El Paso Airport (ELP) terminal map

The main ticketing hall at El Paso International Airport’s terminal. El Paso International Airport (ELP) is a medium-sized airport located about 4 miles (6 km) northeast of downtown El Paso, Texas. It serves as a key gateway to West Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico.

The airport consists of a single passenger terminal with two concourses: Concourse A (West Concourse) and Concourse B (East Concourse). Concourse A has gates A1–A4, while Concourse B has gates B1–B11, for a total of 15 gates. The lower level of the terminal houses ticketing counters, baggage claim, and rental car facilities, and the upper level contains the security checkpoint and gate areas. All gates are accessible from one central security area, making connections easy within the same terminal.

Transportation To/From the Airport

Getting to and from ELP is convenient with multiple transportation options. Whether you prefer public transit, a private car, or other services, here are all the available modes of transport and how to use them:

Sun Metro Bus: El Paso’s Sun Metro public transit system operates two bus routes that serve the airport daily. Route 33 connects the airport with Downtown El Paso via the Five Points Transit Center and stops at nearby areas (such as Bassett Place shopping center) on the way. Route 50 runs from the airport toward Downtown via the Cielo Vista Mall area along Montana Avenue. Buses pick up and drop off passengers at the designated Sun Metro stop just outside the terminal. Service is available seven days a week. The fare is about $1.50 per ride. Check schedules before traveling, especially on weekends or holidays.

Car Rentals: A full array of major car rental agencies is available on-site, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty. The Rental Car Center is located on the lower level across from baggage claim. No shuttle is needed. Pickup and return areas are adjacent to the terminal. Turo rentals are also supported with prior arrangement. Return signs are clearly marked.

• Taxis: Available 24/7 at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim. Licensed taxis operate on a meter; rides to Downtown cost about $20–$30 and take 15 minutes. Fares to other destinations vary. No reservation needed; most accept cards, but confirm with the driver before departure.
• Ride-Sharing (Uber & Lyft): Request a ride via the app after collecting luggage. Pickup is outside the arrivals area in the designated curbside zone. Typical fares to downtown range from $15–$25. Drop-offs occur at the departure curb on the upper level.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many local hotels offer complimentary shuttles. Use the courtesy phone near baggage claim to contact your hotel. Pickup is outside baggage claim in the commercial vehicle lane. Wait time is usually 5–15 minutes. Schedule return rides in advance with your hotel.
• Scheduled Shuttles and Regional Transportation: Private shuttle and limo services are available by reservation. Useful for travel to Las Cruces, military bases, or Ciudad Juárez. Book online or by phone. Pickup typically occurs in the same area as taxis. Fares depend on destination and provider.
• Personal Vehicles (Drop-off/Pick-up): Departures drop-off is on the upper level; arrivals pickup is on the lower level. No parking or waiting allowed at the curb. Use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot to wait for passengers to be ready. Roads to the terminal are clearly marked with signage from Loop 375 or Montana Avenue. Allow extra time during peak periods.

Terminal Facilities and Amenities

El Paso International Airport provides a variety of facilities, services, and amenities to make your travel experience comfortable. Below is a full breakdown of what you can find inside the terminal:

• Dining & Restaurants: You won’t go hungry at ELP – there are numerous dining options both before and after security. In the main lobby (pre-security), you’ll find Black Mesa Coffee and Border Bar & Bites, as well as Chiquis Bakery offering fresh Mexican baked goods. In Concourse B’s food court between gates B6 and B11, you’ll find Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon, Slice Pizza, Tia’s Tex-Mex, Starbucks, and the 19th Hole Bar & Snacks. The PGA Tour Grill is also located in Concourse B for full meals and drinks. In Concourse A, there’s a Starbucks and Standard Star bar & grill near Gate A2. Most eateries open by 4:00–5:00 AM and close by 7:00–8:00 PM. Vending machines are available for 24/7 snacks.
• Shopping & Retail: The airport features several shops for essentials and souvenirs. Before security, you’ll find the Visit El Paso Information Desk and Gift Shop and Plaza News. Post-security, Concourse A has El Paso Marketplace near Gate A1. Concourse B includes Heritage Book Sellers and Sun City News. Specialty kiosks include a Benefit Cosmetics Kiosk, iStore, and branded vending machines. Prices are typical of airports, but selections reflect El Paso’s local culture.
• Lounges: ELP has a USO Military Lounge in Concourse B near Gate B5, open to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their families. There are no airline-specific or pay-per-use lounges. The terminal is generally quiet and comfortable, with plenty of available seating.

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal via the “DigitalElPaso” network.
• Charging Stations: Power outlets and USB ports are located near gate seating, charging kiosks, and work desks.
• Pet Relief Area: Located outdoors near short-term parking, across from the lower-level ticketing lobby.
• Nursing Rooms: Private suites near Gate A3 and Gate B6 offer comfortable, quiet spaces for nursing or pumping.
• Family Restrooms: Single-user restrooms with changing tables are located on each level near main restroom areas.
• ATMs & Currency Exchange: ATMs are located in ticketing, baggage claim, and concourses. Limited currency exchange is available via Melek Financial.
• Baggage Carts: Smarte Carte stations are near baggage claim and curbs; a small fee applies.
• Shoe Shine: Available in pre-security shopping and near Gates B2 and A1 (during weekday hours).
• Art and Exhibits: Local artwork and rotating exhibits are found throughout the terminal, including the meeter/greeter area and baggage claim.
• Children’s Play Area: A small play zone known as the “Junior Pilots Lounge” is near Gate A4 in Concourse A.
• Water Stations: Water fountains and bottle filling stations are available past security.
• Accessibility: The terminal is ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, wheelchair service, shuttle lifts, and braille signage. Contact your airline or airport staff for assistance with special needs.

Parking ELP airport

El Paso International Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit short visits or extended trips. All parking lots are on-site and within a short walk or quick shuttle ride to the terminal. Below is an overview of each parking option, along with current pricing (as of early 2025) and tips on when to use each:

• Short-Term Parking: Located directly in front of the terminal, perfect for hourly stays and short visits. The first 10 minutes are free. Then it’s $1 per hour with a daily max of $17. Ideal for drop-offs, pickups, and quick trips.
• Long-Term Parking: A more economical option at $7 per day. Free 24/7 shuttle service available. Great for multi-day trips. Notify the parking office if you plan to leave a vehicle over 30 days.
• West Lot (Economy Lot): Flat rate of $10 per day. Accepts credit card payment only via QR code. Close enough to walk or take a shuttle. Convenient for budget-conscious travelers familiar with mobile payment.
• Premium Reserved Parking: $20 per day. Reserve a space online for guaranteed convenience near the terminal. Ideal during peak travel periods. QR code or pass required for entry.
• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free waiting area for arrivals. Stay in your car until your party is ready. No unattended vehicles allowed. Located less than half a mile from the terminal.
• Disabled Veteran Parking Benefits: Free parking in the long-term lot (full duration) and up to 5 days in the short-term lot for qualifying vehicles with DV plates. Notify staff at exit for assistance. Not available in West Lot or Premium Reserved.
• Valet Parking: Available through Park Air Express at 6440 Airport Road. Rates ~ $20+ per day. Includes luggage help and optional car wash. Reserve online for convenience.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: Four Blink stations in short-term lot. $0.49/kWh plus parking rates. Use Blink app to pay. Not suitable for long-term charging.
• Parking Tips: All lots are secure and well-lit. Keep track of your ticket and parking location. Expect full lots during holidays. Pay at exit with credit/debit card. Call 915-771-7990 for help or lost ticket support.