Air Travel Guide
Flights, airports, and transportation tips for PGD
Your Punta Gorda Airport Travel Guide
Punta Gorda and its surrounding regions are served by several airports with varying degrees of convenience, accessibility, and services. The main airports include Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and Naples Municipal Airport (APF). Each airport caters to different types of travelers, ranging from commercial passengers to private aviation users. Based on proximity and overall convenience, Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is the best option for travelers heading directly into Punta Gorda due to its location within the city limits and focus on budget-friendly flights via Allegiant Air.
Local Airports & Services
Punta Gorda Airport is a regional airport located within Punta Gorda itself. It primarily serves leisure travelers through budget airlines like Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines.
Airlines and Destinations: Allegiant Air is the dominant carrier at PGD, offering non-stop flights to over 50 destinations across the Midwest and Northeast United States. Popular destinations include Akron/Canton (OH), Cincinnati (OH), Cleveland (OH), Indianapolis (IN), and Nashville (TN). Sun Country Airlines provides seasonal service to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MN).
Amenities, Parking, and Services:
PGD offers essential amenities such as free WiFi, Bailey’s Marketplace for food and beverages, pet relief areas, nursing rooms, and baggage carts. Parking options include short-term parking ($2 per hour, $11 daily maximum) and long-term parking ($11 per day, $66 weekly maximum). A free cell phone lot is also available for pickups.
Expansion Projects:
The airport is undergoing significant development, including terminal expansion to accommodate growing passenger numbers. This project includes new gates, expanded security checkpoints, and enhanced dining/retail options. Other initiatives include the construction of a General Aviation Center and runway improvements.
Located approximately 40 miles south of Punta Gorda in Fort Myers, RSW is a major commercial airport serving Southwest Florida.
Airlines and Destinations:
RSW hosts numerous airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, Eurowings Discover, and Frontier Airlines. It connects travelers to domestic hubs like Atlanta (GA), Chicago (IL), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), New York City (NY), and international destinations like Toronto (Canada) and Frankfurt (Germany).
Parking Options:
RSW offers short-term parking ($18 daily maximum), long-term parking ($15 daily maximum), economy parking ($11 daily maximum with shuttle service), and a free cell phone lot for pickups.
Terminal Amenities:
The terminal features free WiFi, restaurants such as Starbucks and Shula’s Bar & Grill, retail outlets like PGA TOUR Shop and Brighton Collectibles, nursing rooms, pet relief areas, charging stations for devices, and art displays showcasing local artists.
Situated approximately 60 miles north of Punta Gorda in Sarasota/Bradenton, SRQ is a mid-sized airport with growing popularity.
Airlines and Destinations:
SRQ serves airlines like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Eurowings Discover, Elite Airways. Domestic destinations include Atlanta (GA), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), New York City (NY). International routes include Toronto (Canada) and Frankfurt (Germany).
Ground Transportation Options:
Ground transportation includes rental cars from major providers like Enterprise and Hertz. Taxis cost approximately $110-$140 to Punta Gorda. Rideshare services like Uber/Lyft charge $90-$115 for the same route.
Located about 70 miles south of Punta Gorda in Naples, APF primarily serves private aviation needs.
Private vs Commercial Use:
APF is primarily a general aviation airport catering to private aircraft owners and corporate jets. Limited commercial service is available through Elite Airways offering seasonal routes.
Services for Private Travelers:
The airport provides full-service Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) offering fueling services, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, executive lounges with WiFi access. Charter services are available for domestic/international flights.
Transportation to and from the Airports
Shuttle & Van Services
Several companies provide shuttle services between Punta Gorda and nearby airports
- MBA Airport Transportation: Offers door-to-door service starting at $50 for local destinations from PGD or $85–$95 from RSW
- Paradise Shuttle Service: Provides transfers between PGD/RSW/SRQ with rates ranging from $65–$90 depending on distance
- Diplomat Transportation: Offers sedan services starting at $89–$105 from RSW or $115+ for vans
Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Lyft operate at all regional airports
- PGD: Estimated cost is $15–$25 for local trips within Punta Gorda
- RSW: Costs range from $65–$85 to Punta Gorda
- SRQ: Prices vary between $90–$115
- APF: Rates are higher at $95–$130 due to limited availability
Public Transit
Public transit options are limited
- PGD: Charlotte County Transit offers dial-a-ride services within Charlotte County ($2 per trip)
- RSW: LeeTran Route 50 connects RSW to Fort Myers but does not extend to Punta Gorda
- SRQ/APF: No direct public transit links exist between these airports and Punta Gorda
Private Car or Limo Services
Private car services offer luxury transportation options>
- MBA Airport Transportation: Provides sedans starting at $65 or SUVs from $85
- Diplomat Transportation: Offers stretch limousines starting at $125/hour
- Florida Suncoast Transportation: Specializes in executive car service with rates starting at $70 for PGD or $95 for RSW transfers
