Key Highlights
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Valley International Airport (HRL) is the main international airport that serves Harlingen, Texas.
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It is the largest airport close to the city and is an important entry point to the Rio Grande Valley.
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Several big airlines, like Southwest, United, and American Airlines, fly here from the terminal.
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The airport is just four miles away from downtown Harlingen.
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You can pick from many ground transportation options to get to your final stop in the United States.
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HRL offers passenger flights, cargo work, and charter services.
Introduction
Welcome to Harlingen, Texas! The city is in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. If you want to visit, you will most likely start at Valley International Airport, also called HRL. This is the main airport for Harlingen and the nearby towns. It is easy to get to, so it helps people get in and out of the area without a hassle. At Valley International Airport, you will find many different services to make your travel better. This guide will show you what you need to know, so you can move through the international airport in Harlingen with ease.
Major Airports in Harlingen, Texas
The main airport in Harlingen, Texas, is Valley International Airport (HRL). This is the main airport for Cameron County. Most flights that bring people to or out of Harlingen go through here. If you want to fly to Harlingen, this is the best way to do it.
HRL is the key international airport in the city. But, there are other airports close by that help the area too. These include Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) and McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE). They serve people traveling to and from both the United States and other countries in this region.
Valley International Airport (HRL) Overview
Valley International Airport is the largest airport in Harlingen and is a key part of South Texas. The Federal Aviation handles airport codes for this airport, and the codes are HRL and KHRL. You can find facilities here that allow you to get to and from international flights with ease. That makes Valley International Airport a real international gateway in the United States.
The terminal at Valley International Airport is modern and easy to use. It is made to give people a smooth and good travel experience every time. If you come in for work or are here to have fun, this airport will work well for you. Since this is an international airport in Texas, it helps many people get where they need to go.
The airport is only a few miles away from the city center. That means you can get out of the airport and be in Harlingen or another part of the city in no time. Each year, a lot of people use this airport, and that helps the economy and brings more tourists to the area. The airport, its terminal, the runway, and its good location all show how important it is for aviation in the United States.
Other Nearby and Private Airports
Outside the big travel spots, the Rio Grande Valley has some smaller airports. These places are for general aviation and those who fly private planes. If you fly yourself or plan to hire a private flight, you will see there are more choices than the big passenger airports. These airfields have the basic things people need for private and business flying.
In Harlingen, most people use Valley International Airport. But, if you have your own plane, you also get to use local airports that are close by. These airports do not have big crowds like the large ones, so your trip can be quicker and less stressful. If you are trying to find something other than a usual airline trip, it is smart to look at these local places.
Here are a few other airports you can find in the wider area:
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McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE): This is a big airport in the next city.
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Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO): This is another main airport in the valley.
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Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport (TX3): This is a small airport for the Port Isabel part of cameron county.
These options help more people in the Rio Grande Valley get where they want to go, whether it is for work or fun, and can make getting in or out of places like mcallen, harlingen, or south padre island way easier.
Airlines and Destinations at Harlingen Airports
When you land at Valley International Airport (HRL), you can pick from a few big airlines. You will find Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines here. These airlines help you get to important spots around the country. This makes it easy to plan your trip. You can often book a direct flight or a one-stop flight from where you live.
Because there are different airlines and places you can fly, you have more ways to travel. No matter if you are going on a work trip or a fun trip, you will find a flight that works for your time and money. Now, let’s get a closer look at which passenger airlines are at HRL, and where they will take you.
Passenger Airlines and Direct Routes
Valley International Airport’s terminal is serviced by a mix of legacy and low-cost carriers, giving you plenty of choices. Airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines offer daily flights. Additionally, you may find seasonal service from carriers like Sun Country Airlines and Frontier Airlines, which often provide routes to popular vacation destinations.
These airlines connect Harlingen to major hubs, making it easy to travel to and from anywhere in the world. For example, you can catch a flight to Dallas/Fort Worth on American Airlines or to Houston on United Airlines, opening up a vast network of connecting destinations.
Here is a quick look at some of the airlines operating at HRL and their typical non-stop destinations.
