JAX, SAV or BQK? Picking the Best Airport for St. Simons, Sea Island and Jekyll Island
Planning a trip to the Golden Isles usually starts with one question: which airport should I fly into? Three airline airports serve St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick, and each one makes sense for a different kind of traveler. Here is how they compare, how long the drive takes from each, and what to expect the moment you land.
The quick answer
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) is the closest, about 20 to 30 minutes from the islands, with daily flights from Atlanta.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) usually has the most flight options. It's about 1 hour to Jekyll Island and 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 minutes to St. Simons and Sea Island.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is an easy, friendly airport about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 45 minutes north of the islands.
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK): closest to the islands
BQK is a small airport just outside Brunswick, and it's the closest airline airport to the Golden Isles. Daily Delta Connection flights come in from Atlanta, so if you're connecting through ATL anyway, flying into BQK saves you the longest part of the drive.
St. Simons Island: about 15 miles, 20 to 25 minutes
Sea Island: about 19 miles, 25 to 30 minutes
Jekyll Island: about 20 miles, about 30 minutes
Local tip: since BQK is a single connection from Atlanta, a delay there can push your arrival later into the evening. Share your flight number when you book so your ride follows your actual landing time, not the one on your itinerary.
Jacksonville (JAX): the most flight options
JAX is a bigger airport in north Florida, and many visitors find more nonstop flights and better schedules there. The drive is simple: north on I-95 into Georgia, then across the Jekyll Island Causeway, or the F.J. Torras Causeway to St. Simons and Sea Island.
Jekyll Island: about 60 miles, about 1 hour
St. Simons Island: about 65 miles, 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20 minutes
Sea Island: about 70 miles, 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes
Local tip: Jekyll Island is actually the quickest island to reach from Jacksonville, because its causeway sits on the south side of Brunswick, right off your route.
Savannah (SAV): an easy airport and a pretty drive
SAV is known for being easy to get through, and it's a great pick if you want to add a day or two in Savannah to your trip. From the airport it's a straight run south on I-95 to Brunswick, past miles of marsh and pine.
St. Simons Island: about 80 miles, 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 35 minutes
Sea Island: about 85 miles, 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 40 minutes
Jekyll Island: about 90 miles, 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45 minutes
Local tip: at SAV, pickup happens outside in the airport rideshare pickup area, not at baggage claim. Grab your bags, head outside, and your driver will text you when they're there.
Staying in Brunswick, Darien or McIntosh County?
If you're staying in Brunswick itself, BQK is the easy choice, and the drive from JAX or SAV is a little shorter than going out to the islands. Darien and the rest of McIntosh County sit about 20 minutes north of Brunswick along the coast, which puts them a bit closer to Savannah. We serve both areas too, so you can fly into whichever airport fits your schedule best.
What to expect when you land
At BQK and JAX, your driver meets you inside the terminal next to baggage claim #1.
At SAV, you meet outside in the rideshare pickup area.
Your flight is tracked, with an hour of grace from landing, so early or late arrivals are no problem.
One black car vehicle carries up to 7 riders, plus bags and golf clubs.
Heading to Sea Island? We hold gate permits, so you ride right to your door.
Quick FAQ
Which airport is closest to St. Simons Island?
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), about 15 miles and 20 to 25 minutes away.
Is it worth flying into Jacksonville instead?
Often, yes. If JAX has a nonstop flight or a better schedule for you, the drive to St. Simons is only about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20 minutes, and Jekyll Island is about an hour.
Do I need a rental car in the Golden Isles?
Not always. Plenty of visitors skip the rental counter, ride straight to their hotel, resort or rental home, and get around the islands by bike once they're settled.
How far ahead should I book my airport ride?
One to two weeks ahead is ideal, especially for holidays, weddings and golf weekends. Shorter notice is always welcome, so reach out even if your trip is coming up fast.
Ready to plan your ride?
Tell us your airport, flight number, how many are traveling and where you're staying, and we'll take care of the rest. Request your ride whenever you're ready. Booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is best, and shorter notice is welcome. You can also call or text (912) 419-9873.
Comments