A long layover in Villahermosa is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 70 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of VSA:
- Can you legally enter Mexico? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Taxi / Shared Van, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the MXN. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
The Best Way Into Villahermosa from VSA
You have two main options for getting from Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport into town:
- Taxi / Shared Van: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 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.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Villahermosa might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$12 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$28 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Villahermosa.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at VSA 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 Villahermosa for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Villahermosa, we’d suggest Parque Museo La Venta and Museo de Historia Natural José Narciso Rovirosa. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside VSA, you can spend time at The Lounge VSA or try Airport Souvenir & Convenience Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Villahermosa Layover
- In the city: El Teapaneco and Capitán Beulo are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Villahermosa.
- At the airport: Wings Restaurant and Starbucks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Taking a Break at VSA
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, VSA 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.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and VSA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Villahermosa 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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Villahermosa with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Villahermosa may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.