Saint Augustine Airport: Does It Exist?

St. Augustine in Florida is a popular tourist destination, and many travellers want to know whether the city has its own airport. The city is served by the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, which has a history dating back to World War II when it was a U.S. Navy airfield. Although there are no commercial service providers operating at the airport, it has played a significant role in the region's industrial development.

Nearest airport to Saint Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine in Florida has several airports within a reasonable distance, making it easy for travellers to choose the best option based on their travel plans. The closest airport in proximity and travel time is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST), which is just 4 miles from St. Augustine. This airport primarily caters to private and chartered flights, with a focus on general aviation. It offers amenities such as car rental services and aircraft maintenance, making it a convenient choice for those seeking quick access to the heart of the city.

The next closest airport is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located approximately 50-53 miles from St. Augustine. JAX is a major hub, serving over 6 million passengers annually and offering numerous amenities, including free Wi-Fi, various dining options, and multiple car rental agencies. It is served by national and regional airlines, providing direct flights and connecting Florida's Historic Coast to most major U.S. cities. Ground transportation options, including shuttles and ride-sharing services, facilitate easy access to St. Augustine.

Another practical option is the Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), situated about 54 miles south of St. Augustine. DAB handles approximately 700,000 passengers annually and connects to major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte. It offers amenities such as dining options and rental car services, ensuring a comfortable and efficient transit experience.

For those seeking more extensive shopping and dining options, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) stands about 90-104 miles from St. Augustine. MCO is one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving more than 50 million passengers annually. It offers extensive dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and several lounges. Multiple transport choices, such as rental cars and shuttle services, provide convenient routes to St. Augustine.

History of Northeast Florida Regional Airport

Northeast Florida Regional Airport, formerly known as St. Augustine Airport, has a long history that dates back to the early 1940s. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, civil aviation at the airfield was cancelled, and the U.S. Navy took over, renaming it Naval Auxiliary Air Station St. Augustine. During World War II, the airport was used as a satellite gunnery base in connection with training operations at the nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Improvements were made, including additional runway and hangar construction, support facilities, and a control tower.

After the war, in May 1946, the airport was returned to the city of St. Augustine. With government subsidies, "feeder airlines" were established, providing air service to smaller cities, and St. Augustine Airport became a scheduled stop for two passenger airlines. However, with cutbacks in subsidies, the feeder airlines eventually went out of business, and by 1950, the airport fell into disuse, with weeds growing through the cracks in the runway.

In 1954, the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation announced plans to build an aircraft modification plant at the airport, opening the facility in 1955. This marked a turning point, as military aircraft soon began arriving at Fairchild's St. Augustine facility. During the 1960s, the facility expanded to meet Fairchild's requirements, including lengthening the runway to accommodate military jets.

In 1966, a terminal building and additional hangars were constructed, and fixed-base operations (FBO) were established. Ernie Moser's Aero Sport became the airport's FBO, and the Moser family played a significant role in the airport's operations until 2006 when the business was sold to Galaxy Aviation. In 1976, Fairchild Industries announced the closure of its St. Augustine operations, and the site was later sold to the Grumman Corporation, which became Northrop Grumman in 1994.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, the airport continued to expand, adding over 100 hangars for single and twin-engine airplanes. In 1986, the airport received an FAR Part 139 operating certification, allowing it to operate larger aircraft and making it eligible for federal grant money under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. The airport also continued to serve as a joint civil-military facility, with military flight operations for Northrop Grumman and various U.S. military branches.

In April 2010, the airport was officially renamed the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. In recent years, the airport has seen improvements to its infrastructure, including the construction of new terminal buildings in 2007 and 2016, to accommodate increased passenger service. Various airlines, such as Via Air and Frontier Airlines, have offered air service to and from St. Augustine, connecting it to destinations like Charlotte, North Carolina, and Trenton, New Jersey.

