Key Highlights
-
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the main airport in Northeast Florida. It is only 14 miles from downtown Jacksonville.
-
In 2024, the airport had a record 7.6 million people travel through it. This shows that passenger traffic at JAX is getting bigger.
-
You can get direct flights with many airlines, like American, Delta, and Southwest. The airport lets you fly straight to a lot of cities in the US.
-
Travelers have ways to get into the city, like a rental car or public transportation.
-
Jacksonville International Airport offers many things to do, such as a good mix of dining, shopping, and easy parking.
Introduction
Welcome to Jacksonville! This city is a great place to visit whether you are here for work or fun. Most people start their trip at Jacksonville International Airport, the main airport in Northeast Florida. Jacksonville International makes it easy for you to get in and out of the area. This airport is close to downtown Jacksonville, so you can get into the city quickly. From here, you will also be close to the coast. In this guide, you will find simple tips to get around the airports near Jacksonville, so your trip will go well.
Overview of Jacksonville Airports
The main airport for the Jacksonville area is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The Jacksonville Aviation Authority runs it. JAX sits in the middle of Duval County. It is the top way for people to fly in or out of northeast Florida.
JAX has most of the big airline flights. But, there are other airports too. The area has a few smaller airports. These smaller places help with different things people need. In the next part, we will talk about what kinds of airports they have and what they give you.
Types of Airports Serving Jacksonville
Beyond the busy Jacksonville International Airport, you can find many other airports in the area. These airports serve different kinds of flights. Some are for people who travel in the region, and some are for those who want private flights. This gives options to all types of flyers. If you are asking if there are more public or private airports nearby, the answer is yes.
The aviation options in the area are:
-
Regional airports that help connect smaller towns.
-
Private airports and city fields. These are used by regular flyers, people with business jets, and those who use charter flights.
-
Naval air stations that help with military operations and missions.
These locations play a big role in how people travel in and out of the region. While most travelers use Jacksonville International Airport, the smaller airports give private pilots, people on business charter flights, and military personnel more ways to get in and out of Jacksonville. This helps make sure everyone has good air travel options near Jacksonville International.
Location and Accessibility from Downtown Jacksonville
Jacksonville International Airport is about 14 miles north of downtown Jacksonville. The location is good because you can get from your flight to downtown fast. The drive usually does not take much time. This helps you get into the city quickly after you land.
When you want to go to the airport, there are a few good choices. Many people get a rental car at Jacksonville International Airport. Having a rental car gives you the chance to move around downtown Jacksonville and check out other places whenever you want. You will find all the main rental car companies at the airport.
If you do not want to drive, you can also use public transportation. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) runs buses that link the airport with lots of places in the city, like downtown Jacksonville. This way is not only cheaper but you will also find it easy to get between Jacksonville International and the downtown area.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Essentials
When you book a flight to Jacksonville International, you need to use the airport code JAX. People at airlines and travel offices around the world use this three-letter code for Jacksonville International Airport. It helps you be sure you are going to the right airport.
Jacksonville International Airport is the main airport in the area for travelers. JAX can handle millions of people every year. If you know about the airport’s layout, the airlines that fly from there, and the main things you will find inside, your travel day will be much easier. Let’s take a closer look at what you get when you travel through Jacksonville International.
Airport Code, Layout, and Major Facilities
The official airport code for Jacksonville International Airport is JAX. The airport features a modern and easy-to-navigate layout, with a central terminal building connected to two concourses. This design makes it simple to get from ticketing and security to your gate without confusion.
The main terminal houses the ticketing and baggage claim areas, while flights depart from two separate concourses. You can find your gate in one of the following locations:
|
Facility |
Airlines/Gates |
|---|---|
|
Concourse A |
Gates A1-A10 (e.g., United) |
|
Concourse C |
Gates C1-C9 (e.g., American, Southwest) |
Major facilities at JAX are designed for your convenience. A large parking garage offers hourly and daily parking with direct access to the terminal. You will also find a variety of shops, restaurants, and customer service centers throughout the airport, ensuring you have everything you need before your flight. Concourse B is planned for future expansion.
Airlines and Destinations Served by JAX
Jacksonville International is where you will find many top airlines. These airlines help people in Northeast Florida travel to many cities around the country. When you check in at the ticketing area, you can fly with some big names.
Some of the main airlines you will see at JAX are:
-
American Airlines
-
Delta Air Lines
-
Southwest Airlines
-
Breeze Airways
-
United Airlines
-
Allegiant Air
These airlines give you many direct flights to places like Austin, Chicago, and San Diego. They can also connect you to other cities. Most flights from the airport are domestic flights, but there are times when an international flight is available, too. This helps you reach even more places around the world. You can find a full list of places to go on the airport’s website.
Other Airports Near Jacksonville
Jacksonville International Airport is the main airport for the city. But it’s also good to know about other airports in the area. There are several smaller airports and special airfields nearby, even into Southeast Georgia, that help people with different ways to travel.
These options include Daytona Beach International Airport, which is a smaller airport for public flights to the south, and places used by the military, like Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Knowing about these choices can help you make better plans for trips close to the city or if you are a private pilot. Now, let’s look at these other airports and what they do.
Regional Airports in the Jacksonville Area
For travelers looking for alternatives to JAX or flying into nearby communities, several regional airports are within driving distance. These airports are located throughout Duval County and the wider Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia region.
Here are some of the closest airports and their distance from Jacksonville:
|
Airport Name |
Distance from Jacksonville |
|---|---|
|
Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NIP) |
10 miles |
|
Craig Municipal Airport (CRG) |
10 miles |
|
St. Augustine Airport (UST) |
38 miles |
|
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) |
69 miles |
|
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) |
92 miles |
These airports, including Herlong Recreational Airport, serve a mix of commercial, private, and military aviation. They provide valuable connections for residents and visitors, often with convenient parking options and less congestion than a major international hub. They are essential for linking the entire region by air.
Private and Charter Flight Options
If you want more options than what you get with commercial flights, Jacksonville is a good place to look. The city has great choices for private flights and charter flights. There are a few smaller airports around, and they focus on general aviation. That means the services are for private pilots, work trips, and flights you can book when needed.
Facilities that help with private and charter flights include:
-
Craig Municipal Airport (CRG)
-
Cecil Field (VQQ)
-
Herlong Recreational Airport (HEG)
These private airports let people pick when they want to leave or arrive. They also let people fly straight to smaller places where big airlines do not go. The city also has many spots for the military. For example, the Naval Air Station and support for the Navy and the Florida Air National Guard are in this area. You will also see the Air National Guard play a role here.
Passenger Experience at Jacksonville International Airport
Traveling to or from Jacksonville International Airport is made to be easy and pleasant. In 2024, more than 7.6 million people used jacksonville international airport. That shows there is now a lot of passenger traffic and more people want to use this airport. Even though there are many travelers, the terminal stays clean. There are open areas, and the way it is set up makes it simple to get around.
When you get to jacksonville international, you will see it is easy to find your way inside. Signs show you where to go for important places like the security checkpoint and baggage claim. The airport works hard to keep lines moving by making these areas easy to find. Read the next parts to learn more about what you can get at the airport and some tips to help your trip go well.
Amenities, Dining, and Shopping at JAX
Jacksonville International Airport has many things for you to do and enjoy while you wait. The airport has lots of places where you can eat, shop, or just sit and relax. If you want to get food, pick up a gift at the last minute, or take a break, you will find a good choice at this airport.
Some things you can find at Jacksonville International Airport are:
-
Dining: You can taste local food at spots like Southern Grounds and Angie’s Subs in the airport.
-
Shopping: You can walk around shops that sell news, books, clothes, and things to take home as gifts.
-
Services: The airport makes things easy with valet parking, helpful service desks, and even a special lane for military people at the security checkpoint.
All these things are there for you before and after you go through the security checkpoint. You will find many of these places and services next to the gates. Even down in the baggage claim area on the lower level, there are services to help you keep moving from your plane to your next spot without trouble.
Tips for Navigating and Traveling Through JAX
A little planning can help you get through Jacksonville International Airport with less trouble. The airport has a modern look and clear signs. This makes it simple to find your way. Still, these tips can help you save time and lower stress as you go from the ticketing area to your gate.
For a smoother time at the airport, you should:
-
Check Wait Times: The airport’s website and mobile app show the wait at the security checkpoint right now. There are also special lanes for TSA PreCheck and for military personnel in uniform.
-
Plan Your Parking: Jacksonville International gives you many parking options. You can use the hourly garage or go for cheaper economy lots. If you join the Frequent Parker Program, you might even earn free parking.
-
Use the Mobile App: You can get flight updates, terminal maps, and more right on your phone with the JAX mobile app.
If you plan ahead, you can move fast through jacksonville international airport. It helps to know the airport layout, check your parking options, and watch for security checkpoint wait times. That way, you will be ready to start your trip in a good way.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around Jacksonville’s airports can be easy when you have the right details. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has good things for people to use, and there are other smaller airports in the area too. This means you can find something to fit what you need. There are big airlines, easy ways to get to the airport from downtown, and private flight options in Jacksonville. So, anyone can find what works best for them. Make sure you plan ahead and use the tips to make your trip better. If you want to start your next trip, or want more facts, don’t wait to ask for help or get more info about Jacksonville International Airport or the other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How busy is Jacksonville International compared to other Florida airports?
Jacksonville International Airport is the busiest airport in Northeast Florida. In 2024, more than 7.6 million people used the airport. This passenger traffic is important for the area. But it is not as busy as bigger Florida airports such as Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA), which see many more people travel both in and out of the country.
Which airport should I choose when flying into Jacksonville?
For most travelers, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is a great option. It has many airlines and flies to a lot of places. But if you want to fly private, use charter flights, or go to a small town close by, one of the smaller regional airports could work better for you.
What are the best transportation options from Jacksonville International Airport to downtown?
The most common ways to get to downtown Jacksonville are taking a rental car or using a taxi or a ride-sharing service. If you want to save money, you can use public transportation. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has bus routes that go from the airport to downtown Jacksonville.