A layover in Colorado Springs is one of those happy accidents of air travel. City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport sits just 100 minutes from the city center by Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) Bus, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave COS:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Colorado Springs takes about 100 minutes by Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting to Colorado Springs from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport into town:
- Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) Bus: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 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.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Colorado Springs, here are two things worth checking out:
Garden of the Gods Park is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at COS, check out USO Center, Colorado Springs Municipal Airport or Airport Gifts & More to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Colorado Springs, local travelers recommend Shuga’s. If you have time for a second stop, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is another popular pick.
Back at COS, Great Divide Bar & Grill is the go-to. Espresso Yourself Coffee Shop rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Colorado Springs might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at COS aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Colorado Springs itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and COS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Colorado Springs 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.
Taking a Break at COS
Long overnight layover? Your options at COS include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Colorado Springs doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 100 minutes from COS, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.