Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in St Mary’s gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from KSM to the city takes roughly 20 minutes by local transport, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave KSM:
- 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 Mary’s takes about 20 minutes by local transport. 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.
Exploring St Mary’s on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In St Mary’s, two standouts are:
- St. Mary’s Village Walk — It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
- Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Scenic Views — On a clear day, the views alone justify the detour.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside KSM, you can spend time at Aircraft Observation Area or try Passenger Waiting Lounge. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from St Mary’s Airport into town:
- local transport: About 20 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 40 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Food Worth Trying
In St Mary’s
If you make it into town, AC Company Store Deli/Snacks is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try St. Mary’s Community Center Kitchen (Event Based).
Inside KSM
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Vending Machines is your main option. Self-Service Coffee/Tea Station works too if you want something quick.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your St Mary’s layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$13 |
| Meal | ~$25 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$48 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in St Mary’s.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at KSM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in St Mary’s itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at KSM aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in St Mary’s itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, KSM 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in St Mary’s genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.