There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in West Palm Beach into a quick city adventure. From PBI, the Palm Tran (Local Bus) can get you into town in around 45 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of PBI:
- 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 45-minute journey each way by Palm Tran (Local Bus), 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.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In West Palm Beach, two standouts are:
- Rosemary Square (The Square) — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in West Palm Beach.
- Norton Museum of Art — Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at PBI, check out PBI Airport Art Collection or PGA TOUR Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Getting to West Palm Beach from the Airport
The most straightforward way into West Palm Beach is the Palm Tran (Local Bus), which takes about 45 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 65 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Palm Tran (Local Bus) is usually the smarter call.
Eating Well on a West Palm Beach Layover
- In the city: Elisabetta’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria and Hullabaloo are both worth a visit if you’re exploring West Palm Beach.
- At the airport: Sam Snead’s Tavern and PGA Kitchen & Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into West Palm Beach might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in West Palm Beach.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PBI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in West Palm Beach 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
Luggage storage is available at Not available at the airport due to security regulations; travelers may inquire with their airline or nearby hotels for luggage storage options.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in West Palm Beach.
Need a Nap? Options at PBI
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, PBI 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in West Palm Beach count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PBI. 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.