A long layover in Celaya is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Captain Rogelio Castillo National Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at CYW:
First, verify that you can enter Mexico — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 40 minutes into Celaya, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring Celaya on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Celaya, two standouts are:
- Templo del Carmen — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Celaya.
- JardÃn Principal — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Celaya.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CYW — 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:
- Airport Observation Area
- General Waiting Area
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Celaya is the local transport, which takes about 40 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 60 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: El CaserÃo and Mercado Hidalgo are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Celaya.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe & Snacks and Vending Machine Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Celaya:
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.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CYW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Celaya itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Mexico that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at CYW aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Celaya itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, CYW 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
Whether you spend your layover in Celaya exploring the streets or relaxing at CYW, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.