Hewanorra International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Hewanorra International Airport UVF

Saint Lucia

Hewanorra International Airport is Saint Lucia's leading airport, located at the southern tip of the island, close to the town of Vieux Fort.

It handles almost all intercontinental flights to the island, from North America and Europe, while regional connections predominantly use the smaller airport in Castries.

How to get to Hewanorra International Airport

By Train

There is no railway connection to the airport.

By Bus

Public buses stop on the main road just outside the airport complex, with a journey of about one hour to Castries.

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Tips

Those heading to Rodney Bay or the north of the island often prefer to fly directly to SLU (Castries), which is much closer to those areas compared to Hewanorra.

Parking near Hewanorra International Airport

A paid surface parking lot is available in front of the terminal.

How to get to Vieux Fort from UVF

The transfer to Vieux Fort center is typically by taxi; to reach Castries in the north of the island, a car journey usually takes between 50 minutes and one hour and 15 minutes.

By Train

There is no rail connection for the airport.

By Bus

A public bus stops on the main road outside the airport and reaches Castries in about one hour.

By Taxi

Castries is approximately 56 km away, one hour's journey; the typical fare is around 200 EC$ (approximately 70–90 USD) — the distance to the capital is among the longest in the region.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

From UVF to the most sought-after destinations

Hewanorra is connected year-round to London Gatwick via British Airways, the only direct flight to Europe, plus several US cities (including Miami, Atlanta and New York) and Canada (Toronto).

Car rental at Hewanorra International Airport

Car rental desks are present in the arrivals area; some operators require a shuttle to reach their facilities.

 

Hotels near Hewanorra International Airport

Hewanorra Airport occupies the southern tip of the island, at Vieux Fort, far from Rodney Bay and the capital Castries, which lie at the other end of Saint Lucia, 70-90 minutes further north. Those arriving here to stay on the south coast or catch a morning flight have almost no transfer to make: the nearest resort is literally a kilometre from the terminal. Those heading instead for the resorts in the north must treat that long road as part of the trip, not as a detail of the last day.
Airport area

Vieux Fort and Coconut Bay

Coconut Bay Beach Resort is about 1.5 km from the terminal, under 5 minutes by car or shuttle; the adults-only Serenity at Coconut Bay wing, same complex, is about 1.6 km away.

Best for: Those wanting the shortest possible transfer, with an early-morning flight or just one night's layover before moving on elsewhere.

Pros
  • A transfer of just a few minutes, useful for those arriving late at night or leaving at dawn
  • The island's only resort with a water park, designed specifically for families with children
Cons
  • The beach faces the Atlantic side: more wind and, in certain months, sargassum, compared with the calm bays of the Caribbean coast
  • Outside the resort, Vieux Fort offers little for the evening: independent bars and restaurants are few
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Anse des Sables

About 2-3 km from the terminal, 5-10 minutes by car; Anse des Sables is the beach closest to the town of Vieux Fort, a 13-minute walk from the centre.

Best for: Those who want to stay close to the airport but prefer smaller, independent accommodation instead of an all-inclusive resort, on a beach good for kitesurfing.

Pros
  • A wide, windy beach, among the island's best for kitesurfing and windsurfing
  • Cheaper accommodation than the all-inclusive resorts in the area
Cons
  • Few restaurants nearby: for dinner you rely on central Vieux Fort
  • The wind that kiters love makes the beach less comfortable for those seeking calm waters
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The island's main international gateway, the airport offers a good range of services.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area is available, along with restaurants, bars, and currency exchange.

Lounges & relaxation

The Iyanola Executive Lounge is available, reserved for premium passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal area.

Families & Children

Family services are limited, consistent with the airport's modest size.

Terminal guide

The terminal, expanded over time to handle international tourist traffic, hosts essential services for arrivals and departures.

Map of Hewanorra International Airport

Map of Hewanorra International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you need a visa for Saint Lucia?

No, EU, British, US, Canadian and Australian citizens can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 42 days.

Q. Is Saint Lucia safe for tourists?

Moderate risk according to the United States, with recent reports of armed robbery and assault even against foreign citizens: avoid isolated areas at night.

Q. What currency is used in Saint Lucia?

The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar at 2.70 to 1; the US dollar is however widely accepted.

Q. What language is spoken in Saint Lucia besides English?

A French-based Creole (Kwéyòl), still widespread especially in informal conversations and villages.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Vieux Fort

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