For travelers with a layover in St. Augustine Airport, the proximity of UST to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 50 minutes via Taxi/Rideshare, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave UST:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to St. Augustine Airport takes about 50 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In St. Augustine Airport, two standouts are:
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument — History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
- St. George Street Historic Walk — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside UST — 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:
- General Aviation Viewing Area
- Northeast Florida Regional Airport Terminal Seating
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From UST, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to St. Augustine Airport in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 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/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in St. Augustine Airport, local travelers recommend Columbia Restaurant St. Augustine. If you have time for a second stop, The Ice Plant Bar & Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at UST, Airport Vending Machines (Snacks) is the go-to. Airport Vending Machines (Beverages) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in St. Augustine Airport, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and UST is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into St. Augustine Airport 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.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at UST may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in St. Augustine Airport’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.
Taking a Break at UST
Long overnight layover? Your options at UST include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in St. Augustine Airport exploring the streets or relaxing at UST, 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.