For travelers with a layover in Mercury, the proximity of DRA to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 150 minutes via local transport, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of DRA:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 150-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Spend Your Time in Mercury
For a layover visit to Mercury, we’d suggest Nevada Test Site Historical Viewpoint and Mercury Desert Trails Walk. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside DRA, you can spend time at Desert Rock Observation Deck or try Travelers’ Rest Lounge. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Getting from DRA to Mercury
From DRA, the local transport gets you to Mercury in around 150 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 170 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Amargosa Valley Diner and Longstreet Inn & Casino Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Mercury.
- At the airport: Desert Rock Cafe and Skyline Espresso Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Mercury Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Mercury:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
WiFi at DRA 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 United States and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage at DRA
Luggage storage options at DRA 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 Mercury for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
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 DRA.
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
Whether you spend your layover in Mercury exploring the streets or relaxing at DRA, 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.