The Ultimate Guide to Reaching South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island (SPI) is one of Texas’ most popular beach destinations; however, navigating your way to this tropical getaway can be confusing since there’s no airport located directly on the island. Fortunately, there are two major airports close by that serve travelers from the United States and overseas.

The Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport

The nearest airport to South Padre Island is located approximately 22 miles away in Brownsville, making it the most convenient option for travelers. The Brownsville-SPI International Airport (BRO) is a public airport operated by the city, offering flights primarily via American and United Airlines, in addition to routes on Continental Airlines.

Travelers can reach South Padre Island from BRO by renting a car, taking a taxi or private car service, or utilizing an airport shuttle to major hotels in SPI. The Airport-to-Island Shuttle is a popular option, with independent companies such as Valley Metro, Island Metro, and Metro Connect providing complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport.

All shuttle services conveniently drop off at City Hall, only a few blocks away from Rockstar Beach, one of the most popular spots on the island. Additionally, shuttles routinely return to the airport throughout the day, meaning you could enjoy a quick trip to the Gulf of Mexico even with a day layover at the BRO airport.

The Valley International Airport in Harlingen

The Valley International Airport (VIA) is located about 40 miles from South Padre Island. Despite the distance, it handles a considerable amount of traffic, primarily due to its higher frequency of daily flights offered by Southwest Airlines from cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. VIA also has seasonal flights from Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines during peak travel months from November to May.

Like the Brownsville International Airport, VIA provides options for car rentals, taxi services, and airport shuttles to complete the final leg of your journey to South Padre Island. However, be mindful that taxi fares can be quite high, as the commute from VIA to the beach takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Consequently, using the airport shuttle service is highly recommended for its competitive flat rates and convenience.