Flying to Jacksonville for a visit? We’ve got the lowdown on our sparkling clean, easy-to-navigate airport. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) welcomes more than 7 million flyers every year. Several major airlines, including Delta, American Southwest and several regional carriers fly nearly 200 daily arrivals and departures every day.
Even with all that traffic, it’s as easy, comfortable and convenient an airport as you’ll find anywhere. Don’t believe us? In addition to having a reputation for being one of the friendliest airports in the U.S., JAX often has live local musicians playing in the terminal and you can listen from the comfort of dozens of rocking chairs. Whether you’re arriving or departing, it’s a comforting place to travel.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to know before your visit to Jacksonville International Airport.
Getting Around Inside Jacksonville’s Airport
Jacksonville’s airport is extremely easy to navigate. Arrivals and departures are on separate floors, marked clearly with lots of signage. There are a handful of shops and dining options before security in a bright, beautiful atrium with art galleries and installations, a help desk and often times, live musicians. Past security there are two concourses, A and C, with just 10 gates a piece.
While we’ve spent up to 40 minutes in the TSA line, usually we can make it from check-in to gate within about half an hour. Plan ahead and don’t take any risks – you never know when security will be backed up!
Perks and Amenities at JAX
Does JAX have free Wi-Fi?
Free wi-fi is pretty much a standard in airports today and Jacksonville is no exception to that. Simply log on to your preferred device, review the terms and conditions and you’re free to surf the web!
Is JAX Pet Friendly?
Traveling with pets has become the norm, and you’ll see lots of friendly furry faces in the JAX terminal. In addition to a pet relief area outside of baggage claim, there’s a dedicated pet potty station between concourses A and C. There’s a cute front porch with seating, sink for hand-washing, colorful fire hydrant, pick-up bag dispenser and a trash can. The area uses artificial K9 turf and automatic system that flushes the area every 45 minutes.
Is there good shopping at JAX?
Jacksonville International Airport is not known for a large selection of shops, but there are a few where you can snag last minute souvenirs before a flight or kill time during a layover. Amelia Island Marketplace, Made in Jax and the PGA Tour Shop are top spots for local souvenirs. There are also a few big names like Best Buy Express, Brooks Brothers and Brighton for for your browsing pleasure.
Can you sleep at JAX?
We’ve all been there. A flight gets delayed or rescheduled for the following day and we need somewhere to sleep. While there is no designated sleeping area, the terminal is open 24 hours a day and airport staff/security are typically pretty accommodating to those that need to grab some shut eye. The TSA checkpoint doesn’t open until 4 a.m. so you will be sleeping landside until they open up the checkpoints. Most restaurants in the terminal close by 9 p.m., so make sure to grab snacks before then.
Are there airline lounges at JAX?
Club JAX offers day passes for just $40. You can shower, watch tv, stay updated on flights via the flight monitor and help yourself to complimentary beverages and snacks. The Delta Sky Club, located in Concourse A, is open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. as well.
What is there to do at JAX when waiting for a flight?
In addition to Club JAX and other branded airline lounges, we love The Comfort Zone Spa in concourse A. It’s a great way to kill some time during a layover or delay. They offer pedicures, manicures and massages, and are open between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Outside of security, you’ll find the Haskell Gallery and the Sky Gallery, filled with art from local artists.
What about Currency Exchange?
There are no currency exchange options at JAX so plan ahead if you need to exchange money. ATMs are sprinkled throughout the airport, pre and post security with Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Where to Eat at JAX
Airport food has a reputation of being overpriced but it’s better than airplane food, right? Who doesn’t love some Chili’s chips and salsa and a margarita before a flight? And JAX might be small, but we have three Starbucks! We recommend skipping the one just past security and heading to the one in Concourse C if you have time. The line is almost always shorter.
