Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Imperial gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from IPL to the city takes roughly 30 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave IPL:
- 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 Imperial takes about 30 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share. 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 from IPL to Imperial
From IPL, the Taxi/Ride-share gets you to Imperial in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 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/Ride-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Bag Storage Near IPL
Specific locker facilities at IPL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Imperial itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Imperial, budget roughly $37 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $18 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Imperial, here are two things worth checking out:
Imperial Valley Mall is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Bucklin Park is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at IPL, check out Aircraft Observation Deck (Terminal Windows) or Terminal Seating & Free Wi-Fi to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Imperial Layover
In Imperial
If you make it into town, Marketplace Cafe is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Johnny Carino’s Italian.
Inside IPL
If you’re staying in the terminal, Skyline Cafe is your main option. Airport Vending Machines works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at IPL, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Imperial 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.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at IPL, 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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Imperial exploring the streets or relaxing at IPL, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.