Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is located in north-central Florida, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of downtown Gainesville. The airport has been a vital link for the region, particularly due to its access to the University of Florida, Shands Hospital, and surrounding natural beauty.
The airport was originally built in the 1940s as J.R. Alison Airport for military purposes. It was later opened to civilian flights. The airport is managed by the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority. Approximately half a million passengers use the airport each year. The airport has one main runway and a modern terminal building.
Interactive Gainesville Airport Map
Gainesville Airport – terminal and gate map
There is one terminal at Gainesville Airport. This modern and accessible terminal has a total of five boarding gates (Gates 1-5). Inside the terminal, there are screens displaying up-to-date flight information, free Wi-Fi service, comfortable seating areas, a café/bar, and a gift shop.
Arrivals: The ground floor of the terminal is reserved for arrivals. This floor has baggage claim carousels, passenger pick-up areas, car rental counters, and ground transportation options.
Departures: Check-in is located on the upper level of the terminal. This floor has ticket counters, security checkpoints, waiting areas, and boarding gates. Food and shopping facilities are also available in this area.
Parking Areas
There are several parking areas at Gainesville Airport.
Short Term Parking: This is the closest parking area to the terminal building. It is ideal for short stops such as dropping off or picking up passengers. The first 30 minutes are free. After that, hourly rates apply. Fees: 30 min–1 hour 2 USD, 1–2 hours 3 USD, 2–3 hours 5 USD, 3–4 hours 7 USD, 4–5 hours 9 USD, 5–6 hours 11 USD, 6–24 hours 13 USD.
Long-Term Parking: Located next to the short-term parking area. You can walk to the terminal from this parking area. Designed for longer trips. Fee: $2 per hour, maximum $10.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: This is a waiting area located a few minutes away from the terminal for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. You can wait here for 10 minutes without paying.
All parking lots have parking spaces reserved for disabled individuals, located closest to the terminal entrances. Parking payments can be made with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can pay the parking fee in cash at the kiosks inside the terminal.
Car Rental at the airport
There are car rental company offices inside the terminal building at Gainesville Airport. The offices are located on the ground floor, right next to the baggage claim area. You can easily complete your car rental transactions with companies such as Avis, Aloma, Dollar, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can pick up your rental car from the parking lot just outside the terminal. Car rental offices are open every day of the week, according to the airport’s flight schedule.
Find transportation from the airport – RTS, taxi ,shuttles
RTS (Regional Transit System): RTS, Gainesville’s local bus system, operates routes 25 and 26 between the airport, downtown, the University of Florida, and other important locations. The bus stop is located near the terminal exit. You can check the schedule and frequency on the RTS website. Service is generally available on weekdays and Saturdays.
Taxi and Rideshare Services: There are taxi stands at the terminal exit. You can take a taxi from there. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft also offer pick-up and drop-off services at designated areas at the airport.
Shuttle Services: Some hotels and private transfer companies in the area offer shuttle service between the airport and your accommodation or surrounding areas, subject to advance reservation.
Lost & Found
If you lose an item in the general area or parking lot of Gainesville Airport, you should contact the Gainesville Regional Airport Authority’s Lost and Found office. Phone number: (352) 524-3330 for more information.
If your item is lost on the plane or in the boarding gate area, you should contact the Baggage Services department of your airline. Contact information for major airlines operating at Gainesville Airport:
American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300
Delta Air Lines: 1-800-221-1212
Restaurants at Gainesville Airport
There is one restaurant in the terminal operated by Tailwind Gainesville, LLC.
Tailwinds Restaurant & Bar (Post-Security): After passing through security, this venue is located near the boarding gates and offers a variety of hot meals, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and an extensive beverage menu. It is open from the first flight to the last flight.
Grab-and-Go Kiosk (Pre-Security): In the public area of the terminal, near the check-in counters, you will find a kiosk offering coffee, tea, packaged snacks, and beverages.
Shopping at Airport
There is a shop selling souvenirs and locally themed products in the post-security area.
Tailwinds Gift Shop (Post-Security): Located in the post-security area, this store sells Florida and Gainesville-themed souvenirs, books, magazines, travel items, and snacks. The store opens two hours before the first flight and closes one hour after the last flight.
Hotels at Gainesville Airport
There are hotels located a short drive from Gainesville Airport. Many of these hotels offer free airport shuttle service to their guests.
Best Western Gateway Grand: Located approximately 1.5 miles from the airport. Offers free airport shuttle service.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL: Approximately 2 miles from the airport.
Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites: 6 miles from the airport. Meets guests at the airport with a free shuttle.
Americas Best Value Inn: 6 miles from the airport.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gainesville: Approximately 13 miles from the airport. Free shuttle service is available.
Note: Don’t forget to contact your hotel directly for shuttle services.
Gainesville Airport Flights and Airlines
Gainesville Regional Airport is an important regional airport serving residents of North Central Florida and visitors to the area. American Eagle and Delta Connection operate regular flights from the airport. There are an average of 8-12 scheduled passenger flights per day at the airport. This number may vary depending on the season and demand.
The most popular destinations include major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami (MIA). Occasionally, charter or additional flights to different destinations may be scheduled, especially for special events or based on demand.
Satellite view of Gainesville Airport. Click to enlarge
Gainesville Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge
Other Airports in Florida