There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Smara into a quick city adventure. From SMW, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of SMW:
- Can you legally enter Western Sahara? 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 MAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some MAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Smara
The most straightforward way into Smara 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 Smara Airport
Luggage storage options at SMW 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 Smara for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Smara, budget roughly $25 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $10 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Smara, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Smara, we’d suggest Smara Grand Mosque and Smara Local Market (Souk). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
If you’d rather stay inside SMW — 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:
- Airport Waiting Area
- Aircraft Spotting
Food Worth Trying
For food in Smara, local travelers recommend Restaurant Smara Local. If you have time for a second stop, Cafe Oasis is another popular pick.
Back at SMW, Airport Cafe & Snack Bar is the go-to. Airport Vending Kiosk rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SMW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Smara itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Western Sahara that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at SMW
Long overnight layover? Your options at SMW include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Western Sahara also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Smara doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 30 minutes from SMW, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.