A long layover in Pueblo is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Pueblo Memorial Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave PUB:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Pueblo takes about 60 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.
Transport from Pueblo Memorial Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Pueblo Memorial Airport into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at PUB aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Pueblo itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Pueblo, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Pueblo, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Pueblo:
Start with Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. Then, if time allows, make your way to El Pueblo History Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PUB, you can spend time at Pueblo Memorial Airport Gift Shop or try General Aviation Viewing Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Passkey Restaurant and Bingo Burger are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Pueblo.
- At the airport: The Landing Grill and Airport Coffee & Grab-n-Go will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PUB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Pueblo itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, PUB 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Pueblo genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.