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
• Tegucigalpa (TGU) - Capital city

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.

Toncontín International Airport - Tegucigalpa (TGU)

The capital's challenging airport, known for its mountainous approach. Fewer international flights than SAP.

What to Expect at Tegucigalpa

Similar process to other Honduran airports, though the facility is older and smaller.

Transportation from TGU

Private Transfer

• To Tegucigalpa hotels: $15-25 USD
• Pre-arrange through your hotel

Taxis

• Official taxis available outside
• To city center: $10-20 USD
• Use only marked taxis

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.

Practical Tips for Your Arrival

Currency Exchange

• Local currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
• Exchange rate: approximately L24.50 = $1 USD
• USD accepted at tourist areas (especially Roatán)
• ATMs available at all airports
• Exchange at banks for better rates than airport kiosks

SIM Cards and Connectivity

Stay connected in Honduras:

• Tigo and Claro are the main carriers
• Airport kiosks available at SAP and RTB
• Tourist SIM: $10-20 USD for data package
• Good coverage in cities and Roatán
• Spotty in rural areas

Safety Considerations

Honduras has improved significantly for tourists, but take precautions:

• Use only official transportation
• Avoid walking alone at night in cities
• Keep valuables secure
• Roatán and tourist areas are generally very safe
• Register with your embassy for longer stays

Weather Preparation

Honduras has a tropical climate:

• Dry season (November-April): 25-32°C (77-90°F)
• Rainy season (May-October): 26-34°C (79-93°F), afternoon showers
• Roatán: Caribbean climate, warm year-round
• Mountains: Cooler, especially at night
• Hurricane season: June-November (Bay Islands occasionally affected)

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	TGU	Direct
La Ceiba	SAP or TGU	3 hours

Conclusion

Honduras offers diverse experiences from world-class Caribbean diving to ancient Mayan ruins. Choosing the right airport simplifies your journey - fly into Roatán for the Bay Islands, or San Pedro Sula for Copán and the mainland.

Explore our complete Honduras hotels guide to plan your perfect stay, from beachfront dive resorts to colonial-town boutique hotels.

¡Bienvenidos a Honduras!