Waco Municipal Airport

Waco Airport (ACT) is not just a regional transport hub, but a cosy air gateway into the very heart of Texas, offering a direct route to the picturesque Brazos River Valley. Instead of the endless corridors and bustle of giant hubs, you will be greeted here by true Texas hospitality and a calm, almost home-like atmosphere. This airport is ideal for travellers who value their time and wish to begin exploring the city while bypassing tiring transfers from congested metropolises.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Maximum compactness and convenience. The main advantage of Waco Airport lies in its size. Everything here is within walking distance: you can walk from the check-in counter to the boarding gate in literally a couple of minutes. This saves passengers from having to cover huge distances or use internal transport, which is especially valuable for the elderly and families with children.

No stress or queues. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, security screening and check-in procedures are surprisingly fast and efficient here. You can forget about the multi-hour queues typical of large international airports. The staff pays attention to every passenger, creating a sense of individual approach and comfort.

Strategic location. The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from key regional attractions, such as Baylor University and the famous Magnolia Market. This makes it an ideal arrival point for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in the city's cultural life immediately, without wasting time on the long journey from Dallas or Austin.

Free parking for drop-offs and pick-ups. Unlike many other airports, convenient conditions are provided here for those meeting or seeing off loved ones. The proximity of parking zones to the terminal allows you to save energy when transporting luggage and makes the process of saying goodbye or meeting as comfortable as possible.

• Official Website: www.waco-texas.com/airport
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (254) 750-8600
• Address: 7909 Karl May Dr, Waco, TX 76708, USA
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative office directly. The airport does not process such requests.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance or additional information, you can call the main airport information phone number.

Getting to Waco Regional Airport (ACT) from the city centre or its surroundings is quite simple, thanks to its convenient location and several available modes of transport. The airport is located just 10 kilometres northwest of the business centre of Waco, making the trip fast and convenient. The choice of the appropriate option depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is the Waco Transit System. Although there may not be direct routes to the terminal itself, some buses pass near the airport. This option will require additional planning and possibly a short walk or a brief taxi ride from the nearest stop. We recommend checking the schedule and routes on the official Waco Transit website in advance. Please note that in the USA, cities the size of Waco do not have metro systems or commuter trains running to the airport.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services

The most convenient and popular way to drive to the airport is by taxi or popular car-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from the city centre usually takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of such a trip is typically between 25–35 US dollars. This is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and are travelling with luggage. You can also pre-book a private transfer or shuttle, which is especially beneficial for groups.

Car Rental

If you plan to move actively around the city and its surroundings, renting a car will be the ideal solution. Many major rental companies have counters right at Waco Airport. You can pick up the car immediately upon arrival or return it before departure. This gives maximum freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on public transport schedules.

Airport Parking

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are options for both short-term (meeting or seeing off passengers) and long-term parking. Parking spaces are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, making access to it quick and easy. Current parking rates can always be checked on the official Waco Airport website.

Waco Airport (ACT) is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. The key feature of the airport is that it consists of one main terminal, which serves all flights — both arrivals and departures. This completely eliminates the need for complex transfers or the use of shuttles between terminals, as is common in large airports.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters and luggage drop-off points are located. Departure and arrival zones are logically separated but are within the same building. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads to the boarding gates. The arrivals area with baggage claim belts is located in another part of the terminal, making it easy to meet arriving passengers.

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security, usually takes significantly less time than in large aviation hubs. Queues are rare here, and staff work quickly and efficiently. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before a domestic flight to complete all formalities without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are clearly visible and understandable. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The main advice for travellers flying from Waco Airport is not to worry about complex logistics. Everything is within walking distance, making the start and end of your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is closely linked to important events of the 20th century. The airport was founded in 1942 during World War II and originally functioned as the Waco Army Air Field military base. Its main task was training pilots for the USA Air Force. Over the war years, thousands of pilots trained here, making a significant contribution to the country's military efforts and laying the foundation for the region's future aviation infrastructure.

After the war ended, the military facility was transferred to the city and began its transformation into a civilian airport. A key moment in its development was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which opened its doors in 1968. This building, having undergone numerous modernisations and updates, remains the heart of the airport, serving passengers to this day. This transition from a military airfield to a commercial hub became an important milestone in the city's history.

Throughout its history, Waco Airport has constantly adapted to the changing requirements of the aviation industry. Regular runway reconstructions were carried out, navigation equipment was updated, and passenger infrastructure was improved. Although the airport cannot boast world records for passenger traffic, its main merit is the stable and reliable provision of air connections for Central Texas for more than half a century. It is a living example of how a military facility can successfully turn into an important element of civilian life.

Waco Airport (ACT) is a compact and convenient regional airport offering all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to your journey. Before your flight, you can have a snack at the local café, which offers hot meals, sandwiches, and beverages, or visit the gift shop to buy a souvenir, fresh press, or travel goods. The atmosphere in the airport is calm, allowing you to relax while waiting for your flight.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You will also easily find charging stations for your electronic devices located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates. Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges or business centres in the airport, comfortable waiting halls are open to all passengers.

Travellers can use ATMs to withdraw cash. It is worth noting that currency exchange points are generally absent in regional airports, so it is better to take care of money exchange in advance. For families with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. In case first aid is needed, contact any airport employee, who will help call emergency services.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Airlines provide assistance services and wheelchairs upon prior request. If you require overnight accommodation, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget located a few minutes' drive from the airport, some of which offer guests free transfers.

Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is a compact and convenient aviation hub, so all services, including dining, are in one place and easily accessible. Although the choice of establishments here is not as vast as in large international airports, you can comfortably have a snack or a full lunch while waiting for your flight.

The main and only place for dining at the airport is a restaurant located in the main hall of the terminal before the security zone (landside). This means that it is accessible to departing passengers as well as those meeting or seeing them off. A friendly atmosphere reigns here, conducive to a quiet rest before the flight.

The restaurant menu offers dishes of classic American and Texan cuisine. You can order a hearty breakfast before a morning flight, have a juicy burger or sandwich for lunch, or choose a fresh salad. It is a great place for both a quick snack with a cup of coffee and a leisurely full meal. Be sure to look out for local specialities if they are presented on the menu — this is a good opportunity to get acquainted with Texas cuisine.

Regarding special dietary needs, options here are limited. Passengers requiring gluten-free, vegan, or halal meals may not find ready-made dishes. However, the staff are generally willing to accommodate and offer simple options, for example, a salad without dressing. People with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them. Prices in the restaurant can be described as moderate for an airport.

The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: it opens before the first departures and closes after the last plane departs. If you arrive at the airport during non-working hours or need a very quick snack, there are also vending machines with beverages, crisps, and sweets installed in the terminal.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Waco goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our useful tips. These simple recommendations will help save time, nerves, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at Waco Airport (ACT) approximately 1.5–2 hours before the scheduled departure time. This buffer will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security screening without haste.

Check-in and Security. Waco Airport is small and modern, so queues here are generally significantly shorter than in large hubs. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your phone. At the security checkpoint, have your ID (passport or driving licence) and boarding pass ready.

Seat selection on the plane. If the airline allows, choose your seat when booking the ticket. Window seats will give you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely during the flight.

Hand luggage. Standard security rules apply here as well. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids (containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag). Always keep valuables, documents, medication, and fragile electronics with you in your hand luggage, rather than checking them in.

Passengers with connections. Waco Airport is not a major transfer hub, so most passengers start or end their journey here. If you have a connecting flight, it will likely be at a larger airport (for example, Dallas/Fort Worth). Ensure you have allowed enough time for the connection.

Customs control. An important feature: Waco Airport serves only domestic flights, so there is no customs and border control point. Passengers departing on international flights undergo these procedures at the transfer airport from where the international segment of the flight is operated.

Saving time and money. Check your flight status online in advance. To save money, bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after passing security) and pack light snacks from home, as the selection at the airport may be limited and cost more.

In case of flight delay. If the schedule changes, first contact your airline representative at the counter or boarding gate for current information. In small airports like this one, leisure opportunities are limited, so in case of a delay, it is useful to have a book, headphones, or films downloaded to your device in advance.