Welcome to Honduras: Complete Airport Arrival Guide (2026)

Honduras Airport Overview

Honduras has multiple international airports serving different regions, making it important to choose the right one based on your destination. Whether you're heading to the Caribbean islands, colonial ruins, or the mainland, this guide covers all your arrival options.

Main International Airports:

• Roatán (RTB) - Best for Bay Islands
• San Pedro Sula (SAP) - Industrial hub, gateway to Copán
• Palmerola (XPL) - International gateway for Tegucigalpa (about 70 km north of the capital)

Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport - Roatán (RTB)

The island's modern airport receives direct flights from the US (Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas) and connections via mainland Honduras.

What to Expect at Roatán

1. Immigration - Quick processing, tourist card provided
2. Baggage claim - Small but efficient
3. Customs - Usually straightforward for tourists
4. Exit - Taxis and transfers waiting outside

Tip: Most resorts offer complimentary airport transfers - confirm when booking.

Transportation from Roatán Airport

Resort Transfers (Recommended)

• Most dive resorts and hotels offer pickup
• Usually included or $10-20 USD
• Pre-arrange through your accommodation

Taxis

• To West End: $20-25 USD
• To West Bay: $25-30 USD
• To Coxen Hole: $10-15 USD
• Shared colectivos available ($3-5 per person)

Explore our Roatán dive resorts guide and discover Infinity Bay Roatán.

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport - San Pedro Sula (SAP)

Honduras's busiest airport, located in the country's industrial capital. Best gateway for Copán Ruinas and the western highlands.

What to Expect at San Pedro Sula

1. Immigration - Present passport and completed immigration form
2. Baggage claim - Modern facility
3. Customs - Random selection for inspection
4. Exit - Official taxis and rental cars available

Transportation from SAP

Private Transfer

• To San Pedro Sula hotels: $20-30 USD
• To Copán Ruinas: $100-150 USD (3 hours)
• To La Ceiba: $150-180 USD (3 hours)

Official Taxis

• Yellow taxis wait outside arrivals
• To city center: $15-25 USD
• Always confirm fare before departing

Rental Cars

• Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty available
• Useful for exploring western Honduras
• 4WD recommended for mountain roads

Bus Services

• Hedman Alas offers first-class service to Copán
• Multiple daily departures
• Most economical option

Connecting to Copán Ruinas (3 hours)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán is best reached from San Pedro Sula.

Best option: Private transfer or Hedman Alas bus

Explore our Copán hotels near the Mayan ruins.

Palmerola International Airport (XPL) - for Tegucigalpa

International flights to the capital land at Palmerola, near Comayagua, not at Toncontín (TGU). Toncontín now handles domestic flights only (source in the Toncontín section below). Plan a ground transfer of roughly 70 km on the CA-5 to reach Tegucigalpa.

Transportation from Palmerola

• Pre-arrange a transfer through your Tegucigalpa hotel; it is the simplest option after an evening landing.
• If you take a taxi, use one from the official airport rank and agree the fare to your exact address before departure.

Immigration & Visa Requirements

Honduras is part of the CA-4 agreement (with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua), sharing a 90-day tourist allowance.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries receive 90 days upon arrival. Requirements:

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of funds ($50 USD per day recommended)
• Accommodation details

CA-4 Note: If traveling between CA-4 countries, your 90 days is shared across all four nations.

Why Toncontín Is No Longer Your Arrival Airport

Press report of a government statement (checked October 30, 2026): on May 19, 2026 the Tico Times reported that the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Transport (SIT) confirmed Toncontín (TGU) will not return to regular international service. Its last regular international flight was on December 15, 2021 (Tico Times, 19 May 2026). International flights for the capital land at Palmerola (XPL) near Comayagua, about 70 km north on the CA-5, so you need a ground transfer to the city. Toncontín keeps domestic routes to La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Roatán and Gracias a Dios.

We no longer print a lempira rate. The official reference is the Banco Central de Honduras (bch.hn); check it before you change money. SIM and taxi prices are not published anywhere official that we could find, so agree the fare before you get in.

Connecting Between Destinations

Roatán to Utila

• Ferry: Utila Dream operates between islands (1.5 hours)
• Flight: Small planes connect both islands

Mainland to Bay Islands

• From SAP: Domestic flights to Roatán (1 hour)
• From La Ceiba: Ferry to Roatán (1.5 hours) or Utila (1 hour)

To La Ceiba (Mainland Gateway)

La Ceiba is the ferry port to the Bay Islands:

• 3 hours from San Pedro Sula by car
• Domestic flights from SAP and TGU
• Ferry terminal for Bay Islands departures

Departure Information

When leaving Honduras:

• Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
• Departure tax: Usually included in ticket price
• Small duty-free options at major airports
• Limited food options - eat before arriving
• Exchange leftover Lempiras before departure

Choosing Your Arrival Airport

Destination	Best Airport	Travel Time
Roatán	RTB	Direct
Utila	RTB or La Ceiba	+Ferry
Copán Ruinas	SAP	3 hours
Tegucigalpa	XPL (Palmerola)	~70 km by road
La Ceiba	SAP, or a domestic flight from TGU	3 hours by road from SAP

Once you know your airport, the Honduras top 10 helps you split nights between Roatán, Copán and the mainland.