If you’ve got a layover in Roxana, don’t let it go to waste sitting at TTQ. The city, in Costa Rica, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Lodge Transfer (boat). Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside TTQ
Before heading into Roxana, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Costa Rica vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Roxana is roughly 60 minutes from TTQ via Lodge Transfer (boat). Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CRC. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
What’s Worth Seeing in Roxana
If you head into Roxana, here are two things worth checking out:
Tortuguero Village Main Path Stroll is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside TTQ, you can spend time at TTQ Terminal Waiting Area & Wildlife Spotting or try Informal Local Crafts Stand. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Roxana, local travelers recommend Miss Miriam’s. If you have time for a second stop, Budda Cafe is another popular pick.
Back at TTQ, TTQ Refreshment Stand is the go-to. Local Snack & Coffee Cart rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From TTQ, the Lodge Transfer (boat) gets you to Roxana in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Lodge Transfer (boat) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Roxana, budget roughly $34 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $16 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $8 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Bag Storage Near TTQ
Dedicated luggage storage at TTQ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Roxana’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
Free WiFi is generally available at TTQ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Roxana itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Costa Rica that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at TTQ
Long overnight layover? Your options at TTQ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Costa Rica also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Roxana with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Roxana 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.