Palm Beach Layover Guide (PBI)

What are you looking for in PBI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Palm Beach Airport (PBI) is an international airport located in West Palm Beach, Florida. It’s situated about 5.6 km (3.5 miles) from downtown West Palm Beach. The airport officially opened in 1936. West Palm Beach is a vibrant city known for its sunny climate and beautiful beaches. It’s considered one of Florida’s top spots for relaxation, offering a wide range of leisure activities, cultural attractions, and upscale shopping and dining.
Can you leave Palm Beach Airport (PBI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Most international travellers transiting through PBI must clear U.S. immigration and customs and hold a valid US visa or ESTA via the Visa Waiver Program. Domestic layovers require no additional visa. Always confirm entry requirements for your nationality before travel. Allow two hours for customs processing. Check airline transit policies. (more info)
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Layover Guide Organized Tours
Palm Beach: Island Cruise on the Intracoastal
Discover the history of Palm Beach Island and historic Peanut Island on a scenic 1.5-hour boat tour departing from Riviera Beach. Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, absorb stories of celebrity estates and lush tropical flora, and admire panoramic views of stunning mansions, mega-yachts, and coastal landmarks. » book this tour
Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise
Embark on a two-hour, partially narrated cruise aboard the 50′ catamaran “Hakuna Matata.” Sail the Intracoastal Waterway to view Palm Beach’s famed barrier islands, lavish waterfront estates, and luxury mega-yachts. Enjoy informative commentary on local history and architecture while soaking up tropical breezes and relaxing on deck beneath open skies. » book this tour
West Palm Beach: Downtown Food Tour
On this three-hour walking tour of West Palm Beach, sample dishes at five iconic restaurants, tasting local seafood, tropical fare, and artisanal sweets. Along the way, learn about South Florida’s culinary history, admire vibrant street-art murals, and uncover hidden neighborhood gems with a knowledgeable local guide. » book this tour
Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing
- Henry Morrison Flagler Museum Explore the opulent Gilded Age mansion and manicured gardens of Standard Oil magnate Henry Flagler, featuring period furniture, art, and rotating exhibitions. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 12 min or Palm Tran Route 44 to Worth Avenue stop)
- Worth Avenue Stroll the iconic Mediterranean-style shopping district lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, capturing the essence of Palm Beach glamour. (official site) (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or Palm Tran Route 44 to Worth Avenue stop)
- The Breakers Beach Relax on the private sandy beach of the historic Breakers resort, enjoy ocean views, and rent chairs or umbrellas for a serene coastal escape. (official site) (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min)
- Society of the Four Arts Visit the cultural campus featuring art galleries, a sculpture garden, botanical garden, and free concerts in a lush Mediterranean setting. (official site) (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or Palm Tran Route 44 to Four Arts stop)
- Palm Beach Lake Trail Bike or walk along the scenic 5.5-mile lakeside trail offering skyline views, waterfront estates, and lush greenery. Bike rentals available nearby. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 12 min)
- Phipps Ocean Park Enjoy oceanfront park with fishing pier, picnic areas, volleyball nets, and panoramic Atlantic views in a family-friendly setting. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi 8 min or Palm Tran Route 46 to Phipps stop)
- Royal Poinciana Plaza Browse boutique shops, dine at al fresco cafés, and admire waterfront views at this upscale open-air shopping plaza on Lake Worth. (official site) (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or Palm Tran Route 44 to Plaza stop)
- Peanut Island Take a ferry or water taxi to this island park for snorkeling, beach lounging, and exploring President Kennedy’s WWII-era bunker. (official site) (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi to Riviera Beach Marina 12 min then ferry)
Things to Do in Palm Beach Airport (PBI)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Palm Beach International Airport features three main lounges: the Escape Lounge (Concourse B) open daily 5 a.m.–7 p.m. offering snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and beach-themed seating; the Delta Sky Club (Concourse C) with premium amenities; and Priority Pass access across all lounges. These spaces provide tranquil havens for work, refreshment and relaxation. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
Although PBI has no on-site accommodations, several hotels within two miles offer airport shuttles, including Hilton West Palm Beach Airport, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott and DoubleTree by Hilton. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, fitness centers, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast with frequent shuttle runs, making early flights hassle-free. view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Palm Beach International has no designated sleep pods but features spacious seating areas, private nursing suites in Concourses B and C, and a nine-hole putting green. Travelers may relax on ergonomic benches or reserve day-beds in the Escape Lounge. Overnight stays are unofficial; lighting and cleaning schedules may limit quiet hours.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all PBI terminals, concourses and even in the cell phone waiting lot. No password or time limits apply, ensuring seamless connectivity for work or streaming. Complimentary charging stations are located near gates and in common areas. For assistance, visit any information desk.
SIM/eSIM Card: While PBI lacks dedicated SIM kiosks, travelers can find convenience retailers like 7-Eleven at the PBI Travel Plaza (2050 Belvedere Road) offering prepaid SIM cards. Alternatively, purchase eSIM data plans online from providers such as Airalo or GigSky before departure for instant activation upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: Taxis, sedans and SUVs are available at the Ground Transportation desk on Level 1 (Baggage Claim), west end. Walk-up service requires no reservations; riders may also call Metro Taxi at 561-444-9999 for immediate dispatch or 561-777-7777 for reservations. Licensed operators ensure safe, metered fares to local destinations.
Train: Tri-Rail commuter trains connect West Palm Beach Station (203 S. Tamarind Ave) with Miami and Fort Lauderdale; a free Palm Tran shuttle links the station with the terminal’s baggage claim. Amtrak intercity service is also accessible via shuttle. more info.
Bus: Palm Tran public buses serve the airport via route 44 with stops at Level 1’s outer curb, providing connections across Palm Beach County. Schedules and maps are available inside the terminal or at more info.
Shuttle: Hotel courtesy shuttles pick up passengers outside the terminal on Level 1’s outer curb; arrangements must be made directly with participating hotels. The Economy Lot shuttle runs 24 hours Sunday–Thursday (closed early Friday/Saturday between 1–4 a.m.); call 561-471-7459 when service is unavailable.
Car rentals: Car rental counters for all major agencies are located on Level 1 (Baggage Claim) with shuttles to off-site lots. Providers include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National and others; hours align with flight schedules. For off-airport company contacts, visit the Car Rental Services page or consult the Ground Transportation desk upon arrival. view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: PBI offers four on-site parking options: Short-Term (direct terminal access, $2/20 min), Long-Term ($14/day, direct deck access) and Economy ($8/day, shuttle service); no reservations required. A complimentary cell phone lot at 2050 Belvedere Road provides Wi-Fi and amenities while awaiting arriving passengers.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
PBI does not offer on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers can visit the Escape Lounge for short-term bag relief or use off-site services like LuggageHero and Stasher in West Palm Beach. Lost items should be reported to the Lost & Found office or the respective airline if the bag was checked. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).
Money Exchange and Withdrawal
- Palm Beach Airport (PBI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks










