# Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

> Asheville, US · 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Asheville

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/avl
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/avl.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: AVL
- **ICAO**: KAVL
- **Timezone**: America/New_York
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: .877M/yr
- **Official site**: https://flyavl.com

## Overview

## Welcome

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) stands out by delivering a local and artsy ambiance that feels more like a compact downtown Asheville food hall than a typical small regional airport. Situated just 9 miles south of Asheville's downtown, AVL weaves local culture into its features—from an impressive art gallery and live piano to locally sourced baked goods and regional gifts available at post-security concessions. The airport’s atmosphere and curated shops and eateries motivate some travelers to plan extra time at the airport to enjoy these surprises.

## At a glance

Handling approximately 877,000 passengers annually, AVL maintains a singular passenger terminal used by airlines like Allegiant, American, and Delta. Despite its size, it covers essentials and beyond with a self-contained terminal where everything from food to amenities evokes Western North Carolina's local charm. The proximity to downtown Asheville makes it a convenient option for travelers, even as you explore destinations further afield.

## Terminals & layout

AVL consists of one terminal that is straightforward yet packed with amenities. Within its walls, offerings such as Jimmy John’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, and the local specialty shop, The Goods@AVL, fill the gateside spaces. Feel like a coffee? Head to Costa Coffee post-security for a quieter alternative with local baked goods. The terminal's layout keeps everything accessible while the local art displays add a vibrant touch.

## Getting to and from the city

When planning your journey to or from Asheville, expect a 20-25 minute trip by taxi, estimated between $30-$40. Uber and Lyft offer rides from the airport to downtown Asheville generally within the same timeframe for $20-$35 without surge pricing. Public transit is available via the Asheville Rides Transit Route S3 and Apple Country Transit, taking around 45-75 minutes and costing between $1-$2. If you're heading to more remote locations, private car services range from $80 to $150 depending on distance. On-site car rentals offer flexibility, though costs vary widely by season, frequently hitting $50-100+/day.

## Traveller essentials

Parking can fill quickly during peak seasons, so consider the $12/day Shuttle Lot A, which provides shuttle service to the terminal if the closer options are full. Inside, you'll find a fast and reliable "I Fly AVL!" Wi-Fi network suitable for your video calls, and ample charging points, including FuelRod kiosks. Facilities feature pet relief areas both pre- and post-security, and dedicated family spaces like the Mother’s Room and family restrooms both before and after security.

## Dining & shopping highlights

With all dining options located post-security, AVL maximizes your choices once you’re through TSA. From Aletitude — a full-service bar and grab-n-go option, to Jimmy John’s and The Goods@AVL for regional snacks, the selection mirrors Asheville’s vibrant food culture. If in need of caffeine, Costa Coffee serves up better-than-average airport coffee with goods fresh from local bakers. The food choices open early and late to accompany all flight times.

## Lounges

AVL does not feature traditional lounges, which may disappoint frequent flyers accustomed to such amenities. However, the free Wi-Fi, abundant charging ports, and the comfortable gallery area compensate by providing a good space to get work done or relax before a flight.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** The Goods@AVL stock regional artisan products and snacks that are perfect for last-minute souvenirs.

- **Money:** Attempting to park in the Shuttle Lot A from the start can save both time and a possible parking hassle during peak periods.

- **Time:** All food vendors are after security and typically open one hour before the first flight, ensuring availability for early departures.

- **Avoid:** First-timers should allow an extra 15 minutes to reach the separate ride-share pickup area across Airport Road by shuttle or on foot.

- **Quiet:** The post-security art gallery and piano area offer a peaceful spot to wait with coffee, away from the bustling main gates.

- **Local:** Consider public bus routes AVL S3 and Apple Country Transit as economical alternatives to rideshares during local festivals.

- **Local:** Costa Coffee’s offerings include local baked goods, a nod to Asheville’s café spirit.

## Terminals (2)

- **Passenger Terminal** — Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country
  The terminal offers a streamlined experience for travelers.
- **Main Terminal** — 12 gates · Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways

## Dining (5)

- **Aletitude** — C1
- **Costa Coffee** — C1
- **Jimmy John's** — C1
- **The Goods@AVL** — C1
- **Tropical Smoothie Café**

## Shops (1)

- **The Goods@AVL**

## Parking (6)

- **Long-Term Parking Lot** — Long-term parking · $12/day, 3/hr
- **Overflow Lots** — Economy parking as needed · $12/day, 3/hr
- **Overflow / Remote Parking** — Surface lot · Farther from terminal
- **Parking Garage** — Short-term parking · $17/day, /X/hr
- **Short-Term Parking Lot** — Short-term parking · $30/day, 3/hr
- **Shuttle Lot A** — Economy parking with shuttle · $12/day, 3/hr

## Ground transport (13)

- **Apple Country Transit** — Public bus · 45-60 min including connection from airport area · $1-2 · Primarily weekday commuter-style headways; limited or no weekend service on some routes
- **Asheville Rides Transit Route S3** — Public bus · 60-75 min including transfer and walk · $1-2 · Roughly every 30-60 min · limited hours, no late-night
- **Ground Transportation Pickup Lot** — Shuttle transfer area · 2-5 min walk from baggage claim to signed pickup area · Used continuously whenever flights arrive; no independent schedule
- **Hotel and private shuttles** — Shuttle · 20–30 min to major Asheville hotels · $0-25 · Varies by hotel or operator
  Several area hotels and private transportation companies run prearranged shuttles that meet passengers at the ground transportation area.
- **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy shuttle · 10-20 min wait plus 5-10 min drive from nearby hotels · Often free for hotel guests; some properties may bundle into resort/parking fees per reviews · On-request within operating hours; typical cutoffs around 22:00-23:00 noted in reviews
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 20–25 min to downtown Asheville · $25-45 · On demand
  Passengers meet their driver in the signed rideshare pickup zone outside the terminal.
- **On-site Rental Cars** — Rental car · 5-15 min to walk from gate to counter and pick up keys; 20-25 min drive AVL–downtown · Highly variable; user reports range widely by season, often $50-100+/day during peak periods · Available daily aligned with flight schedules; counters may close overnight per user reports
- **Private Car Services** — Pre-arranged car · 20-30 min AVL–downtown; 45-90 min to more remote mountain rentals depending on distance · Highly variable; many reviews cite ~$80-150 for AVL to more distant cabins or group vans · By reservation only; advance booking strongly recommended for weekends/events
- **Regional bus and van services** — Bus · 25–45 min to Asheville area destinations · $10-35 · Limited scheduled departures
  Regional ground transportation providers offer scheduled or prebooked bus and van connections that may require advance reservations.
- **Ride App Services** — Uber and Lyft · 20-25 min AVL–downtown in normal traffic · $20-35 AVL–downtown in typical non-surge conditions reported by users · On-demand via apps; waits often 5-15 min, longer late night/early morning per user reports
- **Taxi service from terminal curb** — Taxi · 20–25 min to downtown Asheville · $30-45 · On demand
  Local taxis queue outside the terminal and can be boarded without advance reservation for most arriving flights.
- **Taxi Services** — Metered taxi · 20-25 min AVL–downtown in normal traffic · $30-40 AVL–downtown reported in user reviews · On-demand; small taxi line usually available whenever flights arrive
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 20–25 min to downtown Asheville · $25-45 · On demand
  App‑based pickup occurs in the designated rideshare area outside the terminal; travelers should confirm the exact pickup point in the app.

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: The Goods@AVL stock regional artisan products and snacks that are perfect for last-minute souvenirs.
- _Money_: Attempting to park in the Shuttle Lot A from the start can save both time and a possible parking hassle during peak periods.
- _Time_: All food vendors are after security and typically open one hour before the first flight, ensuring availability for early departures.
- _Avoid_: First-timers should allow an extra 15 minutes to reach the separate ride-share pickup area across Airport Road by shuttle or on foot.
- _Quiet_: The post-security art gallery and piano area offer a peaceful spot to wait with coffee, away from the bustling main gates.
- _Local_: Consider public bus routes AVL S3 and Apple Country Transit as economical alternatives to rideshares during local festivals.
- _Local_: Costa Coffee’s offerings include local baked goods, a nod to Asheville’s café spirit.