El Paso International Airport

Welcome

El Paso International Airport (ELP) is a compact, genuinely local-feeling borderlands airport. Here, you can experience authentic Tex-Mex cuisine as you gaze at the desert mountains through the terminal windows. Often described as a "high-functioning small airport," ELP is praised for its usual calmness, minimal delays, and ease of navigation compared with the larger Texas hubs.

At a glance

Serving over 4 million passengers a year, El Paso International is strategically located just 4 miles northeast of downtown. With two concourses, A and B, the airport efficiently handles flights for major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Despite its modest size, ELP manages to offer a decent range of facilities and services to meet the needs of travelers.

Terminals & layout

ELP consists of two concourses: Concourse A, with 4 gates, and Concourse B, with 11 gates. While Concourse A hosts eateries like Starbucks and Great American Steakburger, Concourse B provides a more extensive dining lineup featuring the PGA Tour Grill, Smashburger, and the popular Tia's Tex-Mex. The single-terminal layout makes it easy for travelers to find their way and enjoy the facilities, though its size means you won't find the upscale amenities of larger airports.

Getting to and from the city

Travelers heading into El Paso from the airport have several options. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft provide the quickest and most straightforward connection to downtown or the east side. For those on a tighter budget, Sun Metro’s Route 33 and Brio Montana Corridor buses are available, but they can be slow and infrequent, especially when timed poorly with existing schedules. The airport's proximity to major highways like Loop 375 and I-10 is convenient for renting a car, particularly for day trips into New Mexico or across the border.

Traveller essentials

Wi-Fi is plentiful and reliable across the airport, making it possible to work effectively from most gates. However, early morning security can be hectic, especially between 5–7 a.m., so plan a bigger buffer if you have a dawn departure. While TSA PreCheck is available, it doesn’t operate a dedicated lane as in larger hubs. Rental cars are notably affordable here, voted highly by frequent travelers for the quick access to major routes.

Dining & shopping highlights

The dining scene at ELP leans heavily into regional flavors, with Tex-Mex favorites prominently featured. Concourse B houses eateries like the Sun City Saloon and Schlotzsky’s / Cinnabon, perfect for those seeking hearty meals. Yet, be aware of the limited hours; concessions tend to close early, with only a handful remaining open for late flights. For shopping, both concourses offer local-themed stores like El Paso Marketplace and Sun City News.

Lounges

Frequent flyers may find the lack of traditional airline lounges a downside at ELP. The sole lounge, USO El Paso, caters primarily to military personnel. As a result, those looking for a quiet place to work or relax may have to settle for quieter corners in the terminal, as premium cabin passengers have noted.

Insider tips

• Time: Security lines peak from 5–7 a.m. Plan a big-hub buffer for early flights.
• Quiet: The La Placita area on the lower level offers a quieter reprieve away from gate crowds.
• Money: Rental cars are a great value, especially on weekends. Be on the road within 20 minutes.
• Avoid: Sun Metro’s Route 33 is slow. Opt for taxis or rideshares if you’re in a rush.
• Local: Try Tia's Tex-Mex in Concourse B for a taste of El Paso’s regional specialties.
• Insider: Hit the shoeshine stand near Gate B2 for a touch of nostalgia and broad weekday hours.
• Local: Discover regional art and history displays on the terminal’s lower level.