A long layover in Peru is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Grissom Air Reserve Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 45 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside GUS
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at GUS:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 45 minutes into Peru, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting to Peru from the Airport
From GUS, the local transport gets you to Peru 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.
How to Spend Your Time in Peru
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Peru, two standouts are:
- Grissom Air Museum — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Circus City Museum — Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside GUS — 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:
- Grissom ARB Base Exchange (BX)
- Grissom ARB Fitness Center
Where to Eat
- In the city: Mexico City Grill and Harvey Hinklemeyer’s are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Peru.
- At the airport: Subway (Grissom ARB) and Grissom Dining Facility (DFAC) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Peru Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Peru might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Peru, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at GUS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Peru’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
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and GUS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Peru 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.
Sleep & Lounge Options at GUS
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, GUS 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Peru count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave GUS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.