Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is the primary commercial airport for Palm Beach County and a popular gateway to South Florida. Known for its manageable size and convenient location, PBI is often favored by travelers who want a simpler airport experience than some of the region’s larger hubs, including Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
PBI offers service on major domestic airlines along with some seasonal and limited international service, depending on current airline schedules. Located about three miles from downtown West Palm Beach and within easy reach of many of the area’s beaches, museums, shopping districts, and resorts, the airport is a convenient arrival point for visitors exploring Palm Beach County and nearby communities.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: Palm Beach International Airport operates from a compact passenger terminal designed for straightforward navigation. Check-in, security, baggage claim, and gate areas are relatively close together, which can make PBI feel easier to manage than many larger airports. Airline, concourse, and gate assignments may vary, so travelers should confirm details on airport monitors or with their airline before departure.
- Single-terminal convenience: Ticketing, security, arrivals, and most passenger services are clustered in one main terminal complex.
- Easy wayfinding: Clear signage and a compact footprint generally make connections, pickups, and departures more manageable.
- Day-of-travel updates: Gate and concourse usage can change by airline, date, and season, so it is smart to check the latest airport information before heading to your gate.
2. Amenities and Services: PBI is known for a clean, comfortable terminal and traveler-friendly amenities.
- Shopping and dining: Travelers can usually find a mix of sit-down dining, grab-and-go food, coffee, snacks, and travel essentials throughout the terminal. Specific concession names and locations may change over time.
- Lounge access: Lounge availability, locations, and entry policies can change, so check the current airport directory or your airline for the latest options.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the terminal.
- Pet-friendly services: Designated pet relief areas are available for travelers flying with pets or service animals.
- Traveler assistance: Information services, accessibility features, and airport staff are available to help passengers navigate the terminal. Travelers needing wheelchair or special assistance should also coordinate in advance with their airline.
- Art and exhibits: The airport has featured public art and rotating exhibits that add a local cultural touch to the travel experience.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: Palm Beach International Airport offers several transportation options for arriving and departing travelers.
- Rental cars: Major rental car companies serve PBI. Follow airport signage for the current rental car pickup and return process.
- Tri-Rail: For travelers heading to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and other South Florida destinations, Tri-Rail offers an affordable rail option. Airport shuttle connections and schedules may vary, so check current service details before traveling.
- Taxis and rideshares: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and similar services are commonly available from the airport for direct transportation to hotels, beaches, downtown areas, and nearby attractions.
- Hotel shuttles: Many nearby hotels offer airport shuttle service, though availability and hours vary by property.
- Public transit: Palm Tran bus service provides a lower-cost option for reaching downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and other nearby areas. Routes and operating times vary.
- Brightline access: Brightline does not stop at the airport itself, but the downtown West Palm Beach station is a short drive away for travelers continuing to other Florida cities.
2. Parking: PBI offers a range of parking choices for short visits and longer stays.
- Short-term parking: Convenient parking is available close to the terminal for pickups, drop-offs, and brief stays.
- Long-term parking: Longer-stay parking options are offered on airport property, with current availability, pricing, and lot access subject to change.
- Valet or premium parking: Premium parking services may be available depending on airport operations and demand. Check the official airport website for current details.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
For visitors flying into Palm Beach International Airport, there are plenty of worthwhile places to explore nearby, whether you have a short window before check-in or plan to spend several days discovering Palm Beach County.
1. Downtown West Palm Beach: Located just a few miles from PBI, downtown West Palm Beach is a lively destination known for cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and waterfront views. Visitors can stroll along Clematis Street, a historic corridor lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. The Square (formerly CityPlace and briefly Rosemary Square) remains a popular mixed-use district for dining, events, and browsing.
2. Norton Museum of Art: About 10 minutes from the airport, the Norton Museum of Art is one of Florida’s leading art museums. Its collection includes American, European, Chinese, and contemporary works, along with rotating exhibitions and public programs.
3. Palm Beach: The island of Palm Beach is only a short drive from PBI and offers a polished coastal escape with beaches, luxury resorts, and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore Worth Avenue for upscale shopping or tour the Flagler Museum to learn more about the area’s Gilded Age history.
4. West Palm Beach Waterfront: Along the Intracoastal Waterway, the West Palm Beach Waterfront is a scenic place for a walk, bike ride, or casual sightseeing. Visitors may also want to check whether the GreenMarket is in season, as it is typically held on Saturdays during its operating months.
5. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society: Just a short drive from PBI, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society features hundreds of animals, shaded walking paths, and family-friendly exhibits in a manageable setting.
6. Lion Country Safari: Located roughly 30 minutes from the airport, Lion Country Safari is a longtime Palm Beach County favorite with a drive-through safari and additional attractions in its walk-through areas. It is an especially popular pick for families.
7. Rapids Water Park: If you are looking for warm-weather fun, Rapids Water Park is within a reasonable drive of the airport and features slides, wave pools, and family water attractions. Operating dates and hours vary seasonally.
8. Okeeheelee Park: About 8 miles from the airport, Okeeheelee Park offers outdoor recreation including biking, paddling, walking trails, picnic areas, and open green space.
Vicinity of Palm Beach International
Dining and Shopping at PBI
1. Dining Options: Dining choices at PBI can change, but travelers can usually expect a mix of quick-service counters, coffee, grab-and-go snacks, and casual sit-down options throughout the terminal.
- Quick meals: Sandwiches, burgers, salads, breakfast items, and packaged snacks are typically available before or after security.
- Casual dining: Depending on current concessions, travelers may find bar-and-grill style dining or table-service options in select gate areas.
- Coffee and refreshments: Coffee, cold drinks, and light bites are commonly available for travelers on tight schedules.
2. Shopping: Retail offerings generally include convenience items, reading material, travel essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and limited electronics or accessories.
- Travel essentials: Expect options for chargers, headphones, toiletries, and last-minute trip needs.
- News and gifts: Newsstands and gift-style shops often carry drinks, snacks, magazines, and Palm Beach-themed souvenirs.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- Palm Beach International Airport Official Website
https://www.pbia.org/
Find current information on flights, parking, terminal services, and airport operations. - PBI Parking and Transportation
https://www.pbia.org/parking-transportation/
Check the latest official details on parking options, ground transportation, and airport access. - Nearby Attractions
https://www.thepalmbeaches.com
Explore things to do and places to visit around Palm Beach County.
Additional Details
- Location: 1000 James L Turnage Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
- Airport code: PBI.
- Public transit: PBI is served by Palm Tran and has connections to Tri-Rail service, offering access to downtown West Palm Beach and other South Florida destinations.
- Parking: The airport offers short-term and long-term parking, with current pricing and availability best confirmed on the official airport website.
- Accessibility: PBI is accessible to travelers with disabilities and offers features such as elevators, accessible parking, and mobility assistance services. Contact your airline ahead of time if you need specific travel support.
