There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Latakia into a quick city adventure. From LTK, the Taxi / Shared Minibus can get you into town in around 75 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of LTK:
- Can you legally enter Syria? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 75-minute journey each way by Taxi / Shared Minibus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the SYP. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Latakia
From LTK, the Taxi / Shared Minibus gets you to Latakia in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 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 / Shared Minibus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Latakia
For a layover visit to Latakia, we’d suggest Latakia Corniche and Martyrs’ Square (Maydan al-Shuhada). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at LTK, check out General Airport Waiting Area or Airport Duty-Free Shop (Limited Selection) to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Latakia, local travelers recommend Al-Saraya Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurant Al Mina is another popular pick.
Back at LTK, Airport Cafeteria is the go-to. Coffee and Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Latakia, budget roughly $22 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $7 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 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.
Bag Storage Near LTK
Dedicated luggage storage at LTK may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Latakia’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
WiFi at LTK 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 Syria and you’re good to go.
Sleep & Lounge Options at LTK
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, LTK has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Latakia is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Latakia.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.