Transport options from Jacksonville Airport

St. Augustine does have an airport, the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. However, it seems that this airport is not operational, as sources refer to it in the past tense. Instead, the closest airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). This airport offers a range of transport options for travellers, including:

SuperShuttle Express

SuperShuttle Express provides shuttle services to and from the airport, including black car, SUV, and private van options. They offer both direct and shared ride services. The direct service means no additional stops will be made, while the shared ride option will include stops based on population density and vehicle size.

ExecuCar

ExecuCar is another provider that offers direct transportation services to and from the airport in black cars, SUVs, and private vans.

Prime Time Shuttle

Prime Time Shuttle offers a range of options, including shared rides, private cars, and luxury vehicles, catering to different needs and budgets. They aim to provide great customer service and satisfaction, ensuring a comfortable and timely journey.

Public Transport

For those who prefer public transport, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers bus services to and from the airport. The Route 1 bus stops at the airport and connects to other routes, providing access to various parts of the city.

Ride-sharing and Taxis

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available at Jacksonville Airport. These can be convenient and flexible options for travellers. Additionally, traditional taxi services can be easily found at the airport, providing another direct transportation option.

With these various transport options, travellers can choose the one that best suits their needs, budget, and preferences, ensuring a smooth journey to and from Jacksonville International Airport.

Renting a car in Saint Augustine

If you're looking to rent a car in St. Augustine, Florida, there are a few options available to you. The city is served by the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, which offers several on-site car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. The offices of these companies can be found near the baggage claim in the main terminal. If you're flying into the area, this is a convenient option for picking up your rental car. Alternatively, you can rent a car from various locations in the city, including Enterprise and Avis.

When renting a car in St. Augustine, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, the city has basic public transportation, but renting a car is one of the easiest ways to move between neighbourhoods. Having a car will give you the freedom to explore the larger region and visit places that are a bit further from the city centre, such as Fort Mose Historic State Park and Davenport Park. It's also important to read up on local driving laws and tips to ensure you're operating your vehicle safely. For example, downtown St. Augustine is quite busy and heavily pedestrianised, so extra caution is needed when driving in this area. Florida also has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 16 years of age, and you must have your headlights on when using your windshield wipers.

In terms of pricing, standard rental cars in St. Augustine can vary, with an average daily rate of $65. However, you can often find cheaper rates, with 25% of users finding rental cars for $57 or less. Booking your rental car at least one day in advance can help you secure a below-average price. Additionally, standard rental cars tend to be around 43% cheaper than other car types. When considering your budget, keep in mind that some companies may offer optional add-ons, such as damage waivers, which can increase the daily rate.

When it comes to picking up your rental car, some companies offer a free pick-up service, but you'll need to call and make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Most vehicles rented in the United States can be driven throughout the country and in Canada, but some vehicle classes, such as exotic cars and large passenger vans, may have restrictions on travelling outside of the US. It's also worth noting that additional drivers may be permitted under specific conditions. For example, Enterprise allows a renter's spouse or domestic partner to be an authorised driver at no additional charge, while Avis allows a spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver on a rental secured with a debit card.

Other nearby airports

St. Augustine in Florida is a historic city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. While the city isn't directly serviced by a major airport, there are several convenient options nearby.

The closest airport to St. Augustine is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST), just 4 miles from the city centre. This airport primarily caters to private and chartered flights and offers amenities such as car rental services and aircraft maintenance. With its proximity to the city, it is a top choice for quick access to St. Augustine's heart.

Another practical option is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located about 50-53 miles from St. Augustine. It is a major hub, serving over 6 million passengers annually and offering various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, dining options, and multiple car rental agencies. Ground transportation options like shuttles and ride-sharing services make it easy to access St. Augustine from JAX.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is situated about 54 miles south of St. Augustine. It handles approximately 700,000 passengers annually and connects to major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a larger airport, located about 90-104 miles from St. Augustine. It serves more than 50 million passengers annually and is one of the busiest airports in Florida. MCO offers extensive dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and several lounges. Multiple transport choices, including rental cars and shuttles, provide convenient connections to St. Augustine.

Additionally, the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 172 miles from St. Augustine, providing another alternative for travellers.

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