Explore The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Panama City, Florida, is served by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), also known as Panama City NW Florida Beaches Airport. The airport is located 16 miles from downtown Panama City and offers daily nonstop flights to and from major US cities.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the main airport serving Panama City, FL

The airport provides a range of ground transportation options for travellers arriving or departing from the airport. These include rental car services from seven different companies, as well as taxi, shuttle, and limo services. For those travelling with a service animal or pet, there is a designated pet relief area located near the Ground Transportation Centre, which offers various amenities for pets and their owners. Additionally, for military personnel and their families, the airport features a Military Welcome Centre, providing a quiet space to relax, with snacks, drinks, television, internet access, and a children's play area.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport also caters to a variety of dining preferences, with options such as the Emerald Coast Pub, Beach Time Grill, Grayton Beer Landing Strip, and Espressology. The airport also offers wheelchair rentals, navigation assistance, audio and visual paging systems, and accessible facilities, ensuring an inclusive and convenient travel experience for all passengers.

As a relatively new airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened on May 23, 2010, replacing the previous Panama City–Bay County International Airport, which was limited by its short runways. The new airport provides daily nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Nashville, and St. Louis, with connections to airports across the world.

The airport is 16 miles from downtown Panama City

Panama City in Florida is served by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), also known as Panama City NW Florida Beaches Airport. The airport is located 16 miles from downtown Panama City.

The airport is situated north of Panama City Beach and is around a 15-minute drive from the beachfront. The airport is easily accessible by car via Highways 79, 231, 331, and 77, which connect to U.S. Highway 98 (Panama City Beach Parkway). From the north, Highway 79 is the most direct route to the airport and Panama City Beach.

For those travelling without a car, there are several ground transportation options available at the airport. These include rental car services from companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Additionally, taxi, shuttle, and limo services are also available at the airport.

Panama City Beach does not have a comprehensive public transportation system. Therefore, the recommended way to get from the airport to the city centre is by taxi or rental car. The airport provides a convenient car rental centre in the Ground Transportation section, and taxis are readily available outside the Arrivals terminal 24 hours a day.

It is worth noting that Panama City previously had another airport, the Panama City–Bay County International Airport (PFN), which was located just 3 miles from the city. However, this airport ceased operations in 2010, and all airline services were moved to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Delta and Southwest Airlines offer daily nonstop flights from major US cities

Panama City in Florida is served by the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which is located 16 miles from downtown Panama City. The airport offers daily nonstop flights from several major US cities on Delta and Southwest Airlines.

Delta and Southwest Airlines provide travellers with convenient options for reaching Panama City, Florida, from various parts of the United States. With their daily nonstop flights, passengers can enjoy direct travel to their destination without the need for time-consuming layovers. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for those on business trips or travellers looking to maximise their vacation time in Panama City.

The major US cities offering these nonstop flights include Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Nashville, and St. Louis. Additionally, flights are available to and from other key destinations such as Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York City, and Washington, DC. These cities serve as vital hubs, providing connections not only across the United States but also to airports worldwide.

By operating these daily nonstop flights, Delta and Southwest Airlines contribute significantly to the accessibility and tourism of Panama City, Florida. Travellers from across the country can conveniently reach this destination, enjoying its beaches and nearby attractions, such as Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, and Saint George Island to the south. The availability of direct flights from major cities makes Panama City an appealing choice for travellers seeking a seamless journey to a tropical paradise.

Furthermore, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport provides a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience. The airport offers expanded parking options, easy check-in and security procedures, and free Wi-Fi for its guests. Additionally, for those with service animals or pets, there is a dedicated pet relief area near the Ground Transportation Centre, ensuring the comfort and convenience of four-legged travellers.

The airport provides easy ground transportation options, including rental cars and taxis

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the main airport serving Panama City, Florida. It is located about 15 miles north of Panama City Beach and offers easy access to the area's beachfront accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The airport provides a range of convenient ground transportation options for travellers, including rental cars and taxis.

Rental car services are readily available at the airport, with seven major rental car companies operating on-site. These include well-known brands such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Renting a car can be a great option for those who want the convenience of having their own vehicle to explore the area at their own pace. The car rental centre is located in the Ground Transportation section of the airport, making it easily accessible for arriving passengers.

For those who prefer not to drive, taxis are also available at the airport. Taxi services are located outside the arrivals terminal 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock convenience for travellers. Taxis offer a hassle-free way to get to your destination, whether it's a hotel, attraction, or the city centre. They are particularly useful for those who have late-night or early morning arrivals or departures.

In addition to rental cars and taxis, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport also offers other ground transportation options. Shuttle services are available from area hotels, providing a convenient and often complimentary way to get to and from the airport. Limo services are also on offer for those seeking a more luxurious travel experience. Furthermore, the airport has a designated rideshare pick-up location, allowing travellers to easily connect with services like Uber or Lyft.

The airport also caters to military personnel and service animals. The Military Welcome Centre provides a quiet and relaxing space for active-duty military, retired military personnel, and Department of Defence employees. Additionally, the airport features a pet relief area near the Ground Transportation Centre, complete with waste disposal bags, trash cans, and running water, ensuring that pets can stretch their legs after a long flight.

The Military Welcome Center at the airport offers a quiet place for military personnel to relax and unwind

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) serves Panama City, Florida. It is located 16 miles from downtown Panama City and is the closest major airport to the city. The airport offers a range of amenities and transportation options for travellers, including taxi services, car rental agencies, shuttle services, and limo services.

For military personnel travelling through the airport, the Military Welcome Center provides a quiet and relaxing space to unwind. The centre is designed to cater to the unique needs of active-duty military, retired military personnel, and Department of Defense employees, offering a range of amenities to enhance their travel experience.

The Military Welcome Center is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm and provides a variety of amenities to make travellers feel at home. Comfortable seating areas allow visitors to relax and unwind while waiting for their flights or rides. Snacks and drinks are available to fuel up before the journey, and a dedicated television area provides entertainment and a chance to catch up on the news or favourite shows.

High-speed Wi-Fi and internet access are also available, enabling military personnel to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues during their travels. For those with children, a designated play area offers a safe and engaging space for the little ones to enjoy themselves while their parents take a well-deserved break.

The Military Welcome Center is just one example of the airport's commitment to serving the diverse needs of its travellers. By providing a quiet and comfortable space for military personnel, the airport recognises and honours the sacrifices and contributions of those who serve their country. It is a place where they can find respite from the unique challenges and demands of military life, even if just for a brief moment during their travels.

Frequently asked questions