Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Temple. Draughon Miller Central Texas Regional Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 35 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of TPL:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 35-minute journey each way by Taxi/Ride-share, 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.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From TPL, the Taxi/Ride-share gets you to Temple in around 35 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 55 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/Ride-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Temple
Two recommendations for your time in Temple:
Start with Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing. Then, if time allows, make your way to Miller Springs Nature Center. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside TPL, you can spend time at TPL Terminal Waiting Area or try General Aviation Aircraft Spotting. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
In Temple
If you make it into town, Schoepf’s BBQ is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Pignetti’s.
Inside TPL
If you’re staying in the terminal, TPL Terminal Vending Machines is your main option. Draughon-Miller Aviation FBO Snacks works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Temple, budget roughly $37 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $18 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Temple.
Bag Storage Near TPL
Luggage storage options at TPL 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 Temple for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at TPL, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Temple 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.
Sleep & Lounge Options at TPL
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at TPL, 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Temple count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave TPL. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.