Pre-TSA
- Burger King
- Great American Bagel
- Sam Snead’s Tavern
- Starbucks
After Security
- Auntie Anne’s, Food Court
- Firehouse Subs, Food Court
- Sbarro, Food Court
- Shula Burger, Concourse A
- Vino Volo, Concourse C
- Starbucks, Food Court and Concourse C
- Ciao Gourmet Market, Concourse A
- Chili’s Too, Concourse A
- PGA Tour Grill, Concourse C
Coming by 2022: BurgerFi and Southern Grounds!
JAX Terminal Map
Ground Transportation and Rental Cars at JAX
The JAX Airport has several transportation services that include on site rental cars, taxis and limousine services. All ground transportation services are located on the lower level of the terminal near baggage claim.
Car Rental: Jacksonville is a sprawling city, so if you’re going to be moving around quite a bit, a rental car is your best bet. Parking is 90% free around town and usually pretty easy to come by.
Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and a few others are available to rent the car that best suits your needs once you arrive. We recommend booking in advance so you don’t run the risk of being without a vehicle, especially on busy weekends like TPC or Florida-Georgia.
Uber and Lyft: Ride shares are probably one of the most popular ways to travel now for those without a car. Yet, airports seem to be weird with their rules towards allowing them to pick up. Thankfully, Both Uber and Lyft are authorized to make pick-ups at the terminal curbside. Just make sure to always stay safe and confirm you are getting in the correct vehicle!
Taxis/Limos/Shuttle Services: Follow signs to the baggage claim on the lower level to connect with various taxi services.
Hotel shuttles: It is also wise to check with your hotel before arriving to see if they have a shuttle service that can be more cost effective or free.
Public Bus: Public transportation is not Jacksonville’s strong suit, but you can catch the public bus between the airport and downtown for just $1.50. Click here for schedules.
Parking at JAX
Jacksonville Airport has parking options for every budget and duration of travel. Anything more than a couple of days and we park in the Economy Lot. It’s just
- Hourly garage ($22/day) – Best option for picking up and dropping off. Covered.
- Daily garage ($18/day) – Great for business travelers popping in and out for a couple of days. Covered.
- Economy Lots 1 & 2 ($7/day) – Perfect budget option for 5+ days or more. There is a free shuttle service to and from the terminal that runs 24/7 about every 15 minutes in the Economy and Daily Surface lot.
- Valet. JAX offers valet service on the Departure Level.
How far is JAX from Jacksonville’s top attractions?
The journey to and from the airport can be one of the most chaotic parts of any trip. Thankfully the Jacksonville airport is relatively close to all major attractions you will see during your visit. So whether you are staying downtown or on the beach, the commute is a breeze!
- Downtown Jacksonville – 20 minutes / 15 miles
- Carnival Cruise Terminal – 18 minutes / 12 miles
- Jacksonville Beach – 36 minutes / 28 miles
- Amelia Island – 40 minutes / 25 miles
- St. Johns Town Center – 30 minutes / 25 miles
- TPC Sawgrass – 45 minutes / 35 miles
- St. Augustine – 60 minutes / 55 miles
- Daytona Beach – 1 hour, 45 minutes / 104 miles
- Universal Orlando – 2 hours, 30 minutes / 164 miles
Jacksonville Airport Hotels
Need a hotel near JAX? There is a DoubleTree and a Microtel Inn and Suites on property. There are more than 15 hotels within 2 miles of the airport. A few favorites:
- Hilton Garden Inn – Jacksonville Airport
- Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville Airport
- Courtyard Marriott – Jacksonville Airport Northeast
Download the JAX Airport App
Jacksonville Airport has a free app. If you’re passing through JAX, you can download for access to all the details about the airpots. Available on both Apple and Android.
More information on JAX, Jacksonville’s international airport
Here are a few resources to make your trip through JAX quick and efficient:
- A current flight schedule
- An interactive terminal map to see where you are going
- A list of airline carriers that serve the airport
Happy travels and we hope you enjoy your visit to JAX, the Bold City! If you have questions or suggestions, drop us a line in the comments. We’re always working to improve our stories to be more helpful for Jacksonville travelers.
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