Valley International Airport (HRL)

Valley International Airport (IATA code: HRL) serves Harlingen and Cameron County in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Beyond connecting domestic passengers to major national hubs, it acts as the primary aviation gateway to the beach destinations of South Padre Island.

Official Website: flythevalley.com

Telephone: +1 (956) 430-8600

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates via a single two-level passenger terminal equipped with 7 boarding gates (Gates 1 through 7) served by jet bridges. Level 1 (ground floor) hosts check-in counters, baggage claim, rental car desks, and basic passenger amenities. Level 2 (upper floor) houses the TSA security screening checkpoint, dining options, the VIP club, and departure gates. The terminal remains open to the public 24 hours a day.

Annual passenger traffic (2025): 1.2 million passengers.

Information Desks

A passenger information desk is located on the first level of the terminal, providing bilingual English and Spanish assistance.

 Location

The airport is centrally located in the Rio Grande Valley, 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of downtown Harlingen and approximately 46 miles (75 km) west of South Padre Island.

Public and private transportation

The airport is about a 10-minute drive from central Harlingen and roughly 50 to 60 minutes from South Padre Island.

South Padre Island Shuttles

Door-to-door shared and private airport shuttle services connect travelers directly to resorts and hotels on South Padre Island, including SPI Shuttle and South Padre Surf Shuttle.

Ridesharing Apps

Uber and Lyft drivers pick up and drop off passengers curbside directly outside the terminal entrance.

Taxis

Authorized local taxicab operators serve Harlingen and the wider Rio Grande Valley (including All Star Taxi, Let's Ride Taxi, R.G.V. Taxi Cab, and Southwest Taxi), along with island-based cabs and limousine transfers waiting curbside outside baggage claim.

Public Transit Bus

The LRGVDC Valley Metro regional transit network operates a scheduled bus stop at the airport, connecting passengers with the Harlingen transfer center and local commercial corridors.

Car rental agencies

Car Rental Companies

Rental car counters are conveniently situated on the ground floor of the terminal, directly opposite baggage claim. Vehicles are collected and returned within walking distance in the adjacent airport parking lot.

• Avis: terminal ground floor.
• Dollar: terminal ground floor.
• Enterprise: terminal ground floor.
• Hertz: terminal ground floor.
• National: terminal ground floor.
• Budget: operates via nearby off-airport location.

Driving into Mexico: most on-site agencies permit vehicles to cross into Mexico, provided advance notice is given and required Mexican auto insurance is purchased upon contract signing.

Parking services at Valley International Airport (HRL)

Airport parking facilities are managed by Republic Parking and monitored with 24-hour security patrols.

Parking Lots

• Remote Lot (Long-Term): situated less than 100 yards walking distance from the terminal. The first 30 minutes are complimentary (free), followed by $1.50 USD per additional hour and an $11.00 USD daily maximum. Monthly ($180.00 USD) and annual ($1,000.00 USD) rates are also available.
• Close-In Lot (Short-Term): located directly in front of the terminal building with covered parking spaces (maximum vehicle clearance of 75 inches / 1.90 m). The rate is $1.00 USD per 20-minute interval, up to a $16.00 USD daily maximum.

View official parking rates and details

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The terminal building is fully compliant with ADA standards to ensure accessible and seamless travel for all passengers.

Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities feature exterior curb cut ramps, automatic sliding doors, passenger elevators connecting Levels 1 and 2, and wheelchair-accessible public restrooms.

Special Assistance Requests

Wheelchair assistance from the curb to the aircraft gate must be requested directly through your airline at least 48 hours in advance or arranged at check-in desks. Passengers with medical conditions or disabilities may also contact the federal TSA Cares program 72 hours prior to travel for dedicated screening support.

Service Animals: dedicated outdoor grass relief areas are marked outside the terminal building.