Airports Near St. Augustine, FL

Planning a trip to St. Augustine has gotten complicated with all the conflicting airport advice flying around. As someone who has made the trek to Florida’s oldest city more times than my wallet would like to remember, I learned everything there is to know about which airport to fly into. Today, I will share it all with you.

Here’s the thing about St. Augustine — it’s this absolutely charming historic gem tucked into Northeast Florida, but it doesn’t have its own major commercial airport. So you’ve got choices to make, and the right one can save you hours of frustration. I’ve tried basically every option at this point, and each one has its trade-offs.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

About 54 miles north, roughly an hour’s drive via I-95. This is probably your best bet for most trips, and it’s the one I default to nine times out of ten. JAX is a real commercial airport with all the major carriers — Delta, American, Southwest — which means more flight options and usually better prices than the alternatives.

The drive down to St. Augustine is dead simple. Hop on I-95 south and you’re basically there before you’ve finished your podcast episode. I’ve made this trip maybe a dozen times, and it’s never been a problem. Car rentals at JAX are plentiful, and shuttles are available if you’d rather not deal with driving yourself. Probably should have led with this section, honestly, since JAX is the answer for most people.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

About 57 miles south. Smaller than JAX but perfectly serviceable. If you’re coming from Atlanta or Charlotte, it’s worth checking the DAB flights — sometimes they work out better depending on your schedule and what connections are available. The proximity to the beaches is a nice bonus if you’re planning to spend time along the coast anyway.

Fewer airlines means fewer options, but it also means quicker security screening and easier parking. Those trade-offs are real, and sometimes they tip the balance in DAB’s favor. I flew in here once during spring break season specifically to avoid the JAX crowds, and it worked out great.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

About 108 miles southwest — definitely farther, but Orlando is a major hub with connections from practically everywhere. If you’re connecting from somewhere that doesn’t fly direct to Jacksonville, MCO might be your only realistic option. Plus, the sheer number of flight times to choose from gives you way more flexibility.

The drive is longer but not terrible. About two hours, and you can take I-95 north or cut across via I-4 and then up. I’ve done both routes; I-95 is usually faster unless Orlando traffic happens to be cooperating, which is honestly a coin flip.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

About 107 miles out — similar to MCO distance-wise. This is where budget carriers like Allegiant fly, so if you’re trying to save money on airfare and don’t mind the drive, it’s absolutely worth checking what’s available here. Smaller airport means less chaos, faster processing, and generally a calmer experience all around.

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)

Around 82 miles west. Smaller regional airport with connections to hubs like Atlanta. Less crowded, quicker everything. If you’re coming from somewhere that connects through ATL anyway, Gainesville might be worth considering — especially if you can snag a good fare.

St. Augustine Airport (UST)

This one’s right there — five miles from downtown, can’t beat that proximity. But it’s mostly private and charter flights. If you’ve got access to private aviation, fantastic, you’re golden. For the rest of us regular folks, it’s not really an option for commercial travel. That’s what makes St. Augustine endearing to us travel enthusiasts — even getting there requires a bit of adventure and planning.

How to Choose

My honest recommendation after years of doing this: start with JAX. Best combination of flight options, reasonable drive time, and competitive pricing. Check MCO if JAX doesn’t have what you need or if you’re connecting from somewhere with limited options. Use DAB or Sanford if the prices work out or you’re already planning to spend time in those areas.

• Distance matters: JAX and DAB are roughly equal drive times, MCO adds about an hour
• Flight options: JAX and MCO have the most; smaller airports mean fewer choices but less hassle
• Budget considerations: Check SFB for discount carrier deals that can save you real money
• Ground transport: All airports have car rentals; shuttles to St. Augustine vary by airport

The right choice honestly depends on where you’re flying from, what airlines service that route, and how much the drive factors into your plans. I’ve used all of these airports at different times depending on what made sense for that particular trip, and I’ve never regretted taking the time to compare options before booking.