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Airline |
Common Destinations |
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American Airlines |
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) |
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Southwest Airlines |
Austin (AUS), Houston (HOU) |
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United Airlines |
Houston (IAH) |
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Sun Country Airlines |
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) (Seasonal) |
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Frontier Airlines |
Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD) (Seasonal) |
Cargo Operations and Charter Services
Valley International Airport does a lot more than work with passenger flights. It plays a big part in cargo jobs and charter aviation too. The airport can handle air freight, so it helps the Rio Grande Valley move business goods in and out. This makes it important for the local economy and the way people and companies get what they need from near and far.
On top of regular flights for people, HRL also has charter services. These flights are not scheduled like normal commercial flights. People use them for things like company trips, group travel, and special events. The airport is ready for many types of airplanes for all these uses. For international charter trips, flyers must let the airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection group know before they arrive.
Key aviation services besides passenger flights are:
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Air Cargo: Moving packages and mail.
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Charter Flights: Private and on-demand travel by plane.
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General Aviation: Helping private pilots and small planes.
The valley international airport is a big part of aviation in the Rio Grande Valley. It supports both the people who fly in and out and the goods that need to travel every day.
Ground Transportation and Airport Services
When you get to the Harlingen terminal, it’s easy to get from Valley International Airport to where you want to go. Valley International Airport has many ground transportation options made to fit your needs and how much you want to spend. Whether you just need a quick ride to the hotel or want a car to see more of Cameron County, there are many ways to get around.
You can pick from rental cars or public transit. These services be there to make travel simple and available for everyone. It’s a good idea to plan your ride early. It will help you get a smooth start. Next, let’s look at what choices you have for getting to and from the airport.
Options for Getting to and from Harlingen Airports
Getting around at Valley International Airport is simple. Most people choose to rent a car. You will find car rental counters from the big companies right at the airport. This way, you can drive and see Harlingen or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley on your own schedule. South Padre Island is a top place to visit. It’s just a drive from the airport.
If you do not want to drive, there are taxis and rideshare choices like Uber or Lyft. You will find them outside the arrivals exit. They can take you straight to your hotel, South Padre Island, or any spot in Harlingen. If you want to save money, you can use a public bus. It links the Valley International Airport to different stops around the city.
Your main ways to get ground transportation are:
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Rental Cars
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Taxis and Rideshare Services (like Uber and Lyft)
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Hotel Shuttles (check with your hotel)
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Public Bus Service
Passenger Amenities and Official Contact Information
The terminal at Valley International Airport has many things that help make your trip better. You will find places to eat and can shop for things you may need at the last minute. There are spots to relax before you get on the plane. The airport is easy to use, with clear signs and staff ready to help you with any questions you may have.
For the newest and official information about the international airport, go to the airport’s website at www.flythevalley.com. The site is protected and has up-to-date news on flights, services, and airport updates. If you want pilot-specific info on general aviation, you can use AirNav.
To get in touch with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office at Valley International Airport in Harlingen, TX, call +1 956-430-8622. You will find their office at 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, TX 78550. It is next to the car rental area. For help with general aviation, you can send an email if you need something special done.
Conclusion
In the end, Harlingen’s airports give you many services for travelers and shipping needs. Valley International Airport is the main airport here. You will find many airlines and flights that go straight to important places. This helps make your travel plans much easier. The airport has different ways for you to get to the city and the towns around it, so getting where you need to be is simple. No matter if you come for work or just to relax, knowing about the best parts of Harlingen’s airports will help make your trip better. If you want more help or have any questions, just talk to the airport services. Have a safe trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Harlingen’s Valley International Airport?
Valley International Airport is the main airport in Harlingen, Texas. This international airport has two codes that you can see commonly. HRL is what you use for tickets and travel. KHRL is used by pilots and people who work with air traffic control. Use these when you need to find flights to or from Harlingen, Texas.
How do I check flight status or schedules at Harlingen’s main airport?
To see your flight status or the schedule for Valley International Airport (HRL), you should go to your airline’s website. This is the best way to get the latest updates. You can also find flight details on the airport’s own website. For general aviation info, you may use flight tracking resources like AirNav.
Is Valley International Airport the only commercial airport in Harlingen?
Valley International Airport is the only commercial airport right in Harlingen, Texas. There are other airports in the Rio Grande Valley nearby that handle both commercial flights and general aviation. But HRL is the main international airport for the city of Harlingen.