Nothing quite takes the excitement (and, let’s face it, the fun) out of a vacation like an airport, does it? When you finally escape the airport and take off, you spend the entire flight thinking about the airport you are about to land in and how much stress that is going to bring.
Start your family vacation to Orange Beach off on the right foot by choosing the ideal airport for your family. That might be the closest Airport to Orange Beach or simply the one which connects to most major cities.
Whatever your criteria, flying into the right airport can take a lot of the stress out of the experience.
Orange Beach
The popular city of Orange Beach is located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Orange Beach is a small city but a popular tourist destination for regional and international tourists. It is renowned for its warm weather, a variety of water sports, and a laid-back approach to life.
The Closest Airport To Orange Beach AL
The actual closest airport to Orange Beach, AL, is the Gulf Shores Jack Edwards National Airport, airport code: JKA. This airport is just 15 minutes from Orange Beach. However, Gulf Shores JKA is a regional airport and offers mostly private charters. It is, therefore, not an option for the majority of families visiting Orange Beach.
Pensacola International Airport
Airport Code: PNS
Located just 30 miles from Orange Beach, you can drive from Pensacola International Airport to your fabulous vacation destination in less than an hour. Realistically, Pensacola International Airport is the closest airport to Orange Beach, Alabama, connecting the city to other major airports.
Incoming travelers can easily rent a car from one of many rental companies out of Pensacola International Airport and drive to Orange Beach. Alternatively, a Pensacola Airport shuttle service operates to and from Orange Beach, and taxi services are available for guests not looking to start their vacation by getting back behind the wheel.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Sit down dining
- Counter service food and drink
- Water bottle refill
- New stands
Many of the restaurants and newsstands will remain open until the last flight daily. This includes delayed flights.
Airlines:
Most major airlines fly to and from Pensacola International Airport, connecting the city to other major cities around the world. Airlines include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Silver Airways
- Southwest
- Spirit
- United Airlines
Pensacola International Airport is the closest airport to Orange Beach and a readily accessible option for tourists visiting Orange Beach or the nearby Gulf Shores.
Other Nearby Airports
Alternatively, you might find a better rate if you are willing to spend a little more time traveling from the airport to Orange Beach. Many of the other nearest airports are equally well connected to Gulf Shores, with a significant discount.
Mobile Regional Airport/ Mobile International Airport
Airport Code: MOB
Located an hour and 20 minutes from Orange Beach, Mobile Regional Airport is an excellent, accessible option for incoming travelers from elsewhere around the continental United States. The Mobile International Airport connects Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores with other major airports around the world.
The airport is very accessible for families with small children or strollers. Most of the airport is single-level, with an elevator to carry guests when necessary.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging station
- Food and drink
- Newsstand
- Children’s play area
- Shoe shine
After you land at the Mobile Regional Airport and work your way through baggage claim, you are free to embark on your family adventure to Orange Beach. Rent a car from one of the rental services operating out of the airport, or take a taxi from the airport property to Orange Beach.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Airport Code: VPS
Fort Walton Beach Airport, or Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, is 74 miles from the city of Orange Beach, Alabama.
Incoming travelers can rent a car from one of eight car rental companies operating out of the airport and drive for just under an hour to reach Orange Beach. Alternatively, taxi and UBER services operate on airport property, taking visitors to Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Two ATMs
- Food and drink
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is a family-friendly, accessible option if you are traveling with young children.
- Free shuttle from the car park to the airport
- Lactation pod
- Family restrooms
Biloxi International Airport
Airport Code: GPT
Biloxi International Airport is a two-hour drive from Orange Beach. It is the second largest airport in the state of Mississippi, and you will often find cheap flights from many major cities around the world.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Network television
- Food and drink
- Newsstand
While it is not quite so close to Orange Beach, there are six car rental companies operating on-site and two more offsite. The airport is still a good choice if you are content to get behind the wheel.
Alternatively, ground transportation, such as taxis and ride-share services, operate from the airport. Keep in mind that with quite a distance to Orange Beach, this would work out quite costly.
FAQs
How to get to Gulf Shores, Alabama?
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are just six miles apart. The easiest way to get to Gulf Shores is to fly to Pensacola International Airport and travel by road, taking the FL-292 to AL-180.
Regional tourists can road trip to Gulf Shores and enjoy the scenic beauty of the American south.
Which airport is closest to Alabama beaches?
Alabama has several beautiful beaches, including Orange Beach, drawing a high volume of tourists each year.
Two of the closest airports to Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores are:
- Gulf Shores International Airport
- Jack Edwards National Airport
Each of these airports offers predominately private charters for business and leisure travel.
The more likely, accessible airports for traveling to Orange Beach, the Gulf Shores, and the surrounding Alabama beach areas are:
- Pensacola International Airport
- Mobile Regional Airport
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
