There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Lubbock into a quick city adventure. From LBB, the Taxi/Rideshare can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at LBB:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 40 minutes into Lubbock, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting from LBB to Lubbock
From LBB, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Lubbock 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 Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Lubbock Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lubbock might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Lubbock, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at LBB may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Lubbock’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.
What’s Worth Seeing in Lubbock
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Lubbock, two standouts are:
- Buddy Holly Center — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- National Ranching Heritage Center — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Lubbock.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside LBB — 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:
- LBB Terminal Art Exhibits
- Comfortable Seating & Free Wi-Fi
Where to Eat
- In the city: The Pecan Grill at Overton Hotel and Caprock Cafe are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Lubbock.
- At the airport: Hub City Grill and Two Docs Brewing Co. will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Need a Nap? Options at LBB
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at LBB, 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.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LBB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Lubbock 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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Lubbock with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Lubbock 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.