San Pedro Sula Ramón Villeda Morales Layover Guide (SAP)

What are you looking for in SAP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San Pedro Sula Airport (SAP) is an international airport located in La Lima, near San Pedro Sula, Honduras. It’s situated about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown San Pedro Sula. The airport began operations in 1965. San Pedro Sula is the second-largest city in Honduras and a major industrial hub. The city is known for its warm climate, lively culture, and access to beautiful nearby natural attractions and Caribbean beaches.

Can you leave San Pedro Sula Airport (SAP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a San Pedro Sula layover you may exit SAP airport and explore Honduras if your connection exceeds immigration processing time and you meet entry requirements. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter without visa for up to 90 days; others must secure a valid Honduran visa beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia Discover Honduras’s ancient artifacts and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and pottery collections showcasing indigenous civilizations. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Parque Central Stroll around the vibrant heart of the city, admire colonial-era architecture, people-watch on benches beneath towering palms and enjoy local street performers. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Mercado Guamilito Shop for colorful handicrafts, fresh produce and artisanal souvenirs while sampling traditional baleadas and tropical fruits from bustling stalls. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol Visit the neo-Gothic cathedral’s soaring stained-glass windows and ornate altars in a peaceful spiritual setting at the city’s oldest church. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Zona Viva Dining Sample Honduran specialties like pastelitos, street tacos and fresh fruit juices at lively food stalls and casual eateries in this popular nightlife district. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Plaza Marathón Mall Browse international brands, local boutiques and grab a coffee or snack at modern food courts in one of the city’s largest shopping centers. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Café Carrusel Relax with a cup of Honduran-grown coffee roasted on-site, paired with fresh pastries in a cozy café atmosphere beloved by locals. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))
• Parque Obelisco Snap photos at the iconic Obelisk monument, enjoy landscaped gardens and soak up panoramic city views in this scenic urban park. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min) / Public bus (30 min))

Things to Do in San Pedro Sula Airport (SAP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
San Pedro Sula Airport features two Salas Internacionales VIP Club lounges airside on the 2nd and 3rd floors by Gate 7. Day‐pass, membership and credit‐card access available. Lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, free Wi-Fi, workstations, showers and quiet zones. Open daily from before first departure until late evening. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site airport hotels. Nearby options 4–6 miles away include Intercity Tower Hotels, Hotel Real InterContinental, Hotel Guest House Inn and WE Hotel – La Lima. Most offer free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, breakfast and pools. Budget stays like Hotel Plaza Palmero and Bamboo B&B start around $30 per night. Drive time is 10–15 minutes. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
SAP has no dedicated rest zones, sleeping pods or cots. Seating is limited to standard benches and chairs in public areas. The food court is often the quietest spot for overnight stays, but travelers should bring travel pillows, blankets and earplugs. Security patrols 24/7; expect ID checks if sleeping in terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminal buildings; simply connect to the network named “SAP_Free_WiFi” or a similar airport SSID and accept terms. Speeds support light browsing and email. Charging stations and power outlets are scattered near seating areas. No login code or password is required for general access.

SIM/eSIM Card: Unlocked phones can pick up prepaid SIM cards from local carriers’ kiosks or small booths in the arrivals hall. Movistar and Claro tourist SIMs typically start at around $5 USD for 1–2 GB valid 7 days. eSIM profiles from global eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) can be purchased online before travel and activated on arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis wait curbside outside the arrivals hall. Fares to central San Pedro Sula average $15 USD (around L350); taxis aren’t metered so negotiate before boarding. For a reliable ride, call the official Radio Taxi at +504 2239-8795. Drivers are easily identified by airport-approved credentials. Tipping is customary; 10% is typical.

Train: There is no direct train service to or from Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport. Passengers wishing to connect to Honduras’s limited rail network must first take a taxi or bus into the city center. more info.

Bus: Public buses depart from a stop just outside the terminal, running to San Pedro Sula’s central bus station and surrounding towns. Fares are approximately L30 (around $1.25 USD). Buses operate from about 06:00 to 22:00 at 15–30 minute intervals. Tickets are purchased on board. more info.

Shuttle: Private and shared shuttle services (e.g., Shuttle Express, Honduras Shuttle) can be pre-booked online or via phone. Rates start around L200–L300 (~$8–$12 USD) per person for shared shuttles to downtown hotels. Hotel shuttle services are also available; confirm pickup points and schedules when booking accommodations.

Car rentals: Major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise) have desks in the arrivals hall. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, credit card and minimum age (usually 21+). Daily rates from approximately $35 USD with various insurance and fuel options. Vehicles are collected from the on-site rental lot adjacent to the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking is located immediately outside the terminal; rates are roughly L20 per hour or L200 per day. Long-term parking is available in a nearby lot at about L100 per day. All lots are fenced and under 24-hour surveillance. Payment kiosks accept both cash (lempiras) and major credit cards.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage storage facilities or lockers inside the terminal. Baggage wrapping services are available near check-in counters. Travelers seeking luggage storage should arrange accommodations with nearby hotels or use third-party storage providers off-airport. Keep valuables with you at all times. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Pedro Sula Airport (SAP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks