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Cover image credit: Nancy Pauwels/Shutterstock.com
Welcome to Saint Lucia, the lush and green jewel of the Caribbean, renowned for its breathtaking natural wonders, including the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Piton Mountains. With its abundant beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and romantic charm, this island is the perfect destination for those seeking a dreamy vacation. But before embarking on your adventure, let’s familiarize you with where Saint Lucia is.
Saint Lucia is nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, closely neighbored by enchanting islands such as Barbados, Saint Vincent, and Martinique. The most convenient way to reach this tropical locale is by air, and you have two options: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU), each offering its unique advantages for your journey.
Expert tip: The best time to visit Saint Lucia is between mid-April to December, when you’ll enjoy the finest weather and vibrant events, allowing you to explore all the incredible things Saint Lucia is known for.
Flying to Saint Lucia via Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
Your choice of airport often depends on your point of origin. For international travelers, Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) near Vieux Fort, situated about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of the capital city, Castries, is your primary gateway. UVF is Saint Lucia’s largest and most popular international airport, guaranteeing modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining options, and parking. UVF is the preferred choice for guests arriving from international destinations, such as the United States and Canada. Most visitors heading to Saint Lucia from these locations will land at this southern airport.
Good to know: UVF is very close to Vieux Fort, a town that was once the capital of Saint Lucia.
Flights to UVF
Hewanorra International Airport receives daily flights from several airlines, offering a convenient connection to and from Saint Lucia:
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From the United States: Four airlines offer flights to Saint Lucia from Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia.
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From Canada: There are three airlines that offer flights to Saint Lucia departing from Montreal and Toronto.
We’ve provided more general information on flight options from the US and Canada to UVF below:
| Gateway | Airline | Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | Delta | Daily | 4hr 12min |
| Boston (BOS) | JetBlue | Sat | 4hr 45min |
| Charlotte (CLT) | American Airlines | Daily | 4hr 45min |
| Chicago (ORD) | United | Sat | 5hr 30min |
| Miami (MIA) | American Airlines | Daily | 3hr 40min |
| Montreal (YUL) | Air Canada | Mon | 5hr 00min |
| Montreal (YUL) | Air Transat | Sun | 5hr 10min |
| New York City (JFK) | JetBlue | Daily | 4hr 40min |
| Newark (EWR) | United | Sat, Sun | 4hr 45min |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | American Airlines | Sat | 4hr 45min |
| Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | 5hr 05min |
| Toronto (YYZ) | WestJet | Tue, Thu, Sun | 5hr 10min |
Flying to Saint Lucia via George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)
The George F.L. Charles Airport is the smallest of Saint Lucia’s two airports, primarily serving inter-island regional travel and ideal for guests embarking on island-hopping adventures or staying at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. Located in Vigie, just outside Castries, SLU offers a more compact and efficient experience, with facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops.
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While George F.L. Charles Airport handles regional flights and can be an option for those connecting from other Caribbean islands, the majority of international visitors to Saint Lucia choose Hewanorra International Airport.
Good to know: The George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is closer to Sandals Resorts than the Hewanorra International Airport, making it the perfect choice if you’re traveling from other Caribbean destinations. Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian are excellent options for a vacation conveniently located minutes away from SLU.
Flights to SLU
Travelers originating from the below Caribbean destinations can book flights to George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Saint Lucia:
Expert tip: Elevate your Caribbean escape by embarking on an island-hopping adventure across multiple Sandals Resorts in various destinations, then flying into Saint Lucia via SLU. This strategic choice grants you quicker access to the northern resorts and attractions, so you can get started on your Saint Lucian adventure even faster.
Transfers from St. Lucia airports to Sandals Resorts
Good news for travelers to Saint Lucia! Airport transfers to and from the resort are included in Saint Lucia vacation packages for all Sandals guests. Regardless of your choice of airport or room category, you can enjoy hassle-free transportation to your resort.
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Saint Lucia’s airports are all accessible by car, with the furthest being just around an hour and a half away. For a quicker arrival, consider booking a helicopter transfer that will give you a scenic introduction to the island from the sky.
Here’s a little more detail on the distance of the various Sandals Resorts from Saint Lucia airports:
Expert tip: Sandals Halcyon Beach is one of the closest resorts to Hewanorra International Airport in Saint Lucia, ensuring a swift start to your vacation. It’s renowned for its intimate atmosphere and lush surroundings, making it the perfect choice for a Caribbean escape.
BONUS: Other things to know when flying to Saint Lucia
Do you need a passport to go to Saint Lucia?
Yes, international travelers must carry a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond their travel dates. Be sure to also have a return ticket as part of your travel documents. If you don’t already have a passport, be sure to apply for one well in advance of your vacation.
Do you have to pay departure tax in Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia imposes a departure tax included in your airfare for passengers aged 12 and above leaving the island by air.
Choosing a Saint Lucia airport: First steps to a spectacular vacation!
Now that you’re well-informed about the Saint Lucia airports and your transportation options, you’re one step closer to experiencing the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Whether you decide to explore every corner of this enchanting island or simply revel in the comforts of your Sandals Resort, Saint Lucia promises an unforgettable experience.
If you’re traveling from a Caribbean destination, George F.L. Charles Airport can be a great option as it is more convenient in terms of accessibility to northern resorts and attractions. Though the Hewanorra International Airport is further away from some of the major resorts on this island, it is close to some of the best attractions in Saint Lucia including waterfalls, hiking trails, and the popular Sulphur Springs (drive-in volcano). Despite the differences in distance, no matter where you choose to stay on this island you’ll have access to the best tours, attractions, and amazing resorts.
Somewhere before or after making the decision on which airport to travel to, you will need to think about where to stay in Saint Lucia. Sandals all-inclusive resorts offer three different accommodation options on the island. Each resort in Saint Lucia has its own distinct personality and is adults-only. Have fun and create good memories whether or not you leave your resort.
Expert tip: The stunning beauty of Saint Lucia and the friendliness of the people will definitely make this one destination you won’t soon forget, as will this Saint Lucia food and drinks. If you’re not sure which resort will be best for you, check out our post on the best Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia to help you decide!
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