The single terminal handles domestic flights to major cities in the Midwest.
Gateway to Dayton, Ohio, birthplace of the Wright brothers and cradle of modern aviation.
How to get to James M Cox Dayton International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to DAY
Parking near James M Cox Dayton International Airport
Parking in multi-story structures near the terminal costs approximately 10-18 USD per day.
How to get to Dayton from DAY
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at James M Cox Dayton International Airport
The terminal hosts desks from every major car rental company.
A driver's license, passport and credit card are enough; in winter do check the availability of winter tires.
Hotels near James M Cox Dayton International Airport
Vandalia, airport area
5-10 minutes by car from the terminal, along Miller Lane
Best for: Travelers arriving late or departing at dawn who want the shortest trip to the terminal
- Under 10 minutes from the terminal, convenient for early flights
- Restaurants and shops along Miller Lane open late
- A commercial strip area, little to do on foot in the evening
- You need a car even just to eat outside the hotel
Recommended hotels
- Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton-Vandalia Under 10 minutes from the terminal along Miller Lane, with an indoor pool and free hot breakfast. View availability
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton North - Vandalia A few minutes from the airport, with a heated indoor pool and free Express Start breakfast. View availability
North Dayton and Miller Lane
8-10 minutes by car from the terminal, along interstate I-75
Best for: Travelers staying multiple nights who want more spacious rooms a few minutes from the airport
- Larger rooms with kitchens, convenient for multi-night stays
- Direct interstate access to downtown and the Air Force Museum
- A hotel and office area, no attractions within walking distance
- Downtown Dayton is still 15-20 minutes away by car
Recommended hotels
- Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North 8 minutes from the terminal on Miller Lane, with indoor and outdoor pools and a free evening reception included. View availability
- Residence Inn Dayton North Full-kitchen suites a few minutes from the airport, convenient for stays of more than one night. View availability
Downtown Dayton
15-20 minutes by car from the terminal, with no direct public transit connection
Best for: Travelers who want to visit the historic downtown, the theaters and the university district without a car
- Walking distance from downtown theaters and the University of Dayton campus
- A growing neighborhood with new restaurants and evening spots
- Getting from the airport always requires a car or a taxi
- Traffic picks up downtown on evenings with stadium events
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
Domestic connections are handled by a single terminal.
Before boarding it's wise to allow 2-2.5 hours of buffer time for flights.
Map of James M Cox Dayton International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Dayton Airport close to the National Museum of the US Air Force?
Yes, the famous aviation museum is located in the Dayton area, birthplace of the Wright brothers.
Q. How much does the RTA bus from Dayton Airport cost?
2.40 USD as of January 1, 2026, after a fare increase.
Q. Which RTA line serves Dayton Airport?
Route 43, which connects the terminal directly to downtown.
Q. Why is Dayton linked to the history of aviation?
It's the birthplace of the Wright brothers, pioneers of powered flight.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights