Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and all of Western North Carolina. Whether you are flying in for a trip to the Biltmore Estate, a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville’s famous craft beer scene, or a business meeting in the mountains, AVL offers a refreshingly easy travel experience. It is small, friendly, and fast to move through, and right now it is in the middle of a major transformation that is making it better than ever. This guide covers everything you need: real numbers, the terminal layout, security, dining, parking rates, the ongoing expansion, and the easiest ways to get to and from the airport.
When you would rather skip the parking shuttle and rideshare surge pricing, Krownkey Unlimited provides professional Asheville Regional Airport limo service with flat rates, real-time flight tracking, and curbside meet-and-greet.
Asheville Regional Airport at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport code | AVL (IATA), KAVL (ICAO) |
| Address | 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732 |
| Distance to downtown Asheville | About 15 miles, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car |
| Location | On I-26 at Exit 40, also 9 miles north of Hendersonville |
| 2025 passengers | About 2.24 million (second-highest year on record) |
| Airlines | Five: Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United |
| Nonstop destinations | 26 |
| Operating base for | Allegiant Air |
| Terminal | One terminal, currently being rebuilt and expanded |
| Elevation | 2,164 feet, one of the higher-elevation airports in the East |
| Official website | flyavl.com |
AVL has been one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, climbing to become one of the busiest in North Carolina. Allegiant bases aircraft and crew here, and the five carriers connect the mountains to major hubs and leisure destinations like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Orlando, and more.
Getting To and From Asheville Regional Airport
AVL sits right off Interstate 26 at Exit 40 in Fletcher, just south of Asheville, making it quick to reach from across the region. Here are your main options.
Limo and Private Car Service
For business travelers, families, and anyone who values a smooth arrival into the mountains, a private car is the most reliable choice. Krownkey Unlimited offers door-to-door transfers in luxury sedans, SUVs, and Sprinter vans, with chauffeurs who track your flight in real time and meet you curbside. This is the preferred option for corporate travel, group airport transfers, and anyone heading into Asheville, Hendersonville, or the surrounding mountain towns.
Rideshare and Taxi
Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other car services serve AVL. The designated ground transportation pickup area is located near Shuttle Lot South, off Airport Road and Highway 280. Rideshare prices can climb during peak travel and bad mountain weather.
Public Transit
The Asheville Transit Route 6 bus stops at the airport and connects to downtown Asheville. Fares are low, just a couple of dollars, making it the budget option, though it is slower and runs on a fixed schedule.
The Cell Phone Lot
If someone is picking you up, send them to the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Drivers wait there until you have your bags and are ready, then pull up to the terminal for curbside pickup.
Tip: Heading deeper into the mountains, or coming from a city to catch a flight? Krownkey also offers long distance car service across North Carolina, so a single ride can connect Asheville with Charlotte, the Triad, or anywhere your trip begins or ends.
The AVL Forward Expansion: What to Know Right Now
This is the most important thing to understand before you fly AVL today: the airport is in the middle of AVL Forward, a roughly 400 million dollar project that is the largest in its history. It broke ground in August 2023 and is rebuilding the airport almost from scratch.
Here is where things stand. The new ticket lobby opened in June 2025, followed by a new TSA security checkpoint and the new two-story North Concourse. When finished, the new terminal will roughly double in size to around 280,000 square feet with 12 gates and jet bridges at every gate, designed to handle up to 4 million passengers a year. The design theme is a modern gateway rooted in the natural beauty of the mountains, with big windows framing Blue Ridge views.
During construction, expect some temporary routing, with signage and extra staff on hand to guide you. A new baggage claim facility is scheduled to open in 2027, and the full project is expected to wrap within a few years. The practical takeaway: give yourself a little extra time, follow the signs, and do not be surprised if the layout looks different from your last visit.
Terminal Layout
AVL has a single, compact terminal, which is part of what makes it so easy to use. Historically it operated with two small concourses (Concourse A and Concourse B) and seven gates. The new terminal moves everything to a modern two-story design: you check in at the ground-level ticket lobby, clear the new security checkpoint, then head up to the second-level concourse and its gates.
Because everything flows from one central area, there is no need to change buildings or take a train. Walking distances are short, and even at its busiest, AVL is quick to navigate compared to a large hub.
Security and TSA Tips
AVL’s new TSA checkpoint is part of the upgraded terminal, and lines generally move quickly for an airport this size.
A few smart habits for AVL:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight, which is comfortable at an airport this compact.
- TSA PreCheck is available for eligible passengers.
- Follow the signage during construction, since the path from check-in to your gate may differ from past trips.
- Build in a few extra minutes for the temporary routing while the project finishes.
Lounges at AVL
Like most airports its size, AVL does not currently offer traditional airline clubs. The good news is that the new North Concourse was designed to feel lounge-like, with comfortable and varied seating, powered work areas, and fresh concessions, so you have a pleasant place to wait without a membership. The new terminal design also includes dedicated club space for the future, so lounge options here may expand as AVL Forward is completed.
Where to Eat at Asheville Regional Airport
AVL leans into local mountain flavor alongside familiar names, and the new concourse has refreshed the lineup. Most dining is past security.
