Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Saul. Saúl Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of XAU:
- Can you legally enter French Guiana? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-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 EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Saul from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Saul is the local transport, which takes about 30 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 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Storing Your Luggage at Saúl Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at XAU may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Saul’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.
What to Budget for Your Saul Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Saul layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$14 |
| Meal | ~$27 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$51 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Saul, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Saul, here are two things worth checking out:
Sentier Botanique (Botanical Trail) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Saúl Village Exploration is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside XAU, you can spend time at Airstrip Observation Deck or try Saúl Local Crafts Display. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Saul: Restaurant La Belle Saison and Saúl Guesthouse Kitchen (Community Meal). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Saúl Airport Snack Corner or Pilot’s Rest Canteen. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at XAU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Saul itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for French Guiana that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at XAU
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at XAU.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Saul exploring the streets or relaxing at XAU, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.