Florida's Ancient City: Which Airport For Saint Augustine?

what airport for saint augustine florida

Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) is the closest airport to St. Augustine, Florida, located just 4 miles or a 10-minute drive away. The airport primarily caters to private and chartered flights and offers amenities like car rental services and aircraft maintenance. For those seeking a major airport hub, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is situated about 50-53 miles from St. Augustine, with various amenities and ground transportation options available. Other nearby airports include Daytona Beach International Airport (54 miles away), Orlando International Airport (104 miles away), and Tampa International Airport (172 miles away).

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport serving Saint Augustine, Florida Northeast Florida Regional Airport
Address 4900 US Highway 1, North St. Augustine, FL 32095
Phone number (904) 209-0090
Distance from Saint Augustine 4 miles
Travel time to Saint Augustine 10 minutes
Type of flights Private and chartered
Number of runways 3
Number of seaplane lanes 3
Number of employees 11
Number of gates 4
Car rental services Yes
Yearly passengers 700,000
Yearly passengers (including other airports) 6 million
Distance from Jacksonville International Airport 50-53 miles
Distance from Daytona Beach International Airport 54 miles
Distance from Orlando International Airport 104 miles

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Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST)

The airport covers 668 acres and features three runways and three seaplane lanes. While it primarily caters to private and charter flights, improvements have been made over the years to accommodate increased passenger service. In 2016, a new 23,305-square-foot terminal building was constructed, featuring four passenger gates, car rental counters, and adjacent parking lots. The terminal also includes office space, a pilot briefing area, a pilot lounge with shower facilities, ticket counters, and a restaurant with views of the airfield.

For travellers arriving at Northeast Florida Regional Airport, car rental services are available on-site, providing convenience for those who prefer to drive to their destination. Additionally, shuttle services offer an alternative transportation option, connecting the airport to St. Augustine and other nearby areas.

Compared to other nearby airports, Northeast Florida Regional Airport provides a more direct route to St. Augustine. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located about 50-53 miles away, is the closest major airport, serving over six million passengers annually. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is another option, situated approximately 104 miles from St. Augustine, and serving more than 50 million passengers each year.

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Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

The airport offers a range of amenities to make travel comfortable and convenient for its over 6 million annual passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are various dining options and multiple car rental agencies, including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and National. Several shuttle companies, such as GO Airport Shuttle and Express Shuttle, also operate between JAX and St. Augustine.

The airport has three concourses and can handle numerous flights simultaneously. JAX has also been ranked as one of the easiest airports to get to in Florida, with more major airlines offering non-stop air service from popular US cities.

Jacksonville International Airport has a rich history, having been used as a satellite gunnery base during World War II in connection with training operations at the nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville. After the war, the airport was returned to the city, and it became a scheduled stop for two passenger airlines. However, due to subsidy cutbacks, the airlines eventually went out of business, and the airport fell into a state of disuse and was considered a ""white elephant" by the city.

Despite this setback, the airport later played a significant role in the industrial development of St. Augustine and St. Johns County. In the 1950s, the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation established an aircraft modification plant at the airport, bringing military aircraft to the facility and leading to further expansion and improvements. Today, JAX continues to be a vital transportation hub for the region, providing efficient and accessible air travel for passengers visiting St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.

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Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

The airport offers amenities such as dining options and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable transit experience for travellers. It is a practical option for those visiting St. Augustine, as it is only about 50 minutes away by car.

Daytona Beach International Airport provides easy access to various ground transportation options. Shuttles and ride-sharing services are readily available, making it convenient for passengers to travel to and from the airport.

In addition to its passenger services, DAB has a rich history. The airport has been in operation for several decades and has undergone various transformations. It has played a role in both civil and military aviation, reflecting the dynamic nature of Florida's aviation industry.

Overall, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is a viable option for travellers heading to St. Augustine, offering a balance of convenience, accessibility, and a range of amenities to meet the needs of its passengers.

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Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is a major international gateway for the region of Florida, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines servicing 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport is home to a maintenance base for United Airlines, and it served as a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007. MCO is also a base for airlines such as Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Southwest is the airport's largest carrier by passengers carried.

The airport features extensive shopping and dining options, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. For those who require a rental car, companies like Avis and National are available on-site. Additionally, shuttle services like SuperShuttle and Mears Transportation provide direct routes to St. Augustine.

Historically, the airport was constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, and military operations commenced in 1942 under the name Orlando Army Air Field #2. It served as an auxiliary airfield to what is now known as Orlando Executive Airport. In 1943, it was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield, and following World War II, it underwent several changes in ownership and utilisation, including a brief period of use for unpowered glide tests of the Bell X-1. The airport gained its current name and international airport status in 1976, retaining its old IATA airport code MCO, which stands for its former name, McCoy Air Force Base.

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Tampa International Airport (TPA)

TPA has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings and has been recognised by various organisations for its excellence. In 2011, CNN ranked it sixth among the world's most loved airports, and in 2024, Travel+Leisure ranked it as the eighth-best domestic airport in the US. The airport's design and functionality have also been acknowledged, with Airports Council International naming TPA the best airport in North America for its size in 2020.

TPA offers a unique Landside/Airside terminal design, with a central Landside Terminal for baggage and ticketing, surrounded by four Airside satellites for embarkment and disembarkment. This design was the first of its kind in the world and has since been replicated in other airports. Each Airside is connected to the Landside Terminal by an automated people mover (APM) system, making it convenient for passengers to navigate the airport.

The airport serves 100 non-stop destinations across multiple carriers, providing both international and domestic flight options. It has four active airsides (A, C, E, and F) with 59 gates, and plans are underway to construct a new Airside D with 16 additional gates. This expansion will enhance TPA's capacity to handle the growing number of passengers choosing to fly through this airport.

TPA offers various transportation options for travellers heading to Saint Augustine. Car rental services are available from companies like Budget and Alamo, providing convenient ground transportation to reach Saint Augustine, which is about a 3-hour drive from the airport. Additionally, shuttle services offered by companies like SuperShuttle and Mears Transportation provide direct routes to Saint Augustine, making it a comfortable and efficient journey for passengers.

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Frequently asked questions

The closest airport to St. Augustine, Florida, is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST), located just 4 miles or a 10-minute drive from the city.

The closest major airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is approximately 50-53 miles away and offers a range of amenities and transportation options.

Yes, other airports near St. Augustine include:

- Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), about 54-59 miles away.

- Orlando International Airport (MCO), approximately 104 miles away.

- Tampa International Airport (TPA), around 172 miles away.

- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), about 96 miles away.

Airlines that have flown into St. Augustine include Frontier Airlines, Via Air, and Avelo Airlines. Major airlines serving the nearby Jacksonville International Airport include Delta, American, and Southwest. Orlando International Airport is served by United, JetBlue, and Spirit.

Car rental services are widely available at all major airports near St. Augustine, including JAX, MCO, TPA, and UST. Additionally, shuttle services operate between St. Augustine and JAX, providing convenient transportation options for travellers.

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