Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Cayes. Les Cayes Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 40 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at CYA:
First, verify that you can enter Haiti — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxis / Tap-Taps takes about 40 minutes into Cayes, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — HTG is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some HTG in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Cayes
From CYA, the Taxis / Tap-Taps gets you to Cayes 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 Taxis / Tap-Taps offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Storing Your Luggage at Les Cayes Airport
Luggage storage options at CYA can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Cayes for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Cayes 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 Cayes, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Exploring Cayes on a Layover
If you head into Cayes, here are two things worth checking out:
Plage Gelée (Gelée Beach) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Les Cayes Public Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CYA, check out CYA Terminal Waiting Area or Local Crafts Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Restaurant de la Plage (Gelee Beach) and Chez Madame Jean are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Cayes.
- At the airport: CYA Terminal Cafe and Haitian Snack Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CYA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Cayes 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
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, CYA has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cayes with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Cayes may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.