Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Salem. Salem Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside SXV
Three things to verify before you walk out of SXV:
- Can you legally enter India? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi / Auto-rickshaw, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Salem
From SXV, the Taxi / Auto-rickshaw gets you to Salem 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 Taxi / Auto-rickshaw offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Salem layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$4 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$19 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Salem.
What to See and Do in Salem
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Salem, two standouts are:
- Kottai Mariamman Temple — Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
- Sugavaneswarar Temple — The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SXV, check out Passenger Waiting Lounge & Observation or Airport News & Souvenir Stand to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
In Salem
If you make it into town, Hotel Saravana Bhavan is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Hotel Lakshmi Prakash.
Inside SXV
If you’re staying in the terminal, SXV Airport Canteen is your main option. Airside Snack & Coffee works too if you want something quick.
Luggage Storage at SXV
Luggage storage options at SXV 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 Salem for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SXV for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Salem or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Taking a Break at SXV
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SXV, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Salem with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Salem 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.