Saint Thomas Island Cyril E King Airport (STT) Flights & Information

As the gateway to northern Florida, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) isn’t just the airport of choice for people headed to Jacksonville. On any given day you’ll find it filled with golfers playing in Ponte Vedra, vacationers bound for seaside destinations like Amelia Island, and students and visitors at the University of Florida.

This 20-gate airport north of the city center sees a lot of traffic and is currently expanding to meet increasing demand. Despite the construction, I still find it to be one of the easiest and most convenient major airports in Florida, with quick screening times at TSA and easy check-in and departure. No matter the reason you’re headed to this part of the Sunshine State, here’s all you need to know about JAX.

Arriving at JAX

Currently, Jacksonville International Airport only has 1 international route, and that’s to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Those leaving Toronto for the US clear immigration before departure, so arriving at JAX never involves going through customs or immigration, making it delightfully simple.

The airport isn’t huge, so just step off your plane and walk towards the central exit, which takes you to an escalator down to baggage claim. Rental car counters are inside baggage claim, and for efficiency’s sake I like to get my rental car while I’m waiting for bags. You can almost always see your baggage carousel from the counter, so it’s an easy hack.

From there, it’s a short drive down Dixie Clipper Drive to the exit, and about half a mile west to Interstate 95. You’ll also find the standard collection of airport hotels and motels along Airport Road right outside the exit, as well as several gas stations for refueling a rental car when you return.

If you’re starving when you get off the flight, or just need to pick up a few things for your trip, there’s a massive shopping area just across Interstate 95 (I-95) from the airport. It’s filled with pretty much any chain restaurant you can name, as well as a Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Publix for groceries. There’s even a hair salon, if you need a quick cut. It’s not close enough to walk from the terminal, but if you’ve rented a car, it’s convenient.

Getting to and from the airport by car

I always rent a car in Jacksonville. Not only is getting to and from JAX difficult without one, but the city is so massive that depending on rideshares and taxis can get prohibitively expensive. Your best bet is almost always a car rental, which are nearly all affordable and located right inside the terminal.

The airport is just west of I-95, about 15 to 20 minutes north of downtown Jacksonville and about 30 to 40 minutes from the beaches. The Interstate is more or less the only way to reach JAX efficiently, though if you’re averse to driving on freeways you can take US-17 to Airport Center Drive. It’ll take almost twice as long, but if you’ve got time it’s a straightforward ride.

Getting to and from the airport by public transportation

Jacksonville’s public transportation leaves something to be desired. You will find one public bus running to the airport – JTA Bus 1 – which makes 42 stops on the way to downtown Jacksonville.

Though it only costs a few dollars, if your time is worth more than that you’re best to take a taxi or rideshare. Please note that there are different bus prices according to your destination, and going to JAX beaches is more expensive than downtown. Taxis and rideshares pick you up right on the curb outside baggage claim.

There are also no commercial bus lines with service to JAX airport, nor is there any light rail or commuter rail service. Like many American Sun Belt cities, driving in Jacksonville is really your only option.

Security lines

I’ve never had much of an issue getting through security at Jacksonville International Airport. There’s one security checkpoint which opens at 4 am, early enough for any departure, with a separate TSA PreCheck line. If you have PreCheck you’ll never wait more than 10 to 15 minutes.

On big weekends, though, like the Florida-Georgia football game or the TPC Championship in nearby Ponte Vedra, security lines can get uncomfortably long. If you’re there on a big weekend, budget a lot of extra time because the airport will be understaffed.

Souvenir shopping

For a smaller airport, Jacksonville International has some fantastic souvenir shopping. That’s mostly thanks to its role as the gateway to northeast Florida, which is home to the PGA Tour.

If you’re looking for golf souvenirs, there might not be a better airport in the US. I’ve found the PGA Tour Shop especially useful if I get into town for a golf weekend and realize I’ve forgotten tees, balls or some other small item.

The shop also has a great selection of golf clothes and souvenirs from TPC Sawgrass. If you have a golf lover on your holiday shopping list, you can easily knock this one out by getting to the airport a little early.

For beachier stuff, I’m a fan of the Amelia Island Marketplace, which has fun pastel shirts and hats, as well as seashell-shaped souvenirs. You’ll also find University of Florida branded apparel as well as gear from the Jacksonville Jaguars. If I need something that says, “Hey, I was in Northeast Florida!” this my go-to shop.

The lounge at JAX

Jacksonville International Airport currently has only 1 lounge, as the old Club at JAX closed with the construction of the new terminal. The lone JAX lounge is the Delta Sky Club, located post-security inside Concourse A. It’s a nicer option than sitting in the terminal, but isn’t particularly notable if you’re a regular lounge user.

You’ll find the standard spread of lounge snacks, an open bar, free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. It’s only open to lounge members and American Express Platinum Card holders with same-day boarding passes on a Delta flight. If you’re not flying Delta, you currently don’t have a lounge option at JAX.

Even if you are not in the lounge, Jacksonville International Airport has free Wi-Fi, which you can access by logging on to the network from your device. It’s free and works from everywhere in the airport, including inside the plane at some gates, and you only need to accept the terms and conditions to get online.

Food and drink at the airport

For a small airport, Jacksonville’s food offerings are surprisingly varied and all pretty good. Its food court recently closed as part of the expansion construction, so options are a little more limited than they used to be, but you can still find something satisfying if you’ve got time before your flight.

I like hitting Angie’s Subs, which is a popular beach-day sub spot in Jacksonville Beach with an outlet in Concourse A. It’s about the only true local spot still inside the airport, and gives you a little taste of the city. Just outside security, right after you exit the concourses, you’ll also find Southern Grounds, a local coffee shop and your best bet for coffee if you need a post-flight pick-me-up.

Other options include BurgerFi, the better of the 2 in-airport burger joints. The other is Shula Burger, which isn’t bad, but BurgerFi is a little cheaper and has superior burgers.

If you want a sit-down dining experience, try the PGA Tour Grill in Concourse C, which has the airport’s only full-liquor bar. The food is nothing special, but gets the job done if you want more than a burger or a sandwich. I’ve eaten there a few times, mostly when I have time to kill and want a full meal before a long travel day.

Pet relief areas

The only pet relief area at Jacksonville International Airport is right outside baggage claim, on the lower level pre-security. Once you’re past security, it’s a long walk back through TSA if your pet needs to go.

For longer term care, you can drop your pet at Pet Paradise, about a quarter mile north on Pecan Park Road right before the terminal entrance. It offers air-conditioned boarding, turf play areas and easy drop-off and delivery before and after your flights.