Layover in Palo Alto: Make the Most of Your Time
Palo Alto is the heart of Silicon Valley, home to Stanford University, world-class tech companies, and a vibrant downtown district. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at PAO, you can explore innovative neighborhoods, enjoy excellent dining, and experience California’s tech culture. This guide covers everything you need to know to maximize your time between flights.
Before You Leave the Airport
Visa & Documentation: Check IATA Travel Centre for US entry requirements based on your nationality.
Language: English is widely spoken throughout Palo Alto and the airport.
Currency: US Dollars (USD). Avoid airport currency exchanges – use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for better rates.
Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT). Adjust your watch accordingly.
Transit to City: See section below for transportation options from PAO to downtown Palo Alto.
Getting from PAO to Palo Alto
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) is a smaller regional airport. For specific ground transportation options, transit schedules, and current services, visit the official PAO airport website.
General Transit Tips:
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing – airport WiFi may be unreliable
- Factor in immigration and security time when calculating if you can leave the airport
- For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure when returning to the airport
- For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes to return
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
With limited time, focus on the airport and immediate surroundings:
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or check SleepingInAirports.net for the best spots to rest
- Grab food: Airport dining is 2-3x city prices, so eat light or wait until you reach your next destination
- Stay connected: Use airport WiFi or consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data
- Refresh: Use airport facilities to freshen up before your next flight
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
You have time to explore nearby areas or downtown Palo Alto:
- Stanford University Campus: Walk the beautiful grounds, visit the Hoover Institution, or explore the Cantor Arts Center
- Downtown Palo Alto: Browse University Avenue for shops, galleries, and restaurants
- Lunch or dinner: Palo Alto has excellent dining options – eat in the city for better value than airport food
- Tech landmarks: Drive or walk past iconic Silicon Valley locations (if time permits)
Long Layover (8+ hours)
With a full day or overnight, you can experience Palo Alto more thoroughly:
- Stanford University: Take a guided campus tour or spend time at museums and gardens
- Downtown exploration: Shop, dine, and enjoy the local cafe culture
- Nearby attractions: Visit nearby towns like Mountain View or Sunnyvale
- Luggage storage: Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near the airport – typically $5-10/bag/day, much cheaper than airport lockers
- Overnight rest: Book a hotel near the airport or downtown for a few hours of sleep
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and manage jet lag
- Download offline entertainment: Airport WiFi may be slow or time-limited – have movies, books, or games ready
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact
- Keep valuables secure: Use a cross-body bag or hidden money belt for passport, phone, and wallet
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave PAO airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave PAO airport during a layover if you have sufficient time. For international layovers, allow at least 1 hour for immigration, 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security, plus time to explore. For domestic layovers, budget at least 60 minutes to return. Always factor in potential delays and traffic. If your layover is shorter than 4 hours total, it’s safer to stay at the airport.
What is there to do at PAO during a layover?
At PAO, you can rest in the airport, use WiFi, and grab food. If you leave the airport, Palo Alto offers Stanford University campus tours, downtown shopping and dining on University Avenue, tech landmarks, and nearby attractions in Silicon Valley. For short layovers, focus on airport facilities. For longer layovers (4+ hours), you have time to explore the city.
How long of a layover do I need at PAO?
For domestic connections, allow at least 60 minutes to return to the airport and clear security. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure. If you want to leave the airport and explore, aim for at least 4-6 hours total layover time. Shorter layovers are best spent resting at the airport.
Are there lounges at PAO?
Lounge availability at PAO depends on your airline and ticket class. Check with your airline for lounge access. Alternatively, you can purchase one-time day passes from major carriers (typically $39-$59) or get Priority Pass access through certain credit cards, which provides access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide.
Is there luggage storage at PAO?
For luggage storage options at or near PAO, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero. These services partner with local businesses near the airport and cost $5-10/bag/day – much cheaper than airport lockers. Book in advance through their apps.
Traveler Tips by Type
For Families
- Pack a ‘layover bag’ inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries for easy access
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security – staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag
- Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables, bottle warmers, and nursing areas
- Download offline maps and entertainment before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
For Solo Travelers
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing – essential for navigating without data
- Keep valuables (passport, phone, wallet) in a cross-body bag or hidden money belt when exploring
- Share your location with a trusted contact when exploring a new city
- Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates – zero markup in most countries
- Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi
For Groups
- Add 15-30 minutes ‘group tax’ to all time estimates – groups move slower through immigration and security
- Designate a ‘group leader’ to manage timing, headcount, and communication
- Use WhatsApp or a group chat for real-time coordination – share departure gate and boarding time as a pinned message
- Use Google Sheets to track everyone’s flight details, passport info, and emergency contacts
- Use Splitwise to automatically calculate who owes what for shared transport, food, and activities
Ready to Maximize Your Layover?
Use the Yopki layover calculator to plan exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically do during your PAO layover. Whether you’re exploring Stanford, enjoying downtown Palo Alto, or resting at the airport, make every minute count.