For travelers with a layover in San Rafael, the proximity of AFA to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 50 minutes via local transport, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of AFA:
- Can you legally enter Argentina? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring San Rafael on a Layover
If you head into San Rafael, here are two things worth checking out:
Parque Hipólito Yrigoyen is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in San Rafael.
Plaza San MartÃn & San Rafael Cathedral is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
If you’d rather stay inside AFA — 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:
- AFA Terminal Waiting Area
- Runway Observation Point
Eating Well on a San Rafael Layover
For food in San Rafael, local travelers recommend Parrilla Donatello. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurante La Cava is another popular pick.
Back at AFA, AFA Coffee & Snack Point is the go-to. AFA Grab-and-Go Bites rounds out your in-terminal options.
Transport from Suboficial Ay Santiago Germano Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into San Rafael is the local transport, which takes about 50 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 70 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your San Rafael layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at AFA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in San Rafael’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 AFA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in San Rafael itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Argentina that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at AFA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Argentina also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in San Rafael count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave AFA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.