Local and sit-down highlights
- French Broad Brewhouse, a nod to Asheville’s renowned craft beer scene
- Blue Ridge Tavern and Grill for a sit-down meal with regional character
- The Great American Bagel for fresh bagels and sandwiches
Quick options
- Starbucks for coffee
- Jimmy John’s for fast sandwiches
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe for smoothies and lighter fare
Hours can vary, especially during construction and in the evening after the final departures, so grab food earlier if you have a late flight.
Parking at Asheville Regional Airport
AVL offers several parking options, from a lot steps from the terminal to budget shuttle lots. Note that the airport is upgrading its parking systems alongside the terminal project, so it is worth confirming current rates on flyavl.com before you travel. General on-site pricing is below.
| Parking Option | Rate |
|---|---|
| Hourly Lot (closest to the terminal) | About 2 dollars per hour, 30 dollars daily max |
| Garage Parking (covered, near the terminal) | Mid-range daily rate, covered convenience |
| Daily Lot (uncovered, near the terminal) | Mid-range daily rate |
| Shuttle Lots A, B, and C (with free shuttle) | About 2 dollars per hour, 12 dollars daily max |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free |
A few things to know: the Shuttle Lots are the budget choice with a free shuttle to the terminal, the Hourly Lot is most convenient for short stays and offers EV charging, and AVL does not currently operate a valet service. Rates and lot availability can shift during the ongoing construction, so plan a backup if you are traveling during a peak period.
Amenities and Services
AVL has invested in thoughtful, traveler-friendly amenities as part of its expansion:
- Free airport-wide Wi-Fi
- Powered work stations and comfortable seating throughout the new concourse
- Lactation and nursing suites
- A pet relief area
- Adult changing tables to support travelers who assist others
- Local art celebrating Western North Carolina, with major new installations planned for the finished terminal
- Guest Services and a Welcome Center in the baggage claim area
- On-site rental cars from major providers
Why AVL Is Worth the Easy Trip
For travelers, AVL hits a sweet spot: big enough to offer nonstop flights to major hubs and popular getaways, small enough to move through without the stress of a sprawling airport. Add in the mountain setting, the local food and beer, and a brand-new terminal taking shape, and it is one of the most pleasant places to start or end a trip in the state. The investment in AVL Forward signals just how much the region’s air travel is growing.
Pro Tips for a Smooth AVL Experience
- Follow the signs. With construction ongoing, the route from check-in to your gate may differ from your last visit.
- Arrive 2 hours early. It is usually more than enough at an airport this size, with a little buffer for temporary routing.
- Use the Shuttle Lots to save on parking, or skip parking entirely with a car service.
- Eat before a late flight, since dining can close in the evening.
- Confirm parking rates on flyavl.com, since the airport is mid-upgrade.
Skip the Stress: Book Your AVL Transfer
The easiest way to take the friction out of an AVL trip is to never touch a parking shuttle or a rideshare app. Krownkey Unlimited provides reliable, professional Asheville Regional Airport limo service and luxury ground transportation throughout Asheville and the mountain region.
Every transfer includes real-time flight tracking, a chauffeur who arrives 15 minutes early, curbside meet-and-greet, and flat, upfront pricing with no surge fees. Need to reach a larger hub for more flight options? Our long distance car service connects Asheville with Charlotte, the Triad, and destinations across North Carolina.
Reserve your ride online or call (910) 248-4652. Available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Asheville Regional Airport? The airport code is AVL. It is located at 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732, on I-26 at Exit 40, about 15 miles south of downtown Asheville and 9 miles north of Hendersonville.
Which airlines fly out of Asheville Regional Airport? AVL is served by five airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United, with nonstop service to 26 destinations including major hubs and popular leisure spots.
Is Asheville Regional Airport under construction? Yes. AVL is in the middle of AVL Forward, a roughly 400 million dollar terminal expansion that is the largest project in its history. A new ticket lobby, TSA checkpoint, and North Concourse have already opened, with more phases and a new baggage claim facility coming through 2027 and beyond.
How many terminals does AVL have? AVL has a single terminal. The new design is a two-story building where you check in on the ground level, clear security, then head up to the concourse and gates.
Does AVL have airport lounges? AVL does not currently have traditional airline clubs. The new North Concourse was built to feel lounge-like with comfortable seating and concessions, and dedicated club space is planned as the expansion is completed.
How much does parking cost at AVL? The Hourly Lot runs about 2 dollars per hour up to 30 dollars per day, and the budget Shuttle Lots run about 2 dollars per hour up to 12 dollars per day with a free shuttle. Covered garage and daily lots fall in between. Because the airport is upgrading its parking systems, confirm current rates on flyavl.com before you go.
How early should I arrive at Asheville Regional Airport? Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight, with a few extra minutes during construction for temporary routing. The airport is compact, so this is usually plenty.
What is the best way to get from AVL to downtown Asheville? A private car service is the most reliable and comfortable, with no surge pricing and curbside pickup. Rideshare, taxis, and the Asheville Transit Route 6 bus are also available.
Can I book a limo or car service at AVL? Yes. Krownkey Unlimited offers flight-tracked transfers with curbside meet-and-greet for arrivals and departures, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, the mountain region, and destinations across North Carolina.