Passing through Plan De Guadalupe International Airport? A layover in Saltillo is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 45 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave SLW:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Mexico. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Saltillo takes about 45 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is MXN. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Saltillo on a Layover
If you head into Saltillo, here are two things worth checking out:
Museo del Desierto (Desert Museum) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Catedral de Santiago & Plaza de Armas is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside SLW — 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:
- Main Terminal Relaxation Area
- Airport Snack & Souvenir Kiosk
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Saltillo: El Mesón del Principal and Pour La France. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Restaurant Bar SLW or Airport Coffee Stand. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How to Get Into Saltillo
You have two main options for getting from Plan De Guadalupe International Airport into town:
- Taxi/Rideshare: About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 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.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Saltillo layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$6 |
| Meal | ~$12 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$28 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at SLW 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 Saltillo for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SLW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Saltillo itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Mexico that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at SLW
Long overnight layover? Your options at SLW include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Mexico also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Saltillo with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Saltillo 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.