St. Augustine Airport: Does It Exist?

St. Augustine, Florida, is a popular tourist destination, known for its Spanish atmosphere and balmy weather. The city has a rich history and is home to many restaurants, beaches, and other attractions. When travelling to St. Augustine, you may wonder which airport is best for easy access to the city. The closest airport to St. Augustine is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located just four miles north of the city. This airport serves as a key connection point for air travel in the region and offers both commercial and general aviation terminals. However, some travellers opt for other nearby airports, such as Jacksonville or Orlando, which may offer more flight options and better prices.

Nearest airport to St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida, is a 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.

Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST)

The closest airport to St. Augustine is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located just 4-6 miles north of the city. This airport primarily caters to private and charter flights, but it also offers car rental services and aircraft maintenance.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 50-53 miles from St. Augustine and is the closest major airport, serving over 6 million passengers annually. Airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest operate from JAX, and it offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, dining options, and multiple car rental agencies. Ground transportation options, including shuttles and ride-sharing services, are available to St. Augustine.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

Daytona Beach International Airport is about 54 miles south of St. Augustine and serves approximately 700,000 passengers annually. It offers regional flights to major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte and provides dining options and rental car services.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is the furthest from St. Augustine at around 104 miles away. However, it is one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving more than 50 million passengers yearly. Major airlines like United, JetBlue, and Spirit operate domestic and international flights from MCO, and it offers extensive dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle services to St. Augustine.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa International Airport is the furthest option, located approximately 172 miles from St. Augustine. It serves around 22 million passengers each year and hosts airlines such as Frontier, Southwest, and British Airways. TPA offers dining and retail options, free Wi-Fi, lounges, and accessible transportation to St. Augustine.

Other airports near St. Augustine

St. Augustine does have an airport, but it is not serviced by a major airline. The closest major airport to St. Augustine, Florida, is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is approximately 51-53 miles away. It is a small airport, easy to navigate, and offers various ground transportation options to St. Augustine, including shuttle services and rental cars.

Another major airport option is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about 104 miles from St. Augustine. MCO is one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving over 50 million passengers annually. It offers extensive shopping and dining options, free Wi-Fi, and convenient transportation choices to St. Augustine.

For those seeking a smaller, more convenient airport, the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (IATA: UST), located just 4-6 miles north of St. Augustine, is a great choice. While it primarily caters to private and charter flights, it does offer car rental services and is ideal for quick access to the city.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is another regional airport option, situated about 54 miles south of St. Augustine. It handles approximately 700,000 passengers annually and offers connections to major hubs. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a third alternative, located further afield at 172 miles away, but it does offer a wide range of flight options and amenities.

History of St. Augustine's airport

St. Augustine does have an airport, but it has not always been called the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

On December 27, 1933, the St. Augustine City Commission voted to buy 276 acres in Araquay Park, north of the city, for $8,000 for conversion to a public airport. U.S. Government grants throughout the 1930s allowed improvements to the airfield, and after the outbreak of World War II in 1939, vast new sums were provided for possible military use.

After the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, civil aviation at the airfield was cancelled and the U.S. Navy took over the airport, renaming it Naval Auxiliary Air Station St. Augustine. Used as a satellite gunnery base in connection with training operations at nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville, improvements were made to NAAS St. Augustine, including additional runway and hangar construction, support facilities, and a control tower. After the war, the Navy reduced operations, and in May 1946, the airport was returned to the city.

In the postwar period, government subsidies made possible the establishment of "feeder airlines" providing air service to smaller cities, with St. Augustine Airport becoming a scheduled stop for two passenger airlines. With cutbacks in subsidies, the feeder airlines went out of business, and by 1950 the airport was seen as a "white elephant" the city could ill afford to operate. It closed and was leased to the local Moose Lodge for $1.00 a year.

In June 1954, the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation announced it would build an aircraft modification plant at the airport, opening the following year. Soon military aircraft such as USAF C-119 and USMC R4Q Flying Boxcars and USAF and USCG C-123 Providers were arriving at Fairchild's St. Augustine facility. During the 1960s, C-119s would be modified as AC-119 gunships and C-123s into aerial spraying aircraft for U.S. Air Force units in Vietnam.

In 1966, a terminal building and additional hangars were built, while fixed-base operations (FBO) were established and additional land acquired. In 1967, Ernie Moser incorporated Aero Sport as the airport's FBO and operated it along with his wife, Mary Alice, and son Jim.

In 1976, Fairchild Industries announced that it would close down its St. Augustine operations. An industrial park was later created at the Fairchild facilities, and in 1980 the industrial park was sold to the then-Grumman Corporation (now known as Northrop Grumman) for an aircraft modification plant that would ultimately service numerous front-line U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft. Grumman assumed responsibility for operating the air traffic control tower as required, maintaining emergency runway arresting gear systems for naval aircraft, and providing aircraft rescue and fire-fighting capability (ARFF) for the airport.

In 1986, the airport was awarded an FAR Part 139 operating certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling the airport to operate scheduled and charter airline aircraft carrying more than 35 passengers. This certification process increased airport safety and made the airport eligible for federal grant money under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

In the mid-1980s, Grumman St. Augustine was tasked with a major military contract for "re-winging" nearly all A-6 Intruder carrier-based medium attack bombers for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. In 1989, Grumman undertook large construction projects at the airport, including the construction of their "North 40" facility in support of a Federal Express Boeing 727 modification contract.

In April 2010, the airport was renamed the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. In 2016, a new 23,305-square-foot terminal building was constructed to handle increased passenger service.

In January 2025, it was reported that the airport was seeking to revert to its previous name, St. Augustine Airport, as the current name is considered confusing and less marketable.

Airlines that fly to St. Augustine

St. Augustine is served by the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located approximately four miles north of the city in St. Johns County, Florida. The airport is managed by the St. Johns County Airport Authority and offers both commercial and general aviation terminals.

Several airlines operate at the airport, including:

• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Breeze Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Via Air

These airlines offer flights to various destinations, including Orlando, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. The airport also provides car rental services from companies such as Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz, making it convenient for travellers to explore the surrounding regions of Florida.

Transport from St. Augustine airport

St. Augustine does have an airport, the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located approximately four miles (6 km) north of the city in St. Johns County, Florida. The airport is a public facility managed by the St. Johns County Airport Authority and offers both commercial and general aviation terminals.

Shuttle Services

• Airport Express of St. Augustine: This family-owned company has been providing 24-hour airport transportation in the area since 1994. They offer door-to-door and shuttle services to and from the Jacksonville (JAX), Orlando (MCO), and Daytona (DAB) airports.
• Airport Shuttle of St. Augustine, Inc.: This company provides ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as surrounding areas. They service nearby airports, cruise lines, Amtrak, and other travel needs. They offer a discount shuttle service during specific hours and have a fleet of late-model vans that can seat up to six passengers.
• EZ Airport Shuttle: This service takes passengers to the airport from any destination in Northeast or Central Florida.

Taxi Services

• Clean Taxi of St. Augustine: This company offers airport shuttle services to the Northeast Florida region.
• Mark's Taxi Van of St. Augustine: They provide quick and efficient rides to the airport and around town.

Limousine Services

American Corporate Sedan & Limousine: This North-Florida-based chauffeur service offers stylish rides.

Please note that some of these companies prefer reservations to be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Frequently asked questions