A layover in Matamoros is one of those happy accidents of air travel. General Servando Canales International Airport sits just 50 minutes from the city center by Taxi, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MAM:
First, verify that you can enter Mexico — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 50 minutes into Matamoros, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — MXN is the currency here. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Matamoros
The most straightforward way into Matamoros is the Taxi, which takes about 50 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 70 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi is usually the smarter call.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Matamoros might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$12 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$28 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Matamoros, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in Matamoros
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Matamoros, two standouts are:
- Plaza Principal (Parque Zaragoza) — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Refugio — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MAM, you can spend time at Airport Cafe Seating Area or try Aeroboutique / Souvenir Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Matamoros, local travelers recommend Restaurant El Vaquero. If you have time for a second stop, Garcia’s Restaurant & Bar is another popular pick.
Back at MAM, CafeterÃa del Aeropuerto is the go-to. Snack & Coffee Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Luggage Storage at MAM
Dedicated luggage storage at MAM may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Matamoros’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
Free WiFi is generally available at MAM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Matamoros itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Mexico that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, MAM 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Matamoros 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.