Looking for airports near Destin FL to fly into? You’ve come to the right place as this post has 5 of them to choose from!
Nestled on the famed Florida Panhandle, Destin is Florida’s sunny coastal city that’s popular amongst those in search of a beach getaway.
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Planning a trip to this dreamy city? First, you’d have to familiarize yourself with the airports near Destin so you can decide where is best to fly into!
Thankfully, there are several airports close to Destin that are all within easy driving distance away from town. Not sure what they are, here are the 5 airports around Destin Florida.
Plan Your Trip to Destin, FL In a Glance
Here is a snapshot to help you plan your trip to Destin Florida!
How to get around: The best way to get around Destin and see everything in the city and the nearby places is by driving a car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent one via Discover Cars. You can alternatively use Uber, bikes, and public transport to get around though these can be quite limiting.
Must-do tours and experiences: Some of the must-do tours and activities while in Destin include; This Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise (4.5/5) to admire the local marine life on a unique jet, this Banana Boat Experience (5/5) the entire family can enjoy, this tiki sunset cruise (5/5) to sail to the famous BYOB tiki bar, and a day trip to the stunning Crab Island by joining this tour (5/5).
Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Destin (8.4/10) is the best hotel if you want to be close to everything with a mid-range budget. It is right in downtown, the beach is 3 minutes away and there is also a small theme park across the street. Those who are after unmatched luxury will love Henderson Beach Resort (9.2/10). It has private beach access to Henderson Beach State Park and the rooms are luxurious with all the amenities you can think of. If you’re a budget traveler, you can’t go wrong with SummerPlace Inn (8.3/10)
What to pack: Don’t leave sunscreen (take this one that is eco-friendly with SPF50), this beach cooler with rollers, this sand-proof beach mat, this wide-brim beach hat, a swimsuit, a beach coverup, and more.
Airports Near Destin FL
Arranged from the closest to the furthest, here is a list of the airports near Destin Florida you can fly into.
1. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
The closest airport to Destin FL is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) located just a 25-minute drive (16 miles) from Destin downtown.
Since it’s the closest major airport to Destin FL, it’s also the most popular amongst domestic tourists traveling to the region and an ideal landing point if you’re planning to stay in locations like Destin, Sandestin, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach.
VPS is smartly laid out to make navigation easy! Security lines are generally short, walks to the terminal are quick, and there are basic facilities including car rental kiosks with a number of big rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, National, and more, free internet, ATMs, a small selection of shops, restaurant, and a free shuttle service from the parking lots to the terminal.
A number of airlines fly into VPS, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.
If you’re looking for an airport closest to Destin to fly into, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the one to consider.
Related Post: Best Breakfast Places in Destin
2. Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Located on the northeast side of Pensacola, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is slightly bigger than other airports in the region.
While it’s not the closest international airport near Destin FL, it’s still within reasonable driving distance! You’ll be able to reach Destin in just a bit over an hour by car.
The airport is clean, comfortable, and well-organized! It offers a handful of restaurants, charging stations, water refill machines, gift shops, public phones for free local calls, free wifi, and more.
There’s even a Chick-fil-A if you’re looking to grab a quick bite!
Airlines that fly in and out of PNS include American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Spirit, United, Silver Airways, and Frontier Airlines.
3. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Another one of the airports around Destin Florida you can fly into is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).
Since it’s located in Panama City, (a stunning city near Destin )ECP is further off than other airports near Destin like Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS) but the drive is still manageable.
If you’re planning to stay in areas like Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Panama City, you’ll be able to reach your accommodation in just under an hour but reaching Destin will take you around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Like VPS and PNS, ECP is a small airport serving domestic destinations and airlines like American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines.
Thanks to its small size, the airport is easy to navigate. It’s also less crowded than many other airports in Florida near Destin, so you’ll likely be able to get in and out with a breeze.
ECP has basic amenities, including some restaurants, gift shops, restrooms, drinking fountains, ground transportation, and parking.
Fun fact: It is believed that the airport management that was deciding on the code name made a joke of selecting ECP to stand for “Everyone Can Party” as a reference to Panama City’s vacation and party culture!
Related Post: Best Pizza Places in Destin Florida
4. Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) is located near downtown Tallahassee in Leon County, 2.5 hours away from Destin.
The airport is modern, easy to maneuver, and offers basic amenities such as gift shops, public waiting areas (equipped with power plugs and comfortable seating), some restaurants, and business centers.
While there’s not much you can expect here, TLH is great if you’re simply looking for a convenient and hassle-free flight experience.
Only three airlines fly in and out of TLH: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Silver Airways. However, JetBlue is expected to start running here soon.
Though we wouldn’t recommend Tallahassee International Airport as the first choice to fly into since there are other airports close to Destin, it’s a great contender if you want to make pit stops in some smaller towns and cities like Chipley or Defuniak Springs as you drive to Destin.
5. Mobile International Airport (BFM)
The last airport near Destin Florida on our list is Gulf Coast’s newest airport terminal — the lesser-known Mobile International Airport (BFM).
Located on Mobile Bay in Alabama, BFM is a 2-hour drive to Destin. If you’re hoping to explore Mobile or other nearby towns while visiting Florida, BFM is a great little airport to fly into!
Otherwise, the drive to Destin and popular beaches in the region is also rather manageable.
The airport has pretty much all the basic facilities you’ll need from spots to charge your electronic device, shops to get a snack or coffee, counters to rent a car, and comfortable seating areas.
American Eagle, Delta, and United Airlines fly nonstop and direct from BFM to four major hubs: Atlanta (Georgia), Dallas/Fort Worth (Texas), Charlotte (North Carolina), and Houston (Texas).
Final Thoughts on the Best Airports Near Destin Florida
We hope you found this guide on airports in Destin FL and nearby helpful as you plan your trip!
While most of the airports near Destin FL are relatively small, they’re generally clean, easy to navigate, and convenient to fly in and out to.
Simply pick an airport that flies closer to where you’ll be basing yourself and be sure to rent a car so you can get to Destin safely and quickly. Have a nice trip!
But before you go, consider sharing this list of airports close to Destin Florida if you found the article helpful!
