Your Fly-In Options for a Gulf Shores Vacation

Travelers, both domestic and international, are beginning to uncover one of Alabama’s most beautiful treasures–the Gulf Coast beaches. With several airports within an hour’s drive of Gulf Shores, it’s easier than ever to experience Alabama’s white-sand beaches!

Airports Near Gulf Shores

There are great options for airports near Gulf Shores, but depending on where you are coming from and what airline you choose, pricing can be different. Below are a few choices for consideration.

Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA)

The closest airport to Gulf Shores is Gulf Shores International Airport – Jack Edwards Field (JKA), only 2.5 miles from Gulf Shores. JKA is a small airport with fewer airline options, mostly private flights catering to business travelers and those with a second home in the area. However, JKA is currently working with TBI/VINCI Airports to construct a new commercial terminal that could welcome flights by late summer 2023. JKA offers three car rental companies including Hertz and Enterprise, limo and taxi service, as well as ride share service (Uber and Lyft).

Pensacola International Airport (PNS)

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is an hour away from Gulf Shores (37 miles) via FL-292 W and AL-182 W. Most major airlines fly to Pensacola from a variety of U.S. cities, and you will find eight rental car companies at PNS including many popular ones like Hertz, U-Save, National and Budget. Also available is the Pensacola Airport Shuttle to or from Gulf Shores for a flat rate of $85.

If you want added convenience, PNS offers nonstop flights to more than 15 U.S. Cities:

• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Arlington, Virginia
• Dallas, Texas
• Miami, Florida
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Queens, New York
• Chicago, Illinois
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Denver, Colorado
• Orlando, Florida
• Tampa, Florida
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Houston, Texas
• Kansas City, Missouri
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is an hour and 23 minutes from Gulf Shores (70 miles) via I-10 W. American Airlines, Delta and United all fly into MOB, with nonstop flights to four major hubs. Once you arrive at MOB, there are multiple options for ground transportation including seven rental car companies, taxi and limo service, and ride share service (Uber and Lyft).

Non-stop flights to Mobile Regional Airport (MOB):

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Dallas, Texas
• Houston, Texas

Mobile International Airport (BFM)

Mobile International Airport (BFM) is the Gulf Coast’s newest airport terminal, located an hour and 9 minutes from Gulf Shores (57 miles) via I-10 W. With a convenient location near downtown Mobile, BFM makes it easy to access Gulf Shores with six rental car companies and ride share service on-site. Although the site is still under construction, plans are underway to relocate all commercial flights from Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to BFM by mid 2025. And flights are already in the works – starting May 1, 2023, Avelo Airlines will offer exclusive nonstop service to Orlando, Florida (MCO) from BFM two days per week.

Non-stop flights to Mobile International Airport (BFM):

• Orlando, Florida

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Another option is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located almost 200 miles away (3 hours and 6 minutes) via I-10 W. Major airlines fly into MSY and ground transportation is plentiful with taxis, buses, shuttles and major rental car companies (Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz, to name a few). Many travelers take advantage of sometimes lower rates to fly into New Orleans and enjoy a little time there before making their way to Gulf Shores.

MSY hosts 16 airlines that serve over 50 nonstop destinations, including:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Dallas, Texas
• Houston, Texas
• Denver, Colorado
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Seattle, Washington
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Memphis, Tennessee
• New York, New York
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Chicago, Illinois

For a full list of nonstop flights to MSY, visit the airport website.

For more detailed information on nonstop flights in the area, visit our blog.

Before Flying into Gulf Shores

Take the hassle out of your vacation by utilizing the Beach Moms concierge service available to Spectrum Resorts guests. The Beach Moms are well-known in Gulf Shores for their attention to detail. Services they offer include grocery shopping and putting away prior to arrival, and restaurant and excursion reservations. The Beach Moms will act as your personal concierge throughout your trip including making reservations for popular resort activities like reservations at Coast (onsite restaurant), beach chair rentals, Aqua Fun Tails mermaid/pirate photoshoots and spa reservations.

Getting Around Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores offers big-city amenities when it comes to local transportation. There are rideshares like Uber and Lyft, taxi services and, the most convenient, rental cars at the airport when you fly in.

Beach Club Amenities

The Beach Club Resort and Spa in Gulf Shores (on the Fort Morgan peninsula) offers visitors access to a beautiful 86-acre village with upscale 1- to 5-bedroom beachfront condos and lakeside cottages. Each includes fully appointed kitchens, spacious room designs, washer/dryer units, and lots of on-property perks like restaurants (casual and upscale), tennis courts, pools, hot tubs and a full-service spa. The beach itself is such a gem with five football fields of white-sand beaches juxtaposing amazing turquoise waters. You’ll never want to leave!

Book direct with Spectrum and eliminate the risk factors with the only 100% Satisfaction Guarantee in the area. Visitors can enjoy a no-worry experience creating peace of mind that’s simply irreplaceable.

Search our available Gulf Shores rentals today and see why The Beach Club Resort and Spa continues to be a favorite among travelers.