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Welcome to Saint Lucia, the lush, green gem of the Caribbean. Home to the striking Piton Mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage site — this island is a dreamscape of sun-kissed beaches, cascading waterfalls, and pure romance. Ready to explore? Let’s start with where Saint Lucia is.

Tucked into the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is surrounded by vibrant neighbors like Barbados, Saint Vincent, and Martinique. The easiest way to get here? By air. You’ll land at either Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU), each offering its own perks for your island escape.

Pictured: A beachside view of Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Saint Lucia. The best part? All drinks are included!

Flying to Saint Lucia via Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)

Your choice of airport often depends on your point of origin. For international travellers, Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) near Vieux Fort, situated about 40 miles (64 kilometres) 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.

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Flights to UVF

Hewanorra International Airport receives daily flights from several airlines, offering a convenient connection to and from Saint Lucia:

From the United Kingdom: Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer non-stop flights from London and Manchester.

From the United States: Four airlines offer flights to Saint Lucia from Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia.

From Canada: Three airlines offer flights to Saint Lucia departing from Montreal and Toronto.

Flying to Saint Lucia via George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)

The George F.L. Charles Airport is the smaller of Saint Lucia’s two airports, primarily serving inter-island regional travel. It is 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: George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is closer to Sandals Resorts than Hewanorra International Airport, making it the perfect choice if you’re travelling from other Caribbean destinations. Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian are excellent options for a holiday conveniently located minutes away from SLU.

Flights to SLU

Travellers originating from the following Caribbean destinations can book flights to George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Saint Lucia:

Antigua
Barbados
Curaçao
Fort-de-France (Martinique)
Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)
Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago)
Saint Kitts
Saint Maarten
Saint Vincent

Expert tip: Elevate your Caribbean escape by embarking on an island-hopping adventure across multiple Sandals Resorts in various destinations before 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 Saint Lucia Airports to Sandals Resorts

Good news for travellers to Saint Lucia! Airport transfers to and from the resort are included in Saint Lucia holiday packages for all Sandals guests. Regardless of your choice of airport or room category, you can enjoy hassle-free transportation to your resort.

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:

Hewanorra International Airport

To Sandals Regency La Toc: 34 miles (55 km), ~1 hr 10 min
To Sandals Grande St. Lucian: 41 miles (66 km), ~1 hr 40 min
To Sandals Halcyon Beach: 36 miles (58 km), ~1 hr 20 min

George F.L. Charles Airport

To Sandals Regency La Toc: 3.9 miles (6.3 km), ~12 min
To Sandals Grande St. Lucian: 8 miles (12.9 km), ~20 min
To Sandals Halcyon Beach: 1.8 miles (2.9 km), ~5 min

Expert tip: Sandals Halcyon Beach is one of the closest resorts to George F.L. Charles Airport in Saint Lucia, ensuring a swift start to your holiday. It’s renowned for its intimate atmosphere and lush surroundings, making it the perfect choice for a Caribbean escape.

Pictured: A beachfront view of Sandals Regency La Toc, Saint Lucia

BONUS: Other Things to Know When Flying to Saint Lucia

Do you need a passport to go to Saint Lucia?

Yes, international travellers 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 holiday.

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 Holiday!

Now that you’re well-informed about Saint Lucia’s airports and your transportation options, you’re one step closer to experiencing the beauty of this Caribbean paradise. 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 travelling 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 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.

Pictured: Sandals Halcyon Beach beachfront suites in Saint Lucia.

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. Enjoy your time, whether or not you leave your resort.

Expert tip: The stunning beauty of Saint Lucia and the friendliness of the people will make this one destination you won’t soon forget, as will the Saint Lucian food and drinks.