South Padre Island is one of the underrated tourist destinations in Texas, United States of America. The beach island has an appealing natural habitat that provides visitors with a sense of calmness and stillness. Nevertheless, considering there is not even a single airport on the Island, you may be unsure how to get here.
If you are hunting down the airport and flight options to get to SPI and ground transport to navigate the areas afterward by road, you are exactly where you need to be. In the further sections, we are going to introduce you to everything you require to witness “JOY” on your vacay to South Padre Island. Stay With Us!
Where is South Padre Island? Location and Address Deets
The South Padre Island is located in Cameron County, Willacy County, and is easily accessible from Queen Isabella Causeway.
State: Texas
Country: United States
Latitude: 26.103
Longitude: -97.164
Time zone: US/Central
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Major Airports Within 50 Miles of SPI
Consider yourself lucky because there may not be any airports in South Padre Island, but there are airports surrounding the region. Let’s discuss the three closest major airports to South Padre Island:
| Name of the Airports | Estimated Distance |
| Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport – BRO | 25 Miles |
| General Servando Canales International Airport -MAM | 37 Miles |
| Valley International Airport – HRL | 48 Miles |
1. Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport – BRO
Located in Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, United States, Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport is the nearest to get to SPI. It is 25 miles from South Padre Island in Texas. It conveniently serves United Airlines and Avelo Airlines, offering direct flights to George Bush Intercontinental Airport(IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The airport consists of a single passenger terminal which has two levels. All the airlines are at the first level, where you can check in with your luggage and retain access to the second floor. At the second level, you can move through security and then to the boarding gates.
Facilities such as restrooms, pet relief areas, internet, vending machines, food and beverage outlets, nursing stations, emergency services, etc, are available at this airport.
2. General Servando Canales International Airport – MAM
The General Servando Canales International Airport, also referred to as the Matamoros International Airport (MAM), is the next viable option to get to South Padre Island. It is located in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border, and is around 37 miles from South Padre Island, Texas. The airport serves domestic flights within Mexico City and is a perfect option for cross-border travelers.
The airport is equipped with one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic arrivals and departures, providing facilities such as check-ins, security checkpoints, baggage claim sections, taxi stands, car rental options, retail stores, parking areas, and more. These services or facilities contribute to a quick arrival and stress-free departure with the two airlines serving here: Aeroméxico Connect and Aerus.
3. Valley International Airport – HRL
The next option the passengers have to get to SPI is through Valley International Airport, which is situated in Cameron County, Texas, United States, proudly owned by Harlingen City. This airport is vividly known as the “Gateway to South Padre Island,” given its proximity to South Padre Island, TX.
HRL has one main passenger terminal with several boarding gates. Currently, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines offer scheduled passenger services to and from HRL, serving flights to major airports such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Houston Hobby Airport.
The airport offers several amenities to the passengers, including hotels, taxis and shuttles, car rentals, parking, restaurants, a kid’s play place, bars, gift shops, cafes, etc. Passengers wanting to benefit from these services can do so pre or post security levels per the availability.
Domestic And International Airports Near SPI
Other convenient choices are also available besides the three major and the nearest airports to SPI. Look at the domestic and international airports that can get you entry to South Padre Island. As these airports are within 280 Miles of SPI, it won’t take much time for you to drive the left distance and reach there in no time.
| Name of the Airports | Estimated Distance |
| General Lucio Blanco International Airport – REX | 79 Miles |
| McAllen-Miller International Airport – MFE | 81 Miles |
| Corpus Christi International Airport – CRP | 168 Miles |
| Monterrey International Airport – MTY | 219 Miles |
1. General Lucio Blanco International Airport – REX
General Lucio Blanco International Airport, also known as Reynosa International Airport, is 79 Miles from South Padre Island. It helps operate Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, and Viva Aerobus to and from its single terminal. It handles foot traffic of over one million passengers annually, providing services such as check-in, immigration, and customs facility, baggage claim, snack bars, taxi stands, and car rentals; if you love covering scenic road tours, you may enjoy the ride to SPI from this airport as the distance is neither too long nor too short.
2. McAllen-Miller International Airport – MFE
The McAllen-Miller International Airport is located in McAllen, in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. It is at a distance of 81 miles from your destination, South Padre Island. The commercial airport is small and easy to navigate in comparison with the other airports in proximity. It has one main passenger terminal with six boarding gates which conveniently serve the airlines: Aeroméxico Connect, Allegiant Air, Delta Connection, United Airlines, and Volaris. The services include food and drink outlets, comfort zone bars, coffee shops, wifi, shoe shine booths, and shopping stores.
3. Corpus Christi International Airport – CRP
Six miles west of Corpus Christi, in Nueces County, Texas, and 168 Miles from South Padre Island, Corpus Christi International Airport is another option to get to South Padre Island. The international stop has six boarding gates, in which gates 4 and 6 offer direct entry to the U.S. Customs office. It majorly serves two leading airlines: Southwest Airlines, operating flights to Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), and United Express operating flights to Houston-Intercontinental (IAH). It is expected to resume Southwest Flights to Dallas/Fort Worth from June 2024.
4. Monterrey International Airport – MTY
Monterrey International Airport, also known as General Mariano Escobedo International Airport, is 219 miles from South Padre Island, located in Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico, conveniently Greater Monterrey. The airport consists of three passenger terminals named: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C, respectively.
Volaris, Magnicharters, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, and United Airlines use Terminal A.
Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, TAR Aerolíneas, and Delta Air Lines use Terminal B.
Viva Aerobus, the major flying carrier operating to/from MTY, uses Terminal C.
Interterminal Shuttle is available to connect passengers within the terminals. Besides, hotels, restaurants, passenger lounges, ground transport, etc, are also available to serve travelers with their individual requirements.
Ways to Drive To South Padre Island from the Nearest Airports
Now that you have made it to the airports, you will need ground transportation to get to South Padre Island, to begin your trip. You need not worry because the below-mentioned options will be your drive for the day.
1. Car Rentals
The car rental agencies to get you around SPI include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Easirent, Sunnycars, etc. You can move forward and book whichever option suits your budget best and can get you to your location. This will get you all ready to explore the unexplored destinations with the privacy you seek while driving.
2. Taxi Services
Apart from Car Rentals, several taxi operators are also available near the mentioned airports, which you can negotiate with to get to your location. This is a viable option if you don’t wish to drive but nap on your way out. The options include
- A Taxi, 826 S Garcia St, Port Isabel, TX 78578, (956) 943-4848
- A Cab, 1515 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597, (956 )761-2222
- BB’s Taxis, 104 E Ling St., South Padre Island, TX 78597, (956)-761-1111
- JJ’s Taxi, 108 E Pike St., South Padre Island, TX 78597, (956) 761-9292
3. Private Transport
If you are high on luxury, nothing could be better than opting for private transport to get out and about in South Padre Island, as a range of options are available, including
- South Padre Island Surf Shuttle, 956-443-1406, Spisurfshuttle.com.
- Shuttle Service to/from Brownsville and Harlingen airport, 956-761-7433
- Lisa Vega, Car Service to/from Brownsville and Harlingen airports, 432-703-8032
- SPI – Shuttle Service in the Lower Laguna Madre, covering South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Laguna Heights, and Laguna Vista, 956-621-8647, spi-shuttle.com
4. Private/Charter Rentals
Last but not least, Private or Charter Rentals are also available to passengers wanting to get here and there on South Padre Island. The options include:
- Price4Limo, *Limousine, Party Bus & Charter Bus Rentals, (855) 458-7002
- All Valley Limousine Service, 600 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 630-5466, (866) 851-2345 (Toll-Free)
- All Valley Charters, 600 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 213-1181, allvalleycharters@hotmail.com
- Escamilla Tour Buses, 2801 Zinnia Ave., McAllen, TX 78504, (956) 994-1169, www.escamillatourbuses.com
- Presidential Transportation Services, 2549 US-83 BUS, McAllen, TX 78501. (956) 223-7488
Where to Stay in SPI? TOP-12 Hotel Recommendations
Comfortable stays and hotels are necessary whether you are visiting South Padre Island or any other destination for your vacay; to keep your valuables or belongings safe and to freshen up quickly before actually starting your trip. Below are the hotel Recommendations for you:
| Name of the Stays in South Padre Island | Address and Contact Details |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Padre Island, an IHG Hotel | 6502 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-8844 |
| Padre South Hotel | 1500 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-4951 |
| Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island | 6200 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-299-2481 |
| Margaritaville Beach Resort – South Padre Island | 310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-6551 |
| Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island | 6700 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-433-0590 |
| Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront | 7010 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-8700 |
| Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island- On The Beach | 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-426-9066 |
| Isla Grand Beach Resort | 500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-6511 |
| Suites at Sunchase | 1004 Padre Blvd H1, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-7711 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham South Padre Island | 4205 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-772-4207 |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach | 7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-772-7000 |
| Coco Beach Hotel On The Beach | 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States•+1 956-761-2831 |
Explorations in South Padre Island You Won’t Want to Miss
The explorations in South Padre Island specifically justify the statement, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Why? There are endless opportunities for travel enthusiasts to indulge or partake in and witness what adventure, thrill, and amusement feel like. The attractions in SPI are more sort of surprising and not the other way round.
- A beach holiday is incomplete without a beach day out. So, don’t forget to pack for your time at the infamous Isla Blanca Beach.
- Who would say no to Dolphin Tours, specifically when they aren’t held captive in an aquarium? Visit the SPI Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center.
- Scattered across forty acres of land, the South Padre Island Adventure Park is your place if you want horseback riding or simply pet the barn.
- Oh! What better is there to see than a perfectly made Largest Outdoor Sandcastle In The US made with approximately fifty tons of river sand?
- Giant swings, mini golf, go-karts, and reverse bungee are made available on a ride-by-ride basis to visitors at nowhere but the Gravity Park in SPI.
Wanna Get Around in SPI? Why Not Visit The Nearby Cities?
When the enthusiasts are done exploring the captivating activities in South Padre Island and require a little time out in the cities nearby, they can easily locate the places via four wheels. Regardless of the direction you are coming from, heading south on US Highways 77 and 83 from the west and 281 from the North, and then straight on to State Highway 100 will get you easy access to:
- Brownsville – 27.8 miles
- Harlingen – 46.4 miles
- McAllen – 79.7 miles
- Monterrey – 225 miles
- San Antonio – 297 miles
- Austin – 340 miles
- Houston – 367 miles
- Dallas – 565 miles
- Mexico City – 667 miles
- El Paso – 885 miles
In A Nut Shell!
Visiting South Padre Island is quite a great option to enjoy your time in the Texas, United States of America. While this blog contains everything you need to know before and during your visit to SPI, you can get a word with the respective officials to book flights, hotels, and even activities, if you need to. Rest assured, if you leave your residences well-planned, you are going to have a blast on your vacay to South Padre Island in Texas City.
We hope your time in South Padre Island, Texas, United States, becomes an unforgettable holiday.
Learn More about SPI!
Yes. South Padre Island is just about 20 miles from Mexico.
Travelers can land at Brownsville South Padre Airport or Valley International Airport, both within 40 miles of South Padre Island, to get here.
Yes. South Padre Island is one of the underrated tourist destinations, which offers tons of activities and attractions to its visitors. It is worth visiting all year round.
South Padre Island is definitely a very walkable city in Texas. You won’t find it hard to locate restaurants, hotels, beaches, and other entertainment thingies at a foot distance from one another.
There are several hotel accommodations, motels, and types of stays available in South Padre Island to stay. Per your budget and requirements, you can choose any of the available options.
Brownsville is close to South Padre Island, at a distance of approximately 30 miles or so. It is one of the historic cities in Texas, United States.
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport is the nearest airport to South Padre Island. It is at a distance of 25 miles from there.
Half an hour is quite an average time it will take to get to South Padre Island from the Airport. However, the time may also differ per the traffic conditions in the city.
United Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Aeromexico Connect, Aerus, Sun Country Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Volaris, United Airlines, and Viva Aerobus fly into and out of the South Padre Island in Texas, US.
The closest or the nearest airports to South Padre Island, TX, are Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, General Servando Canales International Airport, Valley International Airport, General Lucio Blanco International Airport, McAllen-Miller International Airport, Corpus Christi International Airport, and Monterrey International Airport.
