Passing through Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport? A layover in Tacloban is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 50 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Tacloban, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Philippines vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Tacloban is roughly 50 minutes from TAC via Taxi / Tricycle / Jeepney. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in PHP. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Tacloban on a Layover
If you head into Tacloban, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
If you’d rather stay inside TAC — 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 Lounge
- Duty Free Shopping
The Best Way Into Tacloban from TAC
From TAC, the Taxi / Tricycle / Jeepney gets you to Tacloban 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 / Tricycle / Jeepney offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Best Bites Near TAC
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Tacloban: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Cafe or Terminal Restaurant. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Tacloban layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at TAC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Tacloban itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Philippines that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at TAC 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 Tacloban for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Need a Nap? Options at TAC
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at TAC, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Tacloban exploring the streets or relaxing at TAC, 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.