There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in El Paso into a quick city adventure. From BIF, the local transport can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into El Paso, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: El Paso is roughly 40 minutes from BIF via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into El Paso from BIF
From BIF, the local transport gets you to El Paso in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Exploring El Paso on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In El Paso, two standouts are:
- Ysleta Mission — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Scenic Drive – Franklin Mountains State Park — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside BIF — 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:
- Paradies Shops
- ELP Public Art Program
Eating Well on a El Paso Layover
- In the city: L&J Cafe and Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar are both worth a visit if you’re exploring El Paso.
- At the airport: Chico’s Tacos Express and Texas Roadhouse 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 El Paso:
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.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at BIF can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in El Paso for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BIF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in El Paso itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at BIF
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BIF.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in El Paso doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 40 minutes from BIF, 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.