Delaware, the First State, boasts a rich history, stunning beaches, and charming towns – but getting there is the first step to your Delaware adventure. Understanding Delaware's airport connections is crucial for planning a smooth and enjoyable trip. This guide will explore Delaware's airport options and answer frequently asked questions about accessing this captivating state.
What airports serve Delaware?
Delaware's primary airport is the Delaware Air National Guard Base (DNGB), also known as the New Castle Airport. While not a commercial airport in the traditional sense, it does serve general aviation, offering a convenient option for private flights and some charter services. For commercial flights, travelers typically fly into nearby airports in neighboring states. The closest major airports with significant commercial flight options are:
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Located approximately 30 miles north of Wilmington, PHL offers numerous domestic and international flights with major airlines. It's the most convenient option for many visitors.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Around 60 miles north of Dover, BWI provides another excellent choice with a wide range of flight options.
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New York area airports (JFK, LGA, EWR): While further away (approximately 100-150 miles), these airports offer an extensive network of flights, potentially providing more affordable or convenient options depending on your origin.
How far are the airports from popular Delaware destinations?
The distance from these airports to popular Delaware destinations varies significantly. For example:
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Rehoboth Beach: PHL is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours away, while BWI is around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
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Wilmington: PHL is around 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic, while BWI is closer to 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours away.
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Dover: BWI is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes away. PHL is about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours away.
What transportation options are available from the airports to Delaware?
Several transportation options connect these airports to Delaware:
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Rental Cars: The most flexible option, allowing you to explore Delaware at your own pace. All three airports (PHL, BWI, and the major New York airports) have extensive rental car facilities.
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Ride-sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): Readily available at all airports, offering a convenient alternative to rental cars, especially for shorter trips.
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Public Transportation: While limited direct public transportation exists from these airports to Delaware's smaller towns, buses and trains are available to larger cities like Wilmington, with connections to other areas possible. However, this option requires more planning and may be less convenient than other methods.
Are there any direct flights to Delaware?
No, there are currently no regularly scheduled commercial passenger flights directly into Delaware. Delaware Air National Guard Base primarily serves general aviation.
What is the best airport to fly into for a trip to Delaware?
The best airport depends on your destination in Delaware and your flight options.
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For Rehoboth Beach and other beach towns: PHL generally offers the shortest travel time.
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For Wilmington and northern Delaware: PHL is the most convenient choice due to its proximity.
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For central Delaware (Dover): BWI might be slightly more convenient, depending on your specific location and flight availability.
Always compare flight prices and travel times from your origin to all these airports before making a decision.
Which airport is closest to Dover, Delaware?
While not dramatically closer than PHL, BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport) is generally considered the closest major commercial airport to Dover, Delaware.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Delaware's airport connections. Remember to factor in travel time from the airport to your final destination when planning your trip to the First State. Enjoy your Delaware adventure!
