5 Closest Airports to Waco Texas – 15 Mins to Downtown Waco
We looked through all the viable options and, as a matter of fact, found the nearest airport to Waco that makes the most sense for travelers who want fewer hassles and less time behind the wheel.
It’s almost surprising how many people don’t realize there are multiple choices nearby, some better than others depending on your plans.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the closest airport to Waco Texas, we first considered how long it generally takes to drive from each airport’s exit road to the center of Waco, Texas, factoring in average traffic rather than ideal conditions that rarely happen.
In other words, we picked these based on how quickly and comfortably you can get from a commercial terminal to the city itself.
And yes, by the way, we only included airports that are open to regular folks like you and me, not private hangars or places that just handle air cargo or crop dusters.
We also gave a little more attention to airports that, while possibly farther, offer smoother services like quicker check-ins, cleaner terminals, or even just better food options when you’re stuck during delays.
So, in short, these are the best airports for Waco Texas based on a mix of distance, reliability, and overall travel experience.
The 5 Nearest Airports to Waco Texas – 2026 Full Guide
5. Easterwood Airport (CLL)
Distance from Waco, Texas: 2 Hours, 5 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Easterwood Airport, which is located over in College Station, sits just a little over two hours away from Waco by car. While that’s not exactly next door, it’s still one of the closest airports to Waco Texas that actually works for travelers catching commercial flights.
This airport is, you know, kind of on the smaller side, which actually helps cut down on chaos. For instance, it’s not uncommon to zip through security in less than ten minutes, which is something that rarely happens at the bigger places.
As a matter of fact, if you’re already coming from cities like Houston or Dallas and need to make a short hop to Waco, this could be a surprisingly decent option. It’s not flashy, and you won’t find dozens of dining options, but it’s solid and calm.
Despite being farther than a few others, Easterwood Airport still qualifies as one of the nearest airports to Waco Texas when it comes to reliability and easy in-and-out access, especially for regional travelers who are just looking for fewer crowds and quicker exits.
4. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Distance from Waco, Texas: 1 Hour, 45 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
So, Austin-Bergstrom is sitting about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the south of Waco, and frankly, it’s actually a pretty solid choice for anyone needing a broader range of flight paths. That’s especially true if you’re trying to catch a nonstop to a major city.
The facility itself is, in many ways, a bit more polished than you might expect, with a bunch of food stands and some lounges that, well, are actually pretty relaxing. If you’ve got some downtime between flights, it’s not the worst place to hang around, making it one of the best nearest airports to Waco Texas for many major routes.
While Austin traffic can get a little annoying during peak hours, the drive isn’t terrible most of the time, especially when you’re headed north out of the city.
That said, for international travel, this is the closest international airport to Waco Texas heading south, which makes it a reasonable bet.
If you’re someone who values options and a smoother terminal experience, this one ends up being one of the airports near Waco Texas that people use more often than you’d think.
It may not be the airport closest to Waco, but in a way, it offers the best mix of comfort and flexibility.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Distance from Waco, Texas: 1 Hour, 40 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
DFW, as it’s called pretty much everywhere, is located a little under two hours north of Waco and, quite frankly, is one of the busiest flight hubs in the entire country.
That being said, it’s also the closest international airport to Waco Texas that handles nearly every type of flight you can think of, domestic, overseas, regional, you name it.
Now, the terminals are fairly massive, but they’re connected by a reliable internal train system, which, while not luxurious, gets the job done without too much delay. So, once you figure out how to navigate it, the whole experience can be fairly straightforward.
For anyone traveling internationally or looking for more nonstop flight options, this airport is actually a major asset. It’s not just the airport for Waco Texas travelers, it’s the go-to solution when you’re headed somewhere far away.
Sure, the parking garages are enormous and a bit confusing at first glance, but it’s one of those places where, once you know the system, it’s just slightly more predictable than you’d expect.
So, for big trips or last-minute changes, DFW is still one of the best airports for Waco Texas flyers who want maximum flexibility.
2. Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport (GRK)
Distance from Waco, Texas: 1 Hour, 10 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Killeen-Fort Hood Regional is tucked away just a little over an hour from Waco and, in some respects, feels more like a well-organized bus stop than a bustling airport.
But that’s not a knock, sometimes simplicity is exactly what you want for those looking for the simplest and nearest airport to Waco.
It’s one of the closest airports to Waco Texas where you can still book flights with major carriers, though you’ll most likely be connecting through Dallas or Houston if you’re going any real distance. Still, the process is smooth and relatively low-key.
The airport rarely feels crowded, and things like baggage claim and rental car pickup tend to be painless. That alone can make it worth the extra hour’s drive compared to something bigger but more stressful.
If you’re searching for an airport closest to Waco that doesn’t feel like a cattle drive, this could be your best pick. It’s small, yes, but it’s also surprisingly efficient and straightforward to move through, making it the closest airport to Waco Texas for regional travelers who can’t book a ticket to Waco Regional Airport.
1. Waco Regional Airport (ACT)
Distance from Waco, Texas: 15 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Waco Regional Airport is the absolute nearest airport to Waco, located pretty much right inside the city itself. Waco Regional is only about 20 minutes from downtown, which, let’s be honest, is kind of unbeatable when it comes to saving time.
Sure, it’s a smaller airport with only a few gates and a limited number of daily departures, but it does get the job done. If you’re just hopping to DFW and connecting from there, it’s more or less the smoothest option.
There’s hardly ever a wait for check-in, parking is only steps away, and boarding often feels incredibly casual. That alone makes it a strong pick among the airports near Waco Texas for travelers who don’t feel like dealing with traffic headaches.
In a way, this one is for those who’d rather just be done with it and get to where they’re going with as little friction as possible. It may not be the closest international airport to Waco Texas, but for regional travel, it’s a no-brainer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport closest to Waco?
The closest airport to Waco is Waco Regional (ACT), sitting just 20 minutes from downtown and offering quick flights to DFW.
Which is the closest international airport to Waco Texas?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 1 hour and 40 minutes away, is the closest major international gateway to the city.
Are there multiple airports near Waco Texas that handle commercial flights?
Yes, in fact, several commercial airports near Waco include Waco Regional, DFW, Austin-Bergstrom, Killeen-Fort Hood, and Easterwood.
What is the best airport for Waco Texas when flying internationally?
For international travel, DFW is typically the most reliable and closest option offering global destinations.
Which airport near Waco is best for short domestic trips?
Waco Regional is usually the most convenient choice for short hops and easy regional travel.