Passing through Christmas Island Airport? A layover in Christmas Island is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 45 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of XCH:
- Can you legally enter Christmas Island? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-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 AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Christmas Island on a Layover
For a layover visit to Christmas Island, we’d suggest Flying Fish Cove and Margaret Knoll Lookout. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside XCH, you can spend time at Airport Terminal Relaxation Area or try Souvenir & Essentials Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Christmas Island RSL Club (Dine & Discover) and Christmas Island Noodle House are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Christmas Island.
- At the airport: Airport Kiosk & Cafe and Grab-and-Go Snack Counter will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
The Best Way Into Christmas Island from XCH
You have two main options for getting from Christmas Island Airport into town:
- local transport: About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 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.
What to Budget for Your Christmas Island Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Christmas Island might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$17 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$36 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at XCH
Specific locker facilities at XCH aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Christmas Island itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at XCH for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Christmas Island or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at XCH
Long overnight layover? Your options at XCH include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Christmas Island also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Christmas Island genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.