A long layover in Merowe is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Merowe New Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MWE:
First, verify that you can enter Sudan — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rickshaw takes about 30 minutes into Merowe, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — SDG is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Merowe
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rickshaw | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Rickshaw is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Merowe might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Merowe, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Merowe, two standouts are:
- Merowe Local Market (Souk) — Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
- Merowe Nile River Viewpoint — The views are worth the trip if you have time.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MWE, you can spend time at Merowe Airport Terminal Waiting Area or try Airport Souvenir & Essentials Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Merowe: Al-Waha Restaurant and Nile View Cafe. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Merowe Airport Cafeteria or Airport Coffee & Snack Corner. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MWE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Merowe itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MWE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Merowe itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Sudan that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at MWE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Sudan also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Merowe 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 Merowe.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.