Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Cucuta gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from CUC to the city takes roughly 35 minutes by Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Cucuta, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Colombia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Cucuta is roughly 35 minutes from CUC via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in COP. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some COP in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Cucuta
From CUC, the Taxi gets you to Cucuta in around 35 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 55 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cucuta:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $8 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $23 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Cucuta.
Storing Your Luggage at Camilo Daza International Airport
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At CUC, you’ll find bag storage at No dedicated luggage storage facilities are typically available at this regional airport..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Cucuta, we’d suggest Parque Santander and Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. A quick stop here is rewarding — great for photos.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CUC, you can spend time at Sala VIP Camilo Daza or try Duty-Free Shop CUC. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Restaurante Rancho y Leña and Cocinart are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Cucuta.
- At the airport: Juan Valdez Café (CUC Airport) and El Vuelo CafeterÃa will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CUC
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CUC, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CUC is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Cucuta 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.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Cucuta 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.