Is Palm Beach airport easier to use than Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

Generally yes. PBI has shorter security lines, easier parking, and a smaller, less chaotic terminal. The trade-off is a smaller route network. If you have flexibility and PBI serves your route, it is often a better experience than MIA or FLL.

What does it mean that Concourse A has hardstand gates?

Hardstand gates mean you board the aircraft by walking outside across the tarmac rather than through a jetbridge. At Concourse A, four gates operate this way. In summer this means sun and heat; dress accordingly.

Can I take Brightline from PBI?

PBI does not have a direct Brightline connection, but the Brightline station in downtown West Palm Beach is about 15 minutes by rideshare from the airport. From there you can connect to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, and Orlando.

Does PBI have any airline lounges?

PBI does not currently have a traditional airline lounge. There is no Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club at this airport. Check Priority Pass or your credit card's lounge network for any available options.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): The Complete Guide

PBI Airport Overview

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located in West Palm Beach, serves Palm Beach County and the surrounding Treasure Coast region. As Florida's sixth busiest airport, PBI handles millions of passengers per year and offers a more relaxed alternative to the congested Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports to the south. Like RSW to the north, PBI is heavily seasonal — the so-called "Palm Beach season" runs from roughly November through April when the wealthy snowbird population swells and flight demand spikes.

The airport is currently midway through a multi-phase terminal renovation that started in 2025 and will run through 2028. Phase 1 was completed in Spring 2025, adding concession space in Concourse B. Phase 2 is completing in Spring 2026. Despite the construction activity, PBI remains a functional and relatively stress-free airport experience.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

PBI has a single terminal building with three concourses: A, B, and C. All concourses are connected within the same building, making it one of the simpler single-terminal airport layouts in Florida.

Concourse A

Concourse A primarily serves Bahamasair and Silver Airways. Uniquely, Concourse A has four hardstand gates — meaning passengers walk out to the aircraft on the tarmac rather than using a jetbridge. This is common at smaller regional airports but relatively unusual for a metro airport of PBI's size. If your gate is in Concourse A, dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

Concourse B (13 gates)

Concourse B is the busiest concourse, serving Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. American and Southwest have the largest presence here. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 renovations have added new concession space between Gates B5 and B7.

Concourse C (15 gates)

Concourse C hosts Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. Delta has a significant presence in Concourse C, and JetBlue operates several routes here as well.

Airlines at PBI

PBI serves a strong roster of domestic carriers. In addition to those listed above, seasonal and charter services operate from PBI, particularly to Caribbean and Canadian destinations during winter months. American Airlines has the largest overall presence at the airport.

Getting To and From PBI

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft are available at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim. Downtown West Palm Beach is about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $15 to $25. Palm Beach island (Palm Beach proper) is 15 to 20 minutes and $20 to $30. Boca Raton is 25 to 35 minutes and $30 to $45. Jupiter and North Palm Beach are 25 to 30 minutes and $25 to $40. South to Fort Lauderdale is 45 to 60 minutes and $50 to $70.

Palm Tran Bus

Palm Tran public bus service connects PBI to West Palm Beach and surrounding Palm Beach County communities. Route 44 connects the airport to downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. This is the budget option — very cheap but significantly slower than rideshare.

Brightline Train

The Brightline high-speed train station in downtown West Palm Beach is about 15 minutes from PBI by rideshare. Brightline connects West Palm Beach to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and (via a new extension) to Orlando. If your final destination is anywhere along the Brightline corridor, this is a fast and stress-free option.

Rental Cars

The rental car facility is inside the main terminal on the ground level. All major brands are available. Book early if visiting during peak season (November through April), as rentals can sell out and prices rise sharply.

Parking

PBI has terminal parking garages and economy lots. Daily garage rates run $20 to $25. Economy lots are $10 to $14 per day with a free shuttle to the terminal. Parking fills up quickly during peak season; pre-booking online is recommended.

Dining and Shopping

PBI's dining options have improved as part of the terminal renovation. The selection is smaller than Miami or Fort Lauderdale but covers the essentials well.

Duffy's Sports Grill — A Florida sports bar chain with a full menu. Good for watching games and having a proper meal pre-flight.
Harvest & Grounds — Fresh salads, wraps, and grab-and-go options for health-conscious travelers.
Keke's Breakfast Cafe — Morning option for eggs, pancakes, and breakfast favorites.
Starbucks, Chick-fil-A — Reliable quick-service options in the main concourse areas.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

PBI offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Connect to the PBI Wi-Fi network — no password required. Power outlets are available at most gate areas. TSA PreCheck is available at the main security checkpoint.

Lounges

PBI does not have a major airline club lounge. American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club are not present at this airport. Priority Pass and credit card network lounges should be checked via your specific card's app.

Tips for Navigating PBI

Peak season means everything is pricier and busier. November through April is Palm Beach's social season. Flights, parking, and car rentals all command premium prices. Book 3 to 6 months in advance for winter travel.
Hardstand gates in Concourse A. If your gate is in Concourse A, you will board the aircraft by walking outside across the tarmac. In summer, this means heat and humidity. In winter, this can be surprisingly pleasant.
Brightline is a great option for Miami trips. If you land at PBI and need to get to Miami, Brightline from downtown West Palm Beach is often faster and cheaper than a rideshare all the way to Miami.
PBI is less chaotic than MIA or FLL. If you have flexibility on which South Florida airport to use, PBI is often the least stressful. Shorter security lines, easier parking, and quicker baggage claim make it worth the slightly smaller route network.
Construction through 2028. Some concession areas are affected by the renovation. If a shop or restaurant you expected isn't available, check the other concourse.

Nearby Hotels

The Hilton West Palm Beach is 10 minutes from the airport and convenient for an overnight stay. The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island and the Eau Palm Beach Resort are 20 to 30 minutes away. Downtown West Palm Beach, with its Clematis Street restaurant and bar scene, is about 15 minutes by rideshare and a great alternative to staying airport-adjacent.