Located in Escambia County, Pensacola International Airport is a public-use airport approximately 6 km from the downtown area of Pensacola, a waterfront city known for its crystal blue waters, rich history and vibrant arts scene.
Airport Facilities & Car Rental Service
The airport offers several facilities including dining places, shopping stores, free WiFi, and comfortable lounges. For those looking to start their journey directly at the airport, there are numerous car rental services located at the lower level of the airport terminal. Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Sixt are just some of the international car rental operators working here.
Recommended Car Classes
Compact cars like the Ford Fiesta are recommended due to their fuel efficiency, ease to park in busy areas, and enough room for a couple of suitcases. SUVs or minivans like the Ford Explorer or Chrysler Voyager can be ideal choices for larger families or group of friends.
Driving in Florida: What to Expect
Driving in Florida can be an entirely different ball game compared to driving in the UK. Here are some important points to consider:
Drive on the Right
Unlike the UK, in the US, we drive on the right. This can understandably take some time getting used to, but it is an essential thing to remember.
The Four-Way Stop
Four-way stop intersections may be unfamiliar to those from the UK. The first vehicle to stop at the intersection has the right of way. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
Turn Right on Red
In many places in the US, it’s legal to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there’s a sign indicating otherwise. Make sure there are no pedestrians crossing and no incoming traffic from the left.
Local Climate
Pensacola boasts a warm subtropical climate, nearly year-round sunshine, and average temperatures ranging from 60.5 F (15.8 C) in January to 89.1 F (31.7 C) in August. So be sure to pack some sun cream for your trip!
The Surrounding Area: Cities and Attractions
From Pensacola, you can easily access many renowned cities and attractions in Florida. These include:
- Destin: Known for its stunning white beaches, you can reach Destin in about 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
- Tallahassee: The state capital is about 3 hours away and features numerous parks, art galleries, and Florida State University.
- Orlando: Around 6.5 hours by car, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and many other family-oriented attractions.
Remember, U.S. currency is the U.S. dollar, and the road to a great Florida holiday starts at Pensacola International Airport!
