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Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is a city-owned public airport located three miles east of downtown Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexico border. Originally a World War II Army Airfield, it now features a modern terminal and serves as the closest commercial airport to South Padre Island. It offers nonstop flights to major Texas hubs and has a U.S. Customs facility for general aviation.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that the airport's single-terminal layout means security lines are typically short, but the TSA checkpoint closes 30 minutes before departure, so arrive at least an hour early to avoid stress.
🚖 Getting There
Rental cars are available from major agencies on-site, and rideshare pickups are located outside baggage claim. The drive to downtown Brownsville takes about 10 minutes, while South Padre Island is a 30-40 minute drive via I-69E and SH-48. Parking is convenient and affordable, with short-term and long-term lots adjacent to the terminal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is the airport from South Padre Island?
A: The airport is about 25 miles (40 km) from South Padre Island, a 30-40 minute drive via State Highway 48.
Q: Which airlines serve Brownsville?
A: American Eagle and United Express provide nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, respectively.
Q: Is there public transportation from the airport?
A: Brownsville Metro (B-Metro) Route 5 offers limited bus service to downtown Brownsville; taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also available.
Q: Does the airport handle international flights?
A: While it has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, there are currently no scheduled international passenger flights; it primarily serves domestic routes and general aviation.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash