โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
45
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport features a modern terminal that opened in April 2011, designed by Reynolds, Smith & Hills and the Dewberry architecture firm, constructed by Turner Construction. The facility operates 13 boarding gates serving domestic flights, having expanded from its original nine-gate design to accommodate growing passenger traffic that reached 687,601 travelers in 2024, marking the airport as one of the Midwest's fastest-growing small-hub facilities.
The terminal's most significant enhancement came with the 2016 completion of the Ray Lahood International Arrivals Terminal, adding gates, TSA services, and a U.S. Customs Port of Entry facility that enables international charter and general aviation processing despite no scheduled international service. This expansion positioned Peoria to handle diverse aviation needs while maintaining efficient domestic operations through three airlines - Allegiant, American, and United - connecting to 13 destinations including new daily non-stop service to Denver launched in March 2025.
The airport's infrastructure supports remarkable passenger growth, with monthly records consistently broken including 80,836 passengers in July 2025 (26% year-over-year increase) and 70,672 in December 2025. Named Illinois Primary Airport of the Year for 2024 by the state's Division of Aeronautics, the facility balances operational efficiency with passenger amenities including restaurants, shops, business services, and free WiFi throughout the terminal. A $13.51 million grant for a replacement Air Traffic Control Tower represents ongoing infrastructure investment.
Peoria International serves central Illinois with a terminal designed for modern travel requirements, replacing facilities that predated TSA security protocols and ADA requirements. The airport's strategic location approximately 180 miles southwest of Chicago provides an alternative to congested metropolitan airports while offering comprehensive services including conference rooms for business travelers, comfortable waiting areas, and ground transportation options. The facility's continued growth trajectory reflects its success in capturing regional demand while maintaining operational efficiency through its single-terminal design.
๐ Connection Tips
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) is the primary gateway to central Illinois. Ground transport is well-supported; 'CityLink' Bus Routes 7 and 12 provide a direct public transit link between the terminal and downtown Peoria every hour. All major rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) have designated pickup areas outside arrivals.
Taxis are available curbside 24/7. A unique tip: the airport provides a free shuttle service to the nearby Ray LaHood International Center for those on business. Major car rental agencies have desks on-site, which is the highly recommended way to explore the regional manufacturing hubs (Caterpillar).
The terminal is modern and efficient, handling regular domestic flights to major hubs. Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic departures. Facilities include several cafes and free fast Wi-Fi throughout That makes PIA a very practical central-Illinois gateway, especially for travelers who want downtown Peoria or the riverfront without a major-hub transfer. A CityLink ride or rental car should already be chosen, because downtown Peoria is the part that matters when the airport is used for central Illinois business or the riverfront, not for a long search at the curb after landing and the shuttle or car is already lined up there now too.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
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