There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Socotra into a quick city adventure. From SCT, the Taxi/Private Car can get you into town in around 75 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 SCT:
- Can you legally enter Yemen? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 75-minute journey each way by Taxi/Private Car, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the YER. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Get Into Socotra
From SCT, the Taxi/Private Car gets you to Socotra in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Private Car offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What’s Worth Seeing in Socotra
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Socotra, two standouts are:
- Hadibo Central Market — The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
- Hadibo Beach Walk — Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SCT, you can spend time at Basic Waiting Area & Seating or try Local Crafts & Souvenir Stand. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Socotra, local travelers recommend Al Ma’la Restaurant (Hadibo). If you have time for a second stop, Hadibo Fish Grill Stalls is another popular pick.
Back at SCT, Airport Snack Counter is the go-to. Bottled Beverage Stand rounds out your in-terminal options.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Socotra layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$6 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$21 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at SCT aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Socotra itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SCT for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Socotra 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.
Taking a Break at SCT
Long overnight layover? Your options at SCT include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Yemen also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Socotra with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Socotra 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.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.