Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): The Complete Guide

JAX Airport Overview

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves Florida's largest city by area and a metro region of about 1.6 million people. The airport handles around 7 million passengers annually and serves a solid mix of major domestic carriers with a modest but growing international footprint. JAX is in the middle of a significant expansion — a new Concourse B is on track to open in late 2026 and will add six gates, new lounges, and expanded dining options.

For travelers, JAX is a relatively easy airport to navigate. Security lines are manageable compared to Florida's busier airports, parking is affordable, and the terminal layout is straightforward. The main challenge is a more limited route network compared to Orlando, Miami, or Tampa — nonstop options from Jacksonville are growing but still thinner than Florida's major hubs.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

Concourse A

Concourse A has 10 gates and serves Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United Airlines. Delta and United have the strongest presence here. Concourse A handles a mix of domestic and some Caribbean/international service.

Concourse C

Concourse C also has 10 gates and serves Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Air, Breeze Airways, and Southwest Airlines. American and Southwest are the largest carriers in Concourse C.

New Concourse B (Opening Late 2026)

The new Concourse B is under construction between Concourses A and C and is scheduled to open in December 2026 with six additional gates, primarily serving American Airlines. The third floor will house the Jax Club and a Delta club. The second floor will feature restaurants including V Pizza, Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and Oak & Ocean seafood. Gates will be in the middle and end of the structure. This addition will meaningfully increase JAX's capacity and amenities.

Terminal Layout

The main terminal building has a first-floor baggage claim area and a second-floor ticketing area with a mezzanine level where shops, restaurants, and the security checkpoint are located. The layout is compact and linear, making it easy to find your way around without a terminal map.

Airlines at JAX

JAX is served by all major US carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Allegiant Air, Avelo Air, Breeze Airways, and Sun Country Airlines. Air Canada provides service to Canadian cities. The airport's international footprint is limited but growing.

Getting To and From JAX

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at designated zones outside the baggage claim area on the first floor. Downtown Jacksonville is about 15 to 20 minutes and costs $20 to $30. Jacksonville Beach is 30 to 40 minutes and $35 to $50. Ponte Vedra Beach (near TPC Sawgrass) is 35 to 45 minutes and $40 to $60. St. Augustine is 50 to 60 minutes and $55 to $80.

JTA Bus

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority operates bus service from the airport to downtown Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Routes connect to the Skyway monorail in downtown. This is a very budget-friendly option, though it takes significantly longer than a rideshare.

Rental Cars

The rental car facility is adjacent to the terminal building. All major brands are represented. The JAX car rental center is one of the more convenient in Florida — no long shuttle ride required. Book in advance around NFL games (the Jaguars play in Jacksonville), college football weekends, and major golf tournaments at TPC Sawgrass.

Parking

A third parking garage is currently under construction at JAX and is expected to be complete by late 2026, adding about 2,000 spaces. Current parking options include terminal garages ($22 to $26 per day) and economy lots ($10 to $14 per day) with shuttle service. Book early during peak sporting events.

Dining and Shopping

JAX's current dining lineup is adequate, with more options coming when the new Concourse B opens in late 2026.

• Jacksonville's Best Seafood — A local spot in the terminal serving Florida shrimp, fish tacos, and seafood staples.
• Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q — A Jacksonville barbecue institution with an airport location. Florida-style slow-smoked BBQ that is worth the line.
• Chick-fil-A — Reliable quick-service with the Jaguars-themed decor.
• Starbucks, Dunkin' — Coffee options throughout the terminal.

When the new Concourse B opens, Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q, V Pizza, and Oak & Ocean seafood will dramatically improve the dining options at JAX.

Lounges

JAX currently has no major airline club lounges. The Jax Club (a new lounge) and a Delta club are planned as part of the new Concourse B and are expected to open in late 2026. Until then, Priority Pass holders can check for any available options through their network.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

JAX offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The connection is adequate for browsing and email. Power outlets are available at gate areas, though coverage is less consistent than at larger airports. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the main security checkpoint.

Tips for Navigating JAX

• 2026 is a big year for JAX. The new Concourse B with additional gates, a lounge, and better dining is scheduled to open in late 2026. If you are traveling through JAX in early-to-mid 2026, the current setup applies. By end of 2026, the experience will be notably better.
• Check your concourse. Concourse A and Concourse C are at opposite ends of the terminal. Know which one your gate is in before heading through security.
• Book early for big events. Jacksonville hosts NFL games, TPC Sawgrass golf tournaments, the Florida-Georgia college football game, and Daytona 500-adjacent travel in February. Flights and car rentals sell out well in advance around these events.
• St. Augustine day trip from JAX is excellent. If you have an overnight layover or a long layover, St. Augustine is about 50 minutes from the airport and is the oldest city in the US with a charming historic district well worth a visit.
• New parking garage coming. The third parking garage opens in late 2026, which should ease the parking crunch that can occur during major events.

Nearby Hotels

The Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport is the closest hotel to JAX, offering a free airport shuttle and comfortable rooms for overnight stays. The Holiday Inn Express Airport and the DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport are also within 5 minutes of the terminal. Downtown Jacksonville hotels, including the Marriott Jacksonville, are about 20 minutes by rideshare.