheaper than airport lockers.
Make the Most of Your Layover
Whether you have a quick connection or an extended layover in Casper, planning ahead makes all the difference. Use the Yopki layover calculator