Situated in the state of Florida’s well-known panhandle is the beloved city of Pensacola, Florida. This picturesque area is surrounded by miles of coastline and features both clear bay waters and those from the Gulf of Mexico.
It is known equally for being a bustling metropolitan as it is for being a relaxing beach town, making it a favorite destination for both business and pleasure.
If you’re looking to visit, here is what you need to know about flying in:
Pensacola International Airport: The Transportation Hub For Pensacola
2430 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504
Pensacola International Airport boasts nonstop air service to nine major cities throughout the United States and routinely offers 21 international flights and more than 1,300 domestic flights from its major airlines. The airlines that utilize this airport include American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Silver, Southwest, Spirit, Breeze, and United. While the specifics will change based on time of year and overall ticket availability, in general, American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston. Delta offers nonstop flights from Atlanta and New York, and United Airlines offers nonstop flight options from Houston, Chicago, and Denver.
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Passengers flying out of this airport are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their departure time. The TSA is open for passenger convenience at 3:45 each morning. It’s also wise to be mindful of Pensacola’s many festivals and events that could impact travel time to and from the airport as well as airport traffic. This includes the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Five Flags, and the New Year’s Eve celebration, just to name a few.
The Airport’s Proximity to the Beach and Downtown & How to Get Around
The Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is located a mere six miles from the downtown area and about 15 miles from Pensacola Beach, which is another popular destination once arriving in this area. As the only airport in extremely close proximity to Pensacola, when this is your destination, then flying to the PNS is your best option. Getting from the airport to your hotel or another destination can involve a variety of options, including airport taxis, direct shuttle services, and ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber.
Shuttle
If you opt for shared transportation like a shuttle, it’s important to understand that there will likely be multiple stops made, and there might even be multiple passengers (unless you opt for the more expensive private option, such as a private or direct shuttle).
There are many different shuttle companies that will pick you up right from the airport and take you to your destination. Of course, you can also choose a private shuttle for an additional fee if you don’t want to have any other passengers with you or have any more stops.
Rental Car
You can also choose to rent a car after arriving in Pensacola via the official transportation options offered by Pensacola International Airport. This includes all the main brands you would expect, including Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and many more.
All rental car counters are located on the first-level of the Baggage Claim terminal area. You return your car to the first level parking garage when heading back home. Renting a car is a great idea if you feel you will need transportation while you are in town and don’t want the hassle of always having to find a ride to get to and fro.
Courtesy Cars
If you are staying at a hotel in Pensacola, you might want to ask about courtesy vehicles, which is yet another way to get around once you are on the ground in this beautiful city. Courtesy vehicles, of course, are not under the control of the airport and instead are managed and maintained by hotels, and are not applicable for every passenger coming through the airport.
Instead, participating hotels will arrange pickup and drop off and determine that location and the details.
Taxis
If you don’t want the hassle of renting a car, don’t love the idea of a shuttle, and your hotel doesn’t offer a courtesy car, another popular option to get from the airport to your destination is a taxi. There are several reputable companies that offer rides from the airport to various locations in and around Pensacola, including 1 A&A Airport Taxi, Golden Taxi, American Top Flight Taxi, and many, many more shared on the airport’s official site.
Their pickup and drop off can be arranged by contacting the taxi company itself.
Ride Sharing: Lyft & Uber
Last but certainly not least, when it comes to getting a ride from this airport to your destination in Pensacola, you can opt for the immensely popular ride-sharing option of either an Uber or a Lyft, which you can access via each brand’s respective app.
There is even a designated area for ride-sharing at the airport as you exit the front doors to the left or south side of the center island. Here, you can meet your ride and get headed to your fun experience or profitable business venture. Your ride will be ready and waiting at the airport to pick you up.
Additional Major Airport Serving Pensacola: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
1701 FL-85, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Although the Pensacola International Airport is the airport located closest to Pensacola, there is another major airport that is a mere hour or so away. This airport is also one that is an option when flying into the Pensacola area. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport serves communities all the way from West Pensacola to east of Panama City and even Southern Alabama. This award-winning airport offers more than 50 flights daily and includes flights from major airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.
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The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport works with 60 different local shuttle companies to provide transportation needs from the airport throughout the Northwest Panhandle area of Florida. Each will need to be contacted directly to make arrangements for pickup. Rental cars are also an option, as are Lyft and Ubers to get from this airport to Pensacola. All rental car counters will remain open until after the last flight of the day arrives, but it is advised to make rental car arrangements before arrival at the airport. Some rental car companies available include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Destin Jeep, and more.
Plan Ahead When Visiting Pensacola
Most of the best options for getting out and about and around the Pensacola area from the airport involve some forethought and planning ahead. Yes, there are options you can get at the last minute, but if you plan ahead, you will likely find yourself spending less money and also being less anxious after disembarking your plane.
This will get your vacation started off right and ensure you enjoy Pensacola for its rich history and beauty and not be burdened with how to get a ride from the airport.
