If you’ve got a layover in South Caicos, don’t let it go to waste sitting at XSC. The city, in Turks and Caicos Islands, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of XSC:
- Can you legally enter Turks and Caicos Islands? 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 Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into South Caicos
The most straightforward way into South Caicos is the Taxi, 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 Taxi is usually the smarter call.
What to See and Do in South Caicos
If you head into South Caicos, here are two things worth checking out:
Cockburn Harbour & Historic Salt Ponds is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Stroll Long Beach South Caicos is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at XSC, check out Relax & Ocean Views from Terminal or Observe Local Air Traffic to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a South Caicos Layover
For food in South Caicos, local travelers recommend Ocean & Soul Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Triple J’s Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at XSC, XSC Airport Refreshments Stand is the go-to. Departure Gate Snack & Coffee rounds out your in-terminal options.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in South Caicos, budget roughly $48 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $25 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $13 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in South Caicos.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at XSC may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in South Caicos’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
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and XSC is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into South Caicos and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at XSC
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, XSC has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in South Caicos exploring the streets or relaxing at XSC, 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.