Passing through Spriggs Payne Airport? A layover in Monrovia is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 45 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave MLW:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Liberia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Monrovia takes about 45 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from MLW to Monrovia
From MLW, the local transport gets you to Monrovia in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 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.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at MLW 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 Monrovia for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Monrovia layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
How to Spend Your Time in Monrovia
For a layover visit to Monrovia, we’d suggest National Museum of Liberia and Centennial Pavilion. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside MLW — 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:
- Terminal Observation & Relaxation
- Local Souvenir & Essentials Kiosk
Eating Well on a Monrovia Layover
- In the city: Golden Beach Restaurant and Fuzion D’Afrique Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Monrovia.
- At the airport: Spriggs Payne Airport Cafe (Main Counter) and Spriggs Payne Coffee & Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and MLW is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Monrovia and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, MLW 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 Monrovia with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Monrovia 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.