PBI stands out from the busier airports in South Florida for one key reason: it’s refreshingly uncrowded and easy to navigate. While Miami International and Fort Lauderdale can feel overwhelming, this smaller gateway to West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and Boca Raton offers a more relaxed travel experience. More than a dozen airlines connect PBI to over 40 domestic airports plus several international destinations.
PBI is the third busiest airport in the Miami metro area, but you’d hardly know it. With 14 airlines like JetBlue, Delta and Southwest flying to over 40 nonstop destinations, it hits the sweet spot between having enough options and not being overwhelming. Here’s how to make this easy-going airport work for you.
What you need to know about the terminal at PBI
PBI has a single, easy-to-navigate terminal divided into three concourses: Concourses A, B and C. The compact design means you’re never walking far between security, gates, dining and shopping. For a meal, I’d recommend Sam Snead’s Tavern, which sits right next to a nine-hole putting green on Level 2. The airport also has two lounges if you prefer that experience.
How long are the TSA security lines at PBI?
Security at PBI is known for being quick, which is one of the major advantages over busier South Florida hubs. Wait times can stretch longer during peak travel periods like holidays, but it’s still generally quick. TSA PreCheck is available here to speed things up even more, with enrolment offered on-site through CLEAR at every security checkpoint.
The airport is also undergoing some construction, so it’s a good idea to play it safe and arrive at least two hours before your flight. If you’re a member of TSA PreCheck, you’re in luck–PBI has dedicated lanes, and they make your journey even smoother.
How to get to downtown West Palm Beach from PBI
PBI is just 2.5 miles from downtown West Palm Beach, . The fastest way to get there is by car. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are waiting right outside (rideshare pickup is at the outer curb of Level 3 Departures), and the trip usually takes about 10 minutes.
For budget-conscious travelers, Palm Tran’s bus route 44 will get you from the bus stops at the airport on the outer curb at Level One (Baggage Claim) to downtown in about 30 minutes. And if your hotel happens to be downtown, see if they provide a complimentary airport shuttle.
Lounges at PBI
PBI has two airport lounges: The Delta Sky Club in Concourse C is available for eligible Delta flyers, offering a quiet space to unwind.
Over just past the entrance to Concourses A and B, you’ll find the Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner. The nice part? It’s accessible to all passengers for a fee. Or, if you have certain credit cards, you might just get in for free. It’s a nice little upgrade to an already pleasant airport experience.
Alternative airports for West Palm Beach
While PBI is the primary airport for the West Palm Beach area, there are several reasonably close airports that offer additional flight options, particularly for international travel.
Luckily, the other major airports in South Florida are within reach, and thanks to the Tri-Rail and Brightline trains, you can often skip the infamous traffic.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
About 50 miles south, FLL is popular with low-cost carriers like JetBlue, Spirit and Southwest, and it’s a go-to for budget travelers. It’s busier than PBI, but the wider selection of domestic and international flights can be worth it.
Getting to FLL from West Palm Beach is pretty easy. Driving takes roughly an hour depending on traffic. For trains, you can choose the cheaper Tri-Rail service, which takes about an hour, or the pricier Brightline, which gets you there in 35 minutes.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Located 70 miles south, MIA is the busiest airport in Florida and a massive gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. But busy is the operative word here. Expect long lines and a lot of walking. The drive takes well over an hour in typical traffic, so the train is often a saner choice. The Brightline offers service to MiamiCentral, with travel times varying by schedule.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
At 150 miles north, MCO is a bit of a trek, but it can be a strategic choice if you’re looking for more routes or cheaper fares, especially if your trip includes a visit to the theme parks. The drive is about 2.5 hours, but the Brightline train connects MCO directly to West Palm Beach from Terminal C in about two hours, and it’s a surprisingly viable option.
How to get to nearby attractions and transportation hubs
One of the great things about flying into PBI is how close you are to the action. Most of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach’s top spots are a short ride away. Taxis or rideshares are your easiest bet, but a rental car is a good idea if you plan to explore up and down the coast. For a budget-friendly option, the Palm Tran bus network can get you where you need to go.
Manatee Lagoon
This educational center offers a chance to see wild manatees, especially in the cooler months. It’s a 15-minute drive north of the airport without traffic. By bus, you’ll need to connect from route 44 to route 1, which takes about 45 minutes.
Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
A short drive from PBI, the zoo is an easy trip. A taxi or rideshare is the most direct way to get there. Taking the bus is possible, but it’s a winding journey that will take over an hour.
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of downtown, the Kravis Center is only a quick drive or a 20-minute ride on bus route 44. Once you’re there, you’re within walking distance of great restaurants and shops.
Brightline West Palm Beach Train Station
The Brightline train is your high-speed connection to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando. The station isn’t at the airport, but it’s an easy 10- to 20-minute car ride to its downtown location. If you purchase a premium ticket, you'll get free snacks and drinks amongst other benefits.
Things to do during a layover
PBI isn’t a major hub, so long layovers are rare. But if you have a layover that's longer than four hours, you do have time to venture out of the airport. Downtown West Palm Beach is just 2.5 miles away, and the ritzy island of Palm Beach is only 3.5 miles away, making them perfect for a quick escape.
You could wander through CityPlace for shopping and dining, check out the lively scene on Clematis Street, or window-shop the luxury boutiques on Worth Avenue. If art is more your speed, the Norton Museum of Art and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum are both fantastic and close by. And let’s not forget the main attraction–with a few hours to spare, you can definitely squeeze in some time on the beach.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
