If you’ve got a layover in Girardot, don’t let it go to waste sitting at GIR. The city, in Colombia, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside GIR
Before heading into Girardot, 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: Girardot is roughly 50 minutes from GIR via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Girardot from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Exploring Girardot on a Layover
If you head into Girardot, here are two things worth checking out:
Parque de la Locomotora is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Puente Férreo (Iron Bridge) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at GIR, check out Airport Coffee & Relaxation Spot or Local Souvenir & Convenience Store to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
In Girardot
If you make it into town, La Casona de Girardot is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try El Horno de la Casona.
Inside GIR
If you’re staying in the terminal, Aeropuerto Café & Snacks is your main option. Empanada & Arepa Kiosk works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Girardot, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at GIR 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 Girardot 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 GIR, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Girardot itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Colombia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
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 GIR.
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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Girardot 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.