Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Charlestown. Vance W. Amory International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 20 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside NEV
Three things to verify before you walk out of NEV:
- Can you legally enter Saint Kitts and Nevis? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 20-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the XCD. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Charlestown
You have two main options for getting from Vance W. Amory International Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 20 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 40 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Charlestown layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$19 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$39 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at NEV aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Charlestown 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
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Charlestown, two standouts are:
- Nevis Historical Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
- Charlestown Waterfront — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at NEV, check out NEV Duty-Free Shop or Terminal Waiting Area to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near NEV
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Charlestown: Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill and Eddy’s Restaurant & Bar. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for NEV Airport Cafe & Bar or Airport Snack Corner. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at NEV include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Saint Kitts and Nevis also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NEV, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Charlestown itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Saint Kitts and Nevis that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Charlestown count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave NEV. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.