Have you got some time to kill at Bogotá El Dorado International Airport? As one of South America’s busiest hubs, the airport offers a reasonable mix of places to eat, shop, rest, and pass the time between flights. Whether you’re dealing with a long layover or settling in for an overnight stay, these are a few practical things you can do at Bogotá Airport to make the wait more comfortable.
1. Enjoy a bite to eat
Bogotá Airport has a wide range of cafés, fast-food outlets, and sit-down restaurants, making it fairly easy to find something whether you’re rushing between flights or lingering on a long layover. Alongside familiar international chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Starbucks, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to sample Colombian food and drinks.
Travellers often seek out Colombian coffee, which is widely available throughout the terminals and makes for an easy introduction to local flavours. You may also spot traditional snacks and treats such as empanadas, arepas, or pandebono, depending on the outlet. For something sweet, Colombian chocolate is commonly sold at cafés and specialty shops. If you have time for a sit-down drink, Bogotá Beer Company offers a chance to try a locally brewed beer before you leave the country.
2. Chill out in a lounge
If you’re looking for a quieter place to wait, Bogotá Airport has several lounges, offering more comfortable seating, WiFi, food, and drinks. Some lounges also provide shower facilities, which can be especially helpful after a long flight or before an overnight connection. Access varies by lounge: some are airline-specific, while others are open to travellers regardless of class through lounge memberships, online booking, or pay-at-the-door access. Availability, pricing, and amenities can change, so it’s best to check our Bogotá Airport Guide for current details before you go. [ read more ]
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Bogotá Airport goes beyond basic duty-free browsing. In addition to convenience stores, electronics shops, and travel essentials, the airport features a number of stores selling Colombian-made products that make easy souvenirs or gifts.
Look for shops specializing in coffee and chocolate, two of Colombia’s best-known exports, often available in travel-friendly packaging. You’ll also find stores selling handcrafted items, including textiles, accessories, and small artisan goods that reflect regional styles. Cigars and leather goods are also commonly sold, though prices and selection vary by location. Even if you’re not planning to buy much, browsing the local shops is an easy way to pass time and get a small taste of Colombian culture without leaving the terminal.
4. Visit the salon
f you want to freshen up, especially after an overnight stay, there is a beauty and hair salon landside offering basic grooming services. Peluquería El Dorado has historically operated pre-security, but services and locations can change, so it’s worth confirming availability on arrival.
5. Go sightseeing
If your layover is long enough and you’re comfortable navigating the city, heading into Bogotá can be a rewarding way to spend several hours. As a general rule, you’ll want at least 8-9+ hours between flights to allow time for transportation, sightseeing, and returning through security.
Public buses connect the airport with the city, though travel times can be slow depending on traffic. Licensed airport taxis are available outside the terminal and usually offer a faster, more direct option. These taxis operate using a voucher system, which helps confirm the destination and fare in advance.
Once downtown, choose your adventure. Start at the Plaza de Bolivar, the historic city center known for colonial architecture. Head to the Gold Museum, considered the best of its kind in Latin and South America. On display are various indigenous, pre-Spanish artifacts in a modern, well-documented space. Other popular museums are the Museo Botero and the Museo Santa Clara, a former 17th-century Catholic church. For sweeping city views, ride the funicular or cable car to the top of Monserrate, the mountain the city is built all around. If you’re a carnivore, try a traditional steakhouse for lunch or dinner!
Don’t forget to leave plenty of time to return to the airport, pass through Security, and reach your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Bogota.
6. WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Connection quality and session limits may vary by area.
7. Sleep
Looking to get some rest? Sleeping at Bogotá Airport is generally manageable, especially airside, where the atmosphere tends to be calmer. Travellers report finding armrest-free seating, benches, and some carpeted areas, which can make lying down easier than in landside zones. [ read more ]
Lighting in quieter areas may be dimmer at night, though this can vary. For more comfort and privacy, several hotels are located near the airport, including at least one within walking distance of the terminal. See our Bogota Airport Guide for locations and details. [ read more ]
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Bogota Airport. Visit our Bogota Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.