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Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport Traveler’s Guide

Revitalize your  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport travel experience with our comprehensive guide. Whether a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, this guide will ensure you’re well-equipped to make the most of your time at ECP. Explore everything from terminal insights and gate details to parking options, dining, and even catching some rest during layovers. Join us in unraveling the secrets to a smooth journey through this bustling gateway.

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Updated 2024 Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport Information

AirportNorthwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
LocationPanama City, Florida
IATA CodeECP
ICAO CodeKECP
Altitude25 feet (7.6 meters)
Runways2
Daily Flights100-150 (varies)
Gates Count7

Restaurants at Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport and Their Google Rating, Location, and opening times.

Panama City International Airport (ECP) is a large and busy airport serving over 1.5 million passengers annually. With so many people coming and going, it’s no surprise that there are a variety of restaurants to choose from, offering everything from quick snacks to fine dining.

Here are a few of the most popular restaurants at ECP, along with their Google rating, location, and opening times:

  • Beach Time Grill: This restaurant serves American fare with a beachy twist. It has a 3.5-star Google rating and is located airside near gates 6 and 7. It is open from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
  • Emerald Coast Pub: This pub offers a variety of beers on tap and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. It has a 4.3-star Google rating and is located airside near gate 4. It is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
  • Espressology: This coffee shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. It has a 4.5-star Google rating and is located airside near gate 2. It is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
  • Grayton Beer Landing Strip: This restaurant offers a variety of craft beers and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and other bar food. It has a 4.2-star Google rating and is located airside near gate 1. It is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
RestaurantGoogle RatingLocationOpening times
Beach Time Grill3.5/5Airside, near Gate 6 and 75:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Emerald Coast Pub4.3/5Airside, near Gate 411:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Espressology4.5/5Airside, near Gate 26:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Grayton Beer Landing Strip4.2/5Airside, near Gate 111:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Amenities available at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport:

  • Food and drinks: There are a variety of restaurants and cafes available at the airport, both pre-and post-security. These include fast food, casual dining, and fine dining options. There are also several bars and coffee shops.
  • Shopping: There are a number of shops selling souvenirs, gifts, books, magazines, and other items. There is also a duty-free shop.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
  • Mother’s Room: Mother’s Room is locat­ed at the bot­tom of the esca­la­tor near pas­sen­ger gates 6 & 7 and pro­vides a lounge chair, dia­per-chang­ing sta­tion, hand san­i­tiz­er, a child table, and addi­tion­al seating.Access to the Mother’s room can be obtained by call­ing (850) 769‑6033 and ask­ing for ​“Access to the Mother’s Room”.
  • ATM: An ATM is located downstairs next to the gift shop.

Security procedures at Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

  • You will need to show your boarding pass and identification to the TSA officer at the security checkpoint.
  • You will need to remove your shoes, belt, jacket, and hat, and place them in a bin for X-ray screening.
  • You will need to remove your laptop and liquids from your carry-on luggage and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
  • You will need to walk through a metal detector.
  • You may be selected for additional screening, such as a pat-down or a swab of your hands for explosives.

The security procedures at ECP are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the latest information.

Airlines Operating From ECP

AirlineDestinations
American AirlinesCharlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
Delta Air LinesAtlanta
Southwest AirlinesAtlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Washington, D.C.
United AirlinesChicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Washington, D.C.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other airlines that operate from ECP. You can check the official website of ECP Airport for the latest list of airlines and destinations.

Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport parking

The  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport has three parking garages and two surface lots. Parking rates start at $3 per hour.

  • Short-term parking: This parking lot is located closest to the terminal and is the most convenient option. It is a first-come, first-served lot and charges $3 per hour or $11 per day. The first 20 minutes are free
  • Long-term parking: This parking lot is located further away from the terminal but is less expensive. It is a pay-by-the-day lot and charges $3 per hour or $9 per day. The first 20 minutes are free.
  • Covered parking: This parking lot is located next to the short-term parking lot and offers covered parking. It is a pay-by-the-day lot and charges $4 per hour or $13 per day. The first 20 minutes are free.

You can also park at off-site parking lots near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to the airport. Rates vary, but they are typically cheaper than parking at the airport.

Transportation options available at ECP

  • Taxis: Taxis are another popular option for transportation to and from the airport. They are metered, so the fare will vary depending on the distance traveled. Taxis can be found at the taxi stands located on both the Main Terminal and the South Terminal.
  • Ride-hailing services: Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. These services are typically more expensive than shuttle vans or taxis, but they can be more convenient, as you can request a ride from your phone. Ride-hailing services can be picked up at the designated pick-up areas located on both the Main Terminal and the South Terminal.
  • Rental cars: Rental cars are also available at the airport. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, both on-site and off-site. Rental cars can be a good option if you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing or traveling to other destinations in the area. Check out our Best 5 Car Rental at Panama City, Northwest Florida International Airport

How many gates are there at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

There are currently 7 gates at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport. Gates 1–5 have jet bridges, while Gates 6 and 7 are on ramp level for regional aircraft.

The airport is planning to add 2 more gates in the future.

Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport Gates map

Source:www.openstreetmap.org

How early do I need to be at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

The Greater Northwest Florida Beaches Aviation Authority recommends arriving three hours before your scheduled departure time. However, this is just a general guideline and the actual amount of time you need to arrive will vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

  • The time of day you are flying. The airport is busiest during the morning and evening rush hours.
  • The day of the week you are flying. Weekends are typically busier than weekdays.
  • The season you are flying. The airport is busiest during the summer months.
  • Your airline. Some airlines have stricter security requirements than others.
  • If you are checking bags. Checking bags can add extra time to your arrival time.
  • If you have a connecting flight. You will need to allow extra time to get between terminals.

If you are unsure how early you need to arrive, it is always best to err on the side of caution and arrive earlier rather than later. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you have plenty of time to get through security and find your gate.

Check out the ECP Airport Website: Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

Is there a free shuttle at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

No, there is currently no free shuttle at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport. However, there are several transportation options available, including taxis, ride-hailing apps, shared shuttles, and rental cars.

What rental car companies are at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport 

  • Alamo: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Local Counter: 844-370-3972
  • Avis: 7 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Local Counter: 850-769-1411
  • Budget: 7 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Local Counter: 850-763-0108
  • Dollar: 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Local Counter: 866-434-2226
  • Enterprise:  7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Local Counter: 833-740-1725
  • Hertz: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Local Counter: 850-235-2201
  • National:  7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m, Local Counter: 844-370-3973

Check out our Best 5 Car Rental at Panama City, Northwest Florida International Airport

Where to change your baby at  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport 

There are several places to change your baby at Panama City International Airport (ECP). Here are a few options:

  • Mother’s Room at the bottom of the escalator near passenger gates 6 & 7. It provides a lounge chair, diaper-changing station, hand sanitizer, a child table, and additional seating.
  • Family Restrooms: There are family restrooms located throughout the airport. These restrooms have a changing table and a sink.
  • Restrooms: Most restrooms in the airport have a changing table. 

Best place to sleep at the  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport

The  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport does not have designated sleeping areas. However, there are a few places where you may be able to get some rest:

  • Quiet areas: There are a few quiet areas in the airport, such as the nursing mothers’ rooms and the family restrooms. These areas may be less crowded and noisy than other areas of the airport.
  • Chairs: There are many chairs in the airport, both in the public areas and in the security checkpoints. You may be able to find a chair that is comfortable enough to sleep in.
  • Overnight parking: The airport has an overnight parking garage. You may be able to sleep in your car in the garage. However, this is not always allowed and it is important to check with the airport first.

Does the  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport have sleeping pots? 

No, Panama City International Airport (ECP) does not have sleeping pods available for passengers to use. However, there are a few other options for resting and sleeping within the airport:

  • Lounge chairs: Many lounge chairs are located throughout the airport. These chairs are not designed for sleeping, but they can be used for a short nap.
  • Airport hotels: Several hotels are inside the airport, including the ECP Hotel and the Sheraton  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport Hotel. These hotels offer rooms for rent by the hour or overnight.

Where can I charge my phone at Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport 


There are several places where you can charge your phone at Panama City International Airport (ECP). Here are a few options:

  • Power outlets: There are power outlets located throughout the airport, including in the concourses, terminals, and restrooms.
  • Airport lounges: If you are a member of an airport lounge, you can charge your phone in the lounge’s private power outlets.
  • Tech stores: Several tech stores are located in the airport, such as Apple Store and Samsung. These stores usually have power outlets to charge your phone for free.
  • Charging stations: A few charging stations are located throughout the airport. These stations typically have multiple power outlets and may also have USB ports.

 Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport: Airport lounge & opening hours and price for each lounge

There are no airport lounges at the  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport.

Can I exchange money at the  Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport?

There is a currency exchange located airside at the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport. It is operated by Travelex and is located near gate 1. The exchange hours are from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

The exchange rates at currency exchange bureaus can vary, so it is a good idea to compare rates before you exchange your money. You can exchange money at banks, but the hours may be limited.

Check out my page about money and travel for more information about exchanging money: Money & Travel