Roatán airport, officially Juan Manuel Gálvez International (RTB), is the gateway for everyone who stays on the island rather than arriving by cruise ship. This guide covers who flies there, what happens on arrival, what taxis cost to the main areas, and how to get around once you are on Roatán, from local buses to golf carts and water taxis.
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) lies on the south shore of Roatán, a short drive east of Coxen Hole, the island's main town. It has a single runway and a compact terminal that is being renovated and expanded with government funding; work on the departure area was still under way in mid-2026, so expect some construction and crowded waiting areas at peak times.
Because the airport sits roughly in the middle of the western half of the island, transfers are short: about 15–20 minutes to French Harbour, 20–30 minutes to West End and 25–35 minutes to West Bay, depending on traffic in Coxen Hole. The ferry terminal at Dixon Cove is about 10 minutes away.
From the United States, the year-round nonstop routes are American Airlines from Miami and Dallas–Fort Worth, United from Houston Intercontinental and Delta from Atlanta; some of these routes run daily, others only on certain days of the week. Seasonal winter flights add other cities: Sun Country from Minneapolis–St. Paul and United from Denver have been scheduled for the 2026–2027 season.
From Canada, WestJet flies seasonally from Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, and Air Canada is due to start its first nonstop flights to Roatán in December 2026, on Saturdays from Montreal and Sundays from Toronto, through April 2027. Regional airlines connect Roatán with Belize City (Tropic Air), Guatemala City and San Salvador (TAG), and with La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa on the Honduran mainland (Aerolíneas Sosa and CM Airlines).
Routes and frequencies change from season to season, so check the airline's own schedule for your dates. If there is no nonstop from your city, the most common connections are through Miami, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta, or a domestic flight from San Pedro Sula.
International flights clear immigration and customs in Roatán. US, Canadian and most European citizens do not need a visa; you need a valid passport, and immigration officers may ask for your return or onward ticket and where you are staying. Honduras is replacing the paper customs declaration with an electronic one, which you can fill in online before you travel and show as a QR code; airlines and your hotel usually tell you which version applies. Full entry rules are in our safety and entry requirements guide.
The arrivals hall is small, and when several flights land together around midday on weekends, lines can be long. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere on the island, so bring small bills for tips and taxis.
Taxis wait outside arrivals. They have no meters, so agree the fare before you get in and confirm whether it is per car or per person and in dollars or lempiras. As a rough guide, expect around $20–30 per car to West End or West Bay and less to French Harbour or the ferry; prices rise at night and for larger groups. A pre-booked transfer through your hotel costs a little more but gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting with your name.
Take a taxi from the official rank rather than accepting a ride from someone who approaches you inside. Many taxis work as colectivos, picking up other passengers along the way at a lower price per person; if you want the car to yourself, ask for a private ride (expreso) and agree that price. Cruise passengers are often quoted higher fares; our cruise port guide explains how to get from each terminal.
Local minibuses run along the main road from Coxen Hole west to West End and east to French Harbour, Oak Ridge and beyond during daylight hours. They are cheap, with fares paid in lempiras or small dollar bills, stop wherever you wave them down and are a good way to see everyday island life, but service thins out in the evening.
Renting a car makes sense if you want to explore the quieter east of the island, Punta Gorda or Camp Bay. Several rental agencies have desks at or near the airport; book ahead in high season. The island's main road is paved, but it is narrow, steep and winding in places, with speed bumps, pedestrians and motorbikes, and side roads can be rough after rain. Avoid driving at night if you can.
Golf carts are popular for short hops around West Bay, West End and Sandy Bay, and several companies rent them by the day or week. They are slow on the hills and not suited to longer trips along the main road.
Small boats shuttle between the West End water taxi dock and West Bay beach throughout the day, a short ride along the coast. It is quicker and more scenic than going round by road; expect roughly $5 per person when the boat is shared, more if you travel alone or after dark. Agree the price before boarding, keep phones and cameras in a dry bag and expect a wet landing on the beach.
For trips to Little French Key, Maya Key or around the island, boats are usually included in organized boat trips rather than hired as taxis.
RTB. The airport's official name is Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, and it lies on the south shore of Roatán just east of Coxen Hole.
Miami and Dallas–Fort Worth (American), Houston (United) and Atlanta (Delta), with extra seasonal routes in winter. Frequencies change by season, so check the airlines' schedules.
Roughly $20–30 per car, depending on the time of day and group size. Taxis have no meters, so agree the price before you get in.
Not if you stay in West Bay or West End: taxis, water taxis and tours cover most needs. A car is useful for exploring the east of the island.
Suits families, groups and solo travelers arriving by air. Drivers are island residents, and some riders may be grouped with others from the same flight, with waits capped at 30 minutes.
from ~$25 per person
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A good fit for groups that prefer their own vehicle over a crowded van. Pickup works at the cruise port or airport, with a grocery stop possible on the way to your lodging.
from ~$31 per person
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Suits small and large groups wanting a door-to-door ride with no sharing. Flight and cruise tracking is included, and vehicles seat up to 14 passengers.
from ~$36 per person
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A simple private ride for anyone who wants to reach West End on their own schedule. The driver is a bilingual tour guide who knows the island's roads.
from ~$61 per person
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A simple way to leave the airport quickly, by car or minibus depending on your group. Only your flight details and destination are needed to set up the ride.
from ~$66 per person
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Made for beach-goers who want sand and sea without paying a resort for access. Once there, you can rent a chair, try water activities or eat at local restaurants.
from ~$76 per person
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Handy for travelers needing a ride from the ferry, airport, lodging or cruise port to their destination. All drivers are bilingual.
from ~$101 per person
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Suits arriving and departing travelers who want a driver waiting instead of a taxi line. Door-to-door service; the driver greets you with a name sign and tracks your flight.
from ~$107 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 29, 2026.
