Roatán Airport (RTB): Arrivals, Airlines, Taxis & Tips (2026 Guide)

Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) is Roatán’s airport, in the western part of the island near Coxen Hole. Its terminal was recently renovated, and it receives nonstop flights from the United States, Canada and Central America. Here is which airlines fly in, what happens when you land, how to get to your hotel and what to know before your flight home.

Roatán airport at a glance

A newly renovated terminal

In late 2025 the airport opened the first phase of a major renovation: a much larger departure lounge, a new immigration area for international departures, new baggage belts, a new check-in lobby and more parking. Work on the rest of the terminal continues in 2026, so you may still find some areas under construction. Follow the signs and give yourself a little extra time.

Which airlines fly to Roatán

These are the nonstop routes to Roatán. Several are seasonal, so check the dates with the airline before you book.

• United States: Atlanta (Delta), Dallas–Fort Worth and Miami (American), Houston (United), and seasonal flights from Denver (United) and Minneapolis (Sun Country).
• Canada, mainly in winter: Toronto (WestJet and Air Canada), Montreal (WestJet, and Air Canada from December 12, 2026) and Quebec City (WestJet).
• Central America: Belize City (Tropic Air), and Guatemala City and San Salvador (TAG Airlines).
• Within Honduras: San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (CM Airlines and Aerolíneas Sosa), La Ceiba (Aerolíneas Sosa) and Guanaja (CM Airlines).

Flying from a city without a nonstop, such as Los Angeles or New York? Our guide to getting to and around Roatán has a table of nonstop flights by city and the best connections.

What happens when you land

1. Immigration. Have your passport ready. Honduras’ online pre-check (prechequeo) is no longer required for most nationalities, but entry rules depend on your passport, so check them before you fly.
2. Baggage claim. Pick up your bags at the baggage belts.
3. Customs. After baggage claim you go through customs, and then you exit the terminal.
4. Outside. Taxi drivers and tour sellers will offer you rides. If you booked a private transfer, your driver is waiting with a sign showing your name.

• Bring small US bills. Dollars are widely accepted in the tourist areas, and small bills make taxis and tips easier.
• Save your hotel’s name, address and phone number on your phone before you land.

From the airport to your hotel

There is no Uber or other ride-hailing app on Roatán, so these are your options:

• Taxi: taxis wait outside the terminal. They do not use meters, so agree on the price, and whether it is per person or per car, before you get in.
• Shared shuttle: cheaper per seat, but the van waits until it is full and stops at several hotels.
• Private transfer: your driver waits for you with your name, the price is per vehicle and confirmed before you book, and you go straight to your hotel. If your flight is delayed, your driver waits.

For prices and how each option works, read our Roatán airport shuttle guide and our guide from the airport to West Bay and West End.

Drive times from the airport

Approximate times; they depend on traffic.

Which vehicle to choose

• Private SUV: 1 to 4 passengers with luggage.
• Private van: up to 9 passengers with luggage, for families and groups.
• SUV XL: a full-size SUV (Expedition, Tahoe or Prado) for 1 to 4 passengers, with extra room for luggage.

Renting a car

You can rent a car on Roatán. Book ahead in high season, ask the rental company where you pick up the car, and drive carefully, especially at night: the roads are narrow and winding.

Flying home from Roatán

• Arrive 2 to 3 hours before an international flight. Lines at check-in and security grow when several flights leave around the same time.
• The departure tax is usually included in the price of international tickets. If you are not sure, ask your airline.
• Book your ride to the airport ahead of time and set the pick-up time with your driver based on your flight.

Roatán airport FAQ

What is Roatán’s airport called? Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, code RTB. Most people simply call it Roatán airport.

How far is the airport from West Bay? About 8 miles, or 30 to 45 minutes by car.

Is there Uber in Roatán? No. Take a taxi, a shared shuttle or a pre-booked private transfer.

Do I need the Honduras pre-check (prechequeo)? Most travelers no longer need it. Rules depend on your nationality, so check them before you fly.

Do I have to pay a departure tax? It is usually included in international tickets. Ask your airline if you are not sure.

Is the airport still under construction? The first phase of the renovation opened in late 2025, and work on the rest of the terminal continues in 2026.

How early should I get to the airport? 2 to 3 hours before an international flight.

ROA LIVE is an independent transportation company and is not affiliated with Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport or any airline. Routes and schedules change, so confirm them with your airline. Cover photo: Daniel Rivas, via Facebook.