Turks & Caicos Airport Guide

Heading to the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands? Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is your first stop, and while it’s simple to navigate, a little prep makes all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know to breeze through PLS like a pro.

Arrival at Providenciales International Airport (PLS)

As your flight descends into Providenciales, get ready to be wowed by the stunning blue ocean water below – seriously, get your phone out and snap a few photos!

Immigration and Customs

Before your flight lands, the flight attