Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in San Cristobal de las Casas gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from SZT to the city takes roughly 70 minutes by Shared Van/Colectivo, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of SZT:
- Can you legally enter Mexico? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Shared Van/Colectivo, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the MXN. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Spend Your Time in San Cristobal de las Casas
If you head into San Cristobal de las Casas, here are two things worth checking out:
Templo de Santo Domingo and Artisan Market is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Museo del Ãmbar de Chiapas is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SZT, check out Caral VIP Lounge (Aeropuerto TGZ) or Chiapaneco Artisan Shops to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
In San Cristobal de las Casas
If you make it into town, Restaurante Lum is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try TierrAdentro.
Inside SZT
If you’re staying in the terminal, La Parcela (TGZ Airport) is your main option. Wings Restaurant (TGZ Airport) works too if you want something quick.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From SZT, the Shared Van/Colectivo gets you to San Cristobal de las Casas in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Shared Van/Colectivo offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your San Cristobal de las Casas 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
Dedicated luggage storage at SZT may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in San Cristobal de las Casas’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 SZT, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in San Cristobal de las Casas 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at SZT 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 San Cristobal de las Casas with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. San Cristobal de las Casas 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.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.