Gainesville, Florida: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Gainesville, Florida, is served by Gainesville Regional Airport, a public airport located three miles northeast of the city in Alachua County. The airport is owned by Gainesville-Alachua Co. Auth and offers domestic flights to various destinations across the United States. Gainesville Regional Airport provides a convenient option for travellers to and from Gainesville, with ground transportation options including rental cars, taxis, buses, and hotel shuttles. The airport has undergone recent renovations and expansions to enhance the traveller experience, and it also hosts the annual Gator Fly-In event featuring military aircraft displays, classic car shows, and other attractions.

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)

The airport has a rich history, initially constructed as a Works Project Administration project in April 1940. The initial construction was completed in 1941, and the facility was known as the Alachua Army Airfield, serving the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. In September 1945, the airfield was declared surplus and turned over to the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1948, the facility was deeded to the city of Gainesville as a civil airport and renamed the Gainesville Municipal Airport. In October 1977, the airport was renamed the Gainesville Regional Airport, and the terminal was dedicated to John R. Alison in 1979.

Gainesville Regional Airport offers nonstop service to various destinations, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami. The airport has a variety of amenities, including a snack bar, a gift shop, a pilots' lounge, and rental car services. The airport also provides ground transportation options, such as taxis, hotel shuttle buses, and RTS bus routes 25, 26, and 39.

The airport covers 1,650 acres and features two asphalt runways. In the year ending September 30, 2022, the airport recorded 68,032 aircraft operations, averaging 186 per day. The control tower operates daily from 6:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Gainesville Regional Airport has undergone recent renovations and expansions, including the addition of new gates, improved baggage screening areas, and more parking spaces. The airport is well-regarded by passengers, who commend its cleanliness, organisation, and friendly staff.

Location, transport, and parking

Gainesville Regional Airport is located in Alachua County, Florida, three miles northeast of Gainesville. The airport covers 1,650 acres and has two asphalt runways. The closest alternative airport is the Orlando International Airport, which is a two-hour drive from Gainesville.

If you are driving yourself to the airport, Gainesville Regional Airport offers long-term parking that is safe and secure for your vehicle. There are plans to add a parking structure, with a new 418-space parking garage coming in early 2025. In the meantime, a temporary parking lot will be constructed to alleviate capacity issues.

For those who do not want to drive, there are several other transportation options. A friend or family member can drop you off at the airport and use short-term parking. You can also take a taxi or share a cab ride with a coworker. If you are staying in a hotel, several options provide shuttles, including Best Western Gateway Grand, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, and Holiday Inn University Center. The Regional Transit Services (RTS) bus has two routes (#25 and #39) that go to and from the airport.

Airlines and destinations

Gainesville Regional Airport (IATA: GNV, ICAO: KGNV, FAA LID: GNV) is located three miles northeast of Gainesville, in Alachua County, Florida. The airport covers 1,650 acres and has two asphalt runways.

The airport is owned by Gainesville-Alachua Co. Auth. and was initially constructed in 1940 as a Works Project Administration project. It was known as the Alachua Army Airfield and was used by the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. In 1948, the airfield was deeded to the city of Gainesville as a civil airport and renamed the Gainesville Regional Airport in 1977.

The following airlines operate at Gainesville Regional Airport:

• American Airlines: Nonstop service to Dallas Fort Worth, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami.
• Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection: Operate from Gates 1 and 2. Destinations include New York LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Liberty International.
• Silver Airways: This airline previously operated maintenance facilities at the airport but announced plans to shut down its service in 2024 due to low demand.

Other airlines that have served Gainesville Regional Airport in the past include Eastern Airlines and Air Florida. Eastern Airlines offered flights to Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Ocala, Atlanta, and Miami until its bankruptcy in 1991. Air Florida served Gainesville in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with flights to Miami, Tampa, and Ocala.

Airport history

Gainesville Regional Airport, located in Alachua County, Florida, has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. The airport's origins can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first constructed as a Works Project Administration project. The initial construction was completed in 1941, and the facility was known as the Alachua Army Airfield, serving the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces.

The airfield played a significant role during World War II, and in September 1945, it was declared surplus and turned over to the Army Corps of Engineers. A year later, in October 1946, the airfield was handed over to the City of Gainesville as a civil airport. The field was named the John R. Alison Airport or Gainesville Municipal Airport. John R. Alison, a local citizen and graduate of the University of Florida, served with distinction in World War II and had a remarkable career in aviation.

The city of Gainesville operated, maintained, and improved the airport over the years. In October 1977, the airport was renamed the Gainesville Regional Airport to reflect its role in meeting the regional demands for aviation services. The airline passenger terminal was dedicated to John R. Alison in 1979.

In 1986, the State Legislature passed a bill establishing the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority, consisting of nine board members, to oversee the airport's operations. The airport has continued to grow and expand over the years, with several renovation and improvement projects completed in recent years, including the addition of new gates, improved baggage screening areas, and enhanced passenger amenities.

Today, the Gainesville Regional Airport serves thousands of passengers annually and continues to be a vital transportation hub for the region.

Amenities and services

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is a public airport located three miles northeast of Gainesville, Florida. The airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers.

For transportation to and from the airport, travellers can choose from rental cars, taxis, hotel shuttle buses, and public buses. The Regional Transit Services (RTS) bus has two routes (#25 and #39) that serve the airport. Travellers can also opt for a ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft, or arrange for a private pick-up or drop-off.

For parking, the airport offers both long-term and short-term options. A new 418-space parking garage is expected to be completed in early 2025, which will help alleviate parking congestion during peak times and special circumstances.

Inside the airport terminal, travellers can access free Wi-Fi. There is a snack bar and a gift shop, operated by Tailwind, which is accessible before and after crossing security. The terminal also has a lactation room, an airport chapel, a pet relief area, and additional restrooms and food and beverage areas.

For travellers with young children, there is a mother lactation room available. The airport also has a play area for kids, providing a space for families to relax and entertain their little ones while waiting for their flights.

The airport hosts the annual Gator Fly-In event, which includes military aircraft displays, a classic car show, food trucks, live music, and aircraft rides. This event is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day of aviation-themed entertainment and activities.

Gainesville Regional Airport provides accessible services and facilities for travellers with disabilities. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and other amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience for all.

The airport's website offers a range of online services, including mobile boarding passes, self-service check-in, and real-time flight tracking. This allows travellers to conveniently manage their travel plans and stay updated on their flight status.

With a range of transportation options, parking facilities, dining choices, and traveller amenities, Gainesville Regional Airport aims to provide a convenient and comfortable experience for its patrons.

Frequently asked questions