Layover in El Paso (ELP)
El Paso International Airport (ELP). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About El Paso
El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 679,000 residents (2020). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. El Paso is often called the Sun City. Collectively, the city of El Paso and other nearby cities, such as Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico are referred to as The Borderland.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 33m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 33m in the city | About 1h 58m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 33m in the city | About 3h 58m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 33m in the city | About 7h 58m in the city |
Getting into El Paso
About 26m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 12 km (7 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in El Paso?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into El Paso and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from ELP to central El Paso?
Allow about 26m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 12 km (7 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to ELP?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.