Passing through San Carlos Airport? A layover in San Carlos is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 140 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.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of SQL:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 140-minute journey each way by Caltrain, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into San Carlos
From SQL, the Caltrain gets you to San Carlos in around 140 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 160 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Caltrain offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Luggage Storage at SQL
Specific locker facilities at SQL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in San Carlos itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for San Carlos:
Transport to the city and back runs about $13 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $25 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $48 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in San Carlos.
Exploring San Carlos on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in San Carlos:
Start with Laurel Street Downtown San Carlos. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. Then, if time allows, make your way to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in San Carlos.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SQL, you can spend time at Hiller Aviation Museum or try San Carlos Airport Plane Spotting. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Town Restaurant and Steps of Rome are both worth a visit if you’re exploring San Carlos.
- At the airport: Sky Kitchen and Paper Airplane Cafe will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SQL for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate San Carlos 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.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SQL, 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 San Carlos is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy San Carlos.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.