Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is north of Panama City Beach, and the drive to beachfront accommodations, restaurants and attractions takes about 15 minutes. Rental cars, taxis, shuttles and rideshares offer ways to continue into town.
- Airport address: 6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City, FL 32409.
- Drive into Panama City Beach: about 15 minutes to beachfront accommodations, restaurants and attractions.
- Most direct route from the north: Highway 79.
- Other options: rental cars, taxis, shuttles and rideshares.
Where is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport?
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is at 6300 West Bay Parkway in Panama City, north of Panama City Beach. The Panama City Beach tourism board describes the drive from ECP to beachfront accommodations, restaurants and attractions as about 15 minutes.
The airport serves the Panama City Beach area, but the drive into town is a separate leg of the trip. Choosing between a rental car and a single ride from the airport is a useful first decision. For beach plans, where to find public beach access can help shape the destination.
How do you drive from ECP to Panama City Beach?
What taxi, rideshare and shuttle options are available?
Taxis, rideshares and shuttles offer alternatives to driving from ECP. The airport publishes ground-transportation provider information; confirm current availability and arrangements directly with a provider.
The airport’s published rideshare pickup location is across the street from the main airport entrance, near the entrance to the covered parking lot. Follow airport pickup directions when requesting a rideshare and allow time to reach the designated area after collecting bags.
How should you plan airport pickup and the return trip?
Arranging a taxi, shuttle or other prearranged pickup before arrival can clarify where the driver will meet you. Confirm the pickup location with the provider, then follow airport directions after landing.
For the return trip, plan the journey back to ECP and airport arrival steps. Rental-car users should check the company’s return instructions; anyone who has booked a ride should confirm pickup details with the provider. A day trip from Panama City Beach to Panama City is another possible part of an itinerary.
Bay County Bayway connects Panama City Beach with Panama City, Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Parker and Springfield. You can use set routes or schedule trips through the Bayway Flex app or by calling 850-769-0557.
Which airport transport option fits your stay?
A rental car suits a trip that calls for self-driving; a taxi, rideshare or shuttle can provide a ride from the airport without a rental. Compare the pickup arrangements and whether a vehicle is needed beyond the airport journey.
If plans include visiting Florida State University Panama City, factor that destination into transport planning.
For a stay at a two-star motel in Panama City Beach, the airport is about 12.2 miles away. Choose transport based on the trip planned and confirm provider details before travelling.
FAQs
How long is the drive from ECP to Panama City Beach?
The Panama City Beach tourism board describes the drive to beachfront accommodations, restaurants and attractions as about 15 minutes.
What is the most direct route from the airport?
Highway 79 is the most direct route into Panama City Beach from the north. Highway 98 leads directly into the beach area for drivers coming from the west.
Where do rideshares pick up at ECP?
The published rideshare pickup point is across the street near the covered parking lot entrance, outside the main airport entrance.
Can you travel around Bay County without a rental car?
Bay County Bayway offers set routes and scheduled trips through the Bayway Flex app or by phone. Its connections include Panama City Beach and several other Bay County communities.