For travelers with a layover in Fort Bragg, the proximity of POB to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via local transport, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave POB:
- 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 Fort Bragg takes about 60 minutes by local transport. 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.
How to Spend Your Time in Fort Bragg
Two recommendations for your time in Fort Bragg:
Start with Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history. Then, if time allows, make your way to Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside POB, you can spend time at Pope Field Passenger Waiting Area or try Terminal Vending Services. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Transport from Pope Field to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Pope Field into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 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.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Fort Bragg, local travelers recommend Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery. If you have time for a second stop, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at POB, Pope Field Snack Kiosk is the go-to. Vending Machine Dining rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Budget for Your Fort Bragg Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Fort Bragg layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$9 |
| Meal | ~$18 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$37 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
WiFi at POB should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at POB 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 Fort Bragg for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at POB 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 Fort Bragg with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Fort Bragg may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.