Last checked: November 2026
Most international flights to Antigua land at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), about 8 km north-east of St. John’s. Nonstop services have operated from US gateways such as Newark, Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami, from Toronto and from London. Most other travellers connect through one of those hubs or another Caribbean airport.
Short answer: fly into V.C. Bird International Airport, the main international gateway, and plan to connect unless you live near a nonstop city. Routes change by season, so check each airline’s schedule before you buy. Most hotels are 15 to 45 minutes from the terminal by taxi.
Which airport do you fly into?
The airport’s own site covers arrivals, immigration and customs, and you can read it at V.C. Bird International Airport. Barbuda has a small airport at Codrington for regional flights, but you reach it from Antigua, not from abroad. The airport has a single terminal for all flights.
Airlines and flight times by origin
| Origin | Nonstop options reported | Typical flight time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York area | United from Newark. Delta has run seasonal flights from JFK. | About 4.5 hours | JetBlue ended its JFK service on 8 September 2026 |
| Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami | Delta from Atlanta, American Airlines from Charlotte and Miami | Check the airline | Often concentrated in the winter season |
| Toronto | Air Canada and WestJet | About 5 hours | Seasonal in many years |
| London | British Airways from Gatwick, Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow | About 9 hours | Other UK cities usually connect |
| Nearby Caribbean islands | Caribbean Airlines and other regional carriers | Short regional flights | Useful for connections |
Flight times come from airline and schedule sources and vary with winds and routing. Airlines add and drop routes between seasons, as JetBlue’s exit shows, so confirm the current schedule before you book. Travellers from continental Europe should check for seasonal nonstop options and otherwise plan to connect.
How do you reach your hotel from the airport?
- Taxi: a dispatcher outside the terminal assigns the next car, and fares are government-regulated. Ask for the rate to your destination and confirm it before you get in.
- Pre-booked transfer: useful for late arrivals, larger groups and families who need a child seat. Ask your hotel.
- Rental car: you can collect a car at the airport, but you need a temporary local driving licence, which the rental company usually arranges. Traffic drives on the left.
- Public transport: there is no bus service from the airport, so do not plan on buses with luggage.
Typical drive times are 15 to 20 minutes to St. John’s and Dickenson Bay, 30 to 45 minutes to Jolly Harbour and 35 to 45 minutes to English Harbour. Our where to stay in Antigua guide compares the areas, and getting around Antigua covers travel once you are settled in.
What time zone does Antigua use?
Antigua uses UTC-4 all year. In the northern winter it is one hour ahead of New York and four hours behind London. In summer it matches New York time and is five hours behind London.
Booking tips
- Compare nonstop and connecting fares. Connecting through a US hub can be cheaper but takes longer.
- Be flexible with mid-week dates when you can, because travel-deal sites suggest this can lower the cost.
- Expect high demand from mid-December to mid-April and around Carnival in late July and early August. The best time to visit Antigua guide explains the seasons.
- Check your airline’s baggage rules before you pack sports gear for a beach trip.
- In hurricane season, choose flexible tickets and travel insurance that covers weather disruption.
- Book Carnival flights early, because airlines and hotels fill quickly around the final weekend.
Before You Fly checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months after you arrive
- Visa or approved eVisa if your passport needs one. See our Antigua visa guide for tourists.
- Onward or return ticket
- Address of your accommodation
- Proof of funds
- ArriveAntigua form completed within 72 hours of your flight, with the QR code saved
- Travel insurance
- Temporary driving licence plan if you will rent a car
- A look at the hurricane forecast if you travel between June and November
3 quick answers
Is there a direct flight from London to Antigua?
Yes. British Airways flies from Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, taking roughly 9 hours. Frequency varies by season, so check the current schedule.
How long is the flight from New York?
Nonstop flights from the New York area take roughly 4.5 hours. JetBlue no longer flies the route, so check United and Delta.
Which airport do I use for Barbuda?
Fly to V.C. Bird International Airport on Antigua, then continue to Barbuda by ferry or small plane. Our getting around guide explains the options.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
FAQs
Can I reach Antigua by cruise instead?
Yes. St. John’s is a popular cruise port, and some lines sail from UK ports such as Southampton and Portsmouth. Check the visa rule for cruise passengers, because short port stays have their own conditions.
Are there flights from Antigua to nearby islands?
Yes. Regional airlines, including Caribbean Airlines, connect Antigua with neighbouring islands. Some hops are very short, so a one-stop route through Antigua can suit a multi-island trip. Check each airline’s current routes and baggage rules before you book.
Does Antigua have a national airline?
No. The country does not have its own national airline, but many international and regional carriers serve V.C. Bird International Airport. That makes it worth comparing several airlines, hubs and connection times rather than waiting for a single national carrier fare.
