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Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) opened in 2010 as the first new commercial airport built in the U.S. in more than a decade, replacing the older Panama City–Bay County airport. It sits inland near West Bay, about 20 miles northwest of Panama City Beach, and serves Florida's Emerald Coast with nonstop flights from major U.S. carriers. Its modern, single-terminal design and proximity to the Gulf beaches make it a convenient gateway to Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach, and the surrounding area.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors use the SR 388 Beach Express toll bridge for the quickest ECP–Panama City Beach drive; it costs a few dollars each way but often avoids the slower US-98 traffic through Panama City.
🚖 Getting There
Rental cars are the most flexible option, with agencies located at the terminal; book ahead during spring break and summer. Rideshare and taxi pickups are available outside baggage claim, but wait times can spike on peak arrival days. If you're heading to Panama City Beach, allow extra time for the US-98/Back Beach Road corridor, especially on weekends.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines serve ECP?
A: Major carriers include Southwest, Delta, American, United, and Allegiant, with year-round and seasonal nonstop routes to cities such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Nashville, Baltimore, and Houston. Check current schedules before booking.
Q: How far is ECP from Panama City Beach?
A: The airport is about 20–25 miles from the main Panama City Beach strip, typically a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic and your exact destination.
Q: Is there public transportation from the airport?
A: Public bus service is limited, so most travelers use rideshare, taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles. Rental cars are available on-site in the terminal area.
Q: Does ECP have international flights?
A: Despite "International" in its name, ECP currently focuses on domestic U.S. routes; international connections are usually made through hub airports.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash