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An aerial view of Roatan’s airport in Honduras showing multiple commercial airplanes parked on the tarmac, a runway extending toward the ocean, and a scenic coastline with the Caribbean Sea in the background.

Getting to Roatan: Flights, Airlines and the Mainland Route

Most visitors fly into the Roatan airport (RTB, Juan Manuel Galvez International). The most common route is a direct flight from a US gateway city, and you can also connect through San Pedro Sula on the mainland.

Direct flights from the USA

Which airline suits you depends on your gateway city. The three main US gateway cities are:

  • Miami: American Airlines
  • Atlanta: Delta Airlines
  • Houston: United Airlines

TAG Airlines also flies direct between San Salvador, El Salvador and Roatan. Schedules change, so check the airlines for current flights.

Before you fly

All travelers must complete the online customs declaration form before entering Honduras. See Honduras entry requirements for the steps and the official link.

Departure tax

A departure tax is included in almost all airline tickets, with the exception of some charter flights. You can double check your ticket receipt.

Flying through San Pedro Sula

Spirit Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines all fly to San Pedro Sula, and fares can be cheaper, sometimes significantly. The two main airlines that connect San Pedro Sula and Roatan are CM Airlines and SOSA. Lanhsa flies between La Ceiba and Roatan.

The catch is arrival and departure times, and how long you want to wait in an airport to save some money on a vacation. Baggage is another issue: the typical allowance on these flights is 35 pounds instead of the 50 pounds most US carriers allow. Unless you pack very light, the savings are usually not worth the time and hassle, but everyone’s time and money equation is different.

Most mainland flights use commuter planes, mostly the Canadair RJ 200.

From Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Panama

Book separate segments. Fly to Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula, then continue on a Honduran domestic carrier such as CM Airlines or SOSA. You could also fly into San Salvador and connect on TAG Airlines.

Delays and cancellations

Flight cancellations are not very common. The exceptions are a few weeks in April and early May, when seasonal smoke can close the airport because of low visibility, significant tropical storms, and heavy rain and thunderstorms in the rainy season, roughly October 15 to January 15.

Connecting through the US on the way home

The process is easier than it sounds:

  1. Immigration control: show your passport and answer a few questions.
  2. Pick up your baggage at the customs area baggage carousels.
  3. Exit the customs area. Agents are there, and you may be stopped or asked questions.
  4. Immediately outside customs, re-check your baggage for any connecting flight, or exit the airport if it is your final destination.
  5. Connecting flights require you to go through TSA security screening again.

Frequently asked questions

Which airlines fly to Roatan?

American Airlines from Miami, Delta from Atlanta and United from Houston are the main US routes. TAG Airlines flies from San Salvador, and CM Airlines, SOSA and Lanhsa connect Roatan with the mainland.

Is there a departure tax?

Yes, but it is included in almost all airline tickets, with the exception of some charter flights. Check your ticket receipt.

Can I fly to the mainland first to save money?

Yes. Several US airlines fly to San Pedro Sula, and CM Airlines or SOSA continue to Roatan. Compare the fare savings with the extra time and the 35 pound baggage allowance.

Do flights to Roatan get cancelled?

Not often. Seasonal smoke in April and early May, tropical storms and heavy rain in the rainy season can cause cancellations.

Schedules, fares and baggage rules change, so check with the airline. See ferry listings and places to stay to plan the rest of your trip.