Palm Beach International Airport

Palm Beach International handles a mix of commercial and private traffic, but the private side is substantial enough that dedicated FBO facilities run smoothly. The airport gets significantly busier from November through April, when Palm Beach season draws full-time and seasonal residents back to their estates. During peak winter weekends, ramp space fills quickly and charter operators recommend booking FBO reservations well in advance.

Two main FBOs serve private aviation: Signature Flight Support and Sheltair. Both offer the standard suite of services including fuel, catering coordination, rental cars, and crew facilities. The airport has no slot restrictions, but peak-season congestion on the ramp is real. Plan for potential delays during major events like the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March) or Art Basel Palm Beach.

US Customs and Border Protection operates at KPBI, making it a viable entry point for international arrivals. The airport runs 24 hours, though noise abatement procedures apply during late-night hours and pilots are expected to follow published quiet hours procedures.

Palm Beach island is about 8 miles east of the airport, a 15 to 20 minute drive depending on the bridge crossing over the Intracoastal Waterway. Downtown West Palm Beach is 4 miles away, roughly 10 minutes. Boca Raton is 25 miles south, typically 30 to 35 minutes by car. Fort Lauderdale is 45 miles south, around 50 minutes without traffic. Miami is 70 miles south, closer to 75 to 90 minutes.

Car service and black car companies operate out of PBI routinely given the clientele, and most FBOs can arrange ground transport on request. Rental car desks are on-site for commercial arrivals; private terminal guests typically arrange pickup directly through the FBO.