Fort Walton Beach Airport: Location And Travel Guide

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The airport is approximately 16 miles from Destin and 5 miles from downtown Fort Walton Beach. It is a dual civilian/military airport, serving as a critical gateway to the Emerald Coast and its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The airport is easily accessible by road and offers a range of amenities, including car rentals, restaurants, retail outlets, and various dining and shopping options.

The airport is located within Eglin Air Force Base

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is about 16 miles from Destin, which takes approximately 25 minutes to reach, and is about five miles northeast of Fort Walton Beach's downtown. It is accessible from various locations, including Destin East, Sandestin, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Mary Esther, via highways and roads like HWY 20, HWY 98, I-10, 293 N, 393 N, and 189 N.

The airport, previously known as Northwest Florida Regional Airport and Okaloosa Regional Airport, is a dual-use facility serving both military and civilian needs. It is a critical gateway to the Emerald Coast, providing access to the white sand beaches and clear waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding areas. VPS is served by several commercial airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines, connecting the region to major cities.

The airport has a range of amenities, including car rentals, restaurants, and retail outlets, enhancing the passenger experience. It shares runways with Eglin Air Force Base, with certain runways dedicated to commercial airlines and others used for military purposes. The airport's address is 1701 State Road 85 North, Eglin AFB, FL 32542, and it offers various transportation options like taxis, car rentals, limousines, buses, and shuttles.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport plays a vital role in the economic development and accessibility of the region, catering to both locals and tourists. It provides a unique experience for travellers, showcasing military aircraft against the backdrop of a military installation. With its convenient location and range of services, the airport facilitates travel to and from Northwest Florida, making it a popular choice for those seeking relaxation and adventure on the Emerald Coast.

It is a dual-use facility serving military and civilian needs

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. It is a dual-use facility serving both military and civilian needs. The airport is situated approximately five miles northeast of Fort Walton Beach's downtown area and is accessible via State Road 85.

As a dual-use airport, Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport caters to both military and civilian aviation demands. The facility shares runways with Eglin Air Force Base, with certain runways dedicated to commercial airlines and others used for military purposes. This arrangement showcases military aircraft to travellers and provides a unique backdrop for those passing through the airport.

The airport serves as a critical gateway to the Emerald Coast, offering access to the white sand beaches and clear waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding areas. It is an indispensable asset for both locals and tourists, contributing significantly to the region's economic development and accessibility. Several commercial airlines operate at the airport, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines, providing direct flights to major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport provides a range of amenities designed to enhance the passenger experience. These include car rentals, restaurants, retail outlets, ATMs, postal services, shoe-shining services, recharging stations, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are various dining options, such as Tropical Landing Bar, and a Hudson News Newsstand for books and magazines.

The airport has a substantial impact on the region's economy and accessibility, catering to both military personnel and civilian travellers. It facilitates transportation to and from the Emerald Coast, promoting tourism and business activities in the area.

It is around 5 miles from Fort Walton Beach's downtown

The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is around 5 miles from Fort Walton Beach's downtown and is also close to Destin, although it is not actually located in either place.

The airport is a dual civilian/military facility, serving as a transportation hub for both military personnel and civilian travellers. It is a critical gateway to the Emerald Coast, providing access to the beautiful beaches and waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding areas. With its location on a military installation, the airport offers a unique experience for travellers, showcasing military aircraft and providing an interesting backdrop for those coming and going.

The airport has a variety of amenities available, including car rentals, restaurants, and retail outlets. There are also several dining options and a newsstand for books and magazines. In terms of transportation, travellers can choose from taxis, car rentals, limousines, buses, and shuttles to get to and from the airport. For those staying near the airport, there are plenty of accommodation options, with over 20 hotels and motels within a 9-mile radius.

The airport is served by several commercial airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines offer direct flights to major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C. The largest airline carrier at VPS is Delta Air Lines.

It is accessible from I-10, HWY 20, HWY 98 and other routes

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is accessible from various routes, including Interstate 10 (I-10) and Highways 20 and 98.

For travellers coming from the east via Highway 20 (Destin East, Sandestin, Panama City, etc.), take Highway 98 West to Highway 293 North (Mid-Bay Bridge Route), which includes a $4.00 toll. After the toll bridge, take the second exit ramp on the right (Niceville/Freeport) onto Highway 20 West towards Niceville. Travel approximately 5 miles, and Highway 20 West will become State Road 85 South. Travel for another 4 miles, and then exit on the right. The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport will be on your left.

If you're travelling from the east via Highway 98 (Destin East, Sandestin, Panama City, etc.), take Highway 98 West towards Fort Walton Beach. Once you're in Fort Walton Beach, at the second traffic light after the bridge, turn right onto State Road 85 North (Eglin Parkway). Travel north for approximately 7 miles. As you enter a wooded area, continue to follow State Road 85 North, and take the exit on the right towards Niceville/Crestview. Continue on State Road 85 North through one traffic signal. The airport exit will be on your right just after the overpass.

For those coming from the east or west via I-10, take I-10 to Crestview and exit at Exit 56. Take a left onto State Road 85 South and travel for 12 miles. Then, take a right onto State Road 123 South and travel for another 6 miles. Take the left exit ramp at the airport. The airport will be on your right.

Finally, if you're travelling from the west via Highway 98, take Highway 98 East to Mary Esther. In Mary Esther, turn left onto Highway 393 North (Mary Esther Cutoff) and then turn left onto Highway 189 North (Beal Parkway/Lewis Turner Blvd). Travel for approximately 5 miles, and then take a left onto State Road 85 North. The airport exit will be on your right just after the overpass.

It has a range of amenities including car rentals, restaurants and retail outlets

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is a dual-use facility serving both military and civilian needs and acts as a gateway to the Emerald Coast.

VPS offers a range of amenities, including car rental agencies, restaurants, and retail outlets, providing convenience and comfort to travellers.

Car Rentals

Several car rental agencies operate at the airport, ensuring that travellers can easily access ground transportation upon their arrival. The rental car counters remain open until after the last flight arrives, and travellers can conveniently return their rental cars by following the designated green line within the airport area. Notable car rental companies at VPS include:

• Alamo Rent A Car
• Budget Rent A Car
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• National Car Rental
• Avis Car Rental
• Dollar Rent A Car
• Hertz

Restaurants

VPS offers dining options for travellers, including the Emerald Coast Bar & Grill, which serves a variety of culinary delights and a full bar. The restaurant caters to both secure and non-secure sides of the concourse, ensuring accessibility for travellers.

Retail Outlets

The airport also features retail outlets to meet travellers' shopping needs. While specific stores are not mentioned, the airport provides essential financial services through the First National Bank & Trust, which operates two ATMs within the terminal—one in Baggage Claim and the other on the B Level Concourse.

Frequently asked questions