Gainesville Regional Airport: Gateway To North Central Florida

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is located in Gainesville, Florida. The airport covers 1,650 acres and has two asphalt runways. It offers long-term parking and free Wi-Fi. Gainesville Regional Airport's terminal has 5 gates, with Gate 1 and 2 used by Delta Air Lines and Gates 3, 4, and 5 used by American Eagle. The airport's ground transportation includes taxis, rental car companies, RTS buses, and hotel shuttle buses. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions in recent years, including the addition of a lactation room, a pet relief area, and more seating with charging ports.

Gainesville Regional Airport's history

Gainesville Regional Airport is a public airport located three miles northeast of Gainesville, in Alachua County, Florida. The airport was initially constructed in 1940 as a Works Progress Administration project, but with World War II approaching, construction was taken over by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1941. The airport was then known as the Alachua Army Airfield and was used by the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Force.

In 1942, the City Council named the airfield after John R. Alison, a local citizen, University of Florida graduate, and decorated World War II flyer. After the war, the airfield was declared surplus and turned over to the city of Gainesville in 1948 for civil use. The airport was then known as the John R. Alison Airport or Gainesville Municipal Airport. The city operated, maintained, and improved the airport over the years.

In 1977, a new passenger terminal opened on the south side of the runways, and the airport's name was officially changed to Gainesville Regional Airport to distinguish its commercial air transportation role in North Central Florida. The new terminal was dedicated to John R. Alison in 1979. In 1986, the Florida Legislature passed a bill establishing the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority as a special district empowered to operate, maintain, and develop the airport.

In recent years, the airport has undergone several improvements, including refurbishing its primary runway, completing phases of the Terminal Renovation project, and adding a 15,200-square-foot expansion in 2021. The airport has also hosted notable events, such as Air Force One during George W. Bush's re-election campaign in 2004 and Air Force Two in 2023 after Hurricane Idalia.

Airlines and destinations

Gainesville Regional Airport, located in the city of Gainesville, Florida, offers a range of domestic flight options for travellers. The airport has two asphalt runways and a terminal with five gates. The terminal features essential amenities for travellers, including a snack bar, a gift shop, a lactation room, a pet relief area, and additional food and beverage options.

Gainesville Regional Airport is served by several airlines, providing convenient travel options for passengers. The airport's gates are utilised by American Eagle (Gates 3, 4, and 5) and Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection (Gates 1 and 2). These airlines offer flights to various destinations, connecting Gainesville to different parts of the country.

American Airlines: American Airlines provides a network of flights from Gainesville Regional Airport to multiple destinations. These include flights to LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Liberty International Airport. The airline offers competitive pricing, with round trips to Liberty International Airport starting at $205.

Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines, operating from Gates 1 and 2, offers flights to destinations such as Washington Dulles International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and Logan International Airport. Delta provides convenient travel options, with prices starting at $208 for a round trip to Washington Dulles International Airport.

Silver Airways: Silver Airways is another airline serving Gainesville Regional Airport. The airline previously had a maintenance facility at the airport and returned to Gainesville in 2023, offering flights to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.

Nonstop Service to Dallas Fort Worth: Gainesville Regional Airport also offers nonstop flights to Dallas Fort Worth, providing direct connections to this popular destination.

In addition to these airlines, Gainesville Regional Airport has a history of hosting various carriers. Eastern Airlines, which served Gainesville from the 1950s until its bankruptcy in 1991, offered flights to Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Ocala, Atlanta, and Miami. Air Florida, which served Gainesville in the late 1970s and early 1980s, provided flights to Miami, Tampa, and Ocala.

Transport to and from the airport

Gainesville Regional Airport, located in the city of Gainesville, Florida, offers a variety of transportation options for travellers. The airport is served by various ground transportation options, including taxis, rental car companies, ride-sharing services, public bus services, and hotel shuttle buses.

Taxis are readily available at the airport, providing a convenient option for travellers. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also permitted to operate at Gainesville Regional Airport, offering an alternative to traditional taxi services. It is important to note that these ride-hailing companies must have a permit to pick up passengers at the airport.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental car companies are available at the airport. This option provides travellers with the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. Additionally, the airport has a well-connected public bus service, with RTS bus routes 25, 26, and 39 serving the airport.

Hotel shuttle buses are also available for travellers staying at nearby hotels. These shuttles provide convenient transportation between the airport and designated hotels in the area. Furthermore, private transportation companies, such as Shuttleliner of Ocala, offer shuttle services to and from various destinations in Central Florida, including Ocala, Tampa, and Orlando. These services can be booked in advance, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Gainesville Regional Airport also has a range of essential amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable. The airport features a café, a gift shop, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, efficient service, and variety of transportation options, Gainesville Regional Airport is well-equipped to handle the travel needs of its passengers.

Amenities and facilities

Gainesville Regional Airport is a public airport located in Alachua County, Florida, just three miles northeast of the city of Gainesville. The airport has a range of amenities and facilities for passengers and visitors.

Terminal Facilities

The terminal at Gainesville Regional Airport has five gates, with Gates 3, 4, and 5 used by American Eagle and Gates 1 and 2 used by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection. The terminal has a snack bar and a gift shop, operated by Tailwind. Renovations in 2021 added two additional gates, a larger baggage screening area, and more parking spaces. A further 15,200-square-foot expansion was completed in 2021, adding a mother's lactation room, a pet relief area, two new gates, hundreds of new seats with charging ports, a departure and arrival board, and an area for a food/store vendor.

Transport and Parking

The airport provides ground transportation services, including taxis, rental car companies, RTS bus services (serving routes 25, 26, and 39), and hotel shuttle buses. A new four-story parking garage with 418 spaces is expected to open in late 2025, which will also house ride-sharing pickup points and bus services.

Additional Amenities

Gainesville Regional Airport has a variety of additional amenities, including comfortable waiting areas, an airport chapel, restrooms, and food and beverage areas. The airport also hosts the annual Gator Fly-In, featuring military aircraft displays, a classic car show, food trucks, live music, and aircraft rides.

Accessibility

Gainesville Regional Airport offers special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or special needs, including wheelchair assistance. Amtrak also provides support for passengers with disabilities or those requiring assistance with baggage transfers.

Airport parking

Gainesville Regional Airport, located in Gainesville, Florida, offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking facilities, with the long-term lot situated adjacent to the short-term lot for convenient access to the terminal. While the airport does not offer a reservation system for parking, it has recently undergone improvements to enhance parking availability and efficiency.

For those seeking short-term parking, the lot is conveniently positioned close to the terminal. This option is ideal for dropping off or picking up passengers and offers easy access to the airline gates. Short-term parking rates are typically charged by the hour and can vary depending on the duration of your stay.

If you require parking for an extended period, the long-term parking lot at Gainesville Regional Airport is a cost-effective choice. It offers daily and weekly rates, with a daily rate of $10.00 and a weekly rate of $55.00. This option is particularly beneficial for travellers taking longer trips or those seeking a more economical parking solution.

Gainesville Regional Airport also provides designated disabled permit parking in both short-term and long-term parking areas. In accordance with Florida state law, parking is complimentary for disabled veterans displaying a Florida Disabled Veterans license plate, as well as for vehicles equipped with specialised equipment for individuals with disabilities.

To enhance the parking experience, the airport has introduced a new covered parking garage and multimodal transportation centre. This facility features over 400 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, restrooms, and a covered walkway, providing additional convenience and protection from the elements. Furthermore, the airport offers two cell phone waiting areas for drivers picking up arriving passengers. These areas are located on the west and east sides of the terminal and provide free parking while you wait for your passenger to collect their luggage.

Frequently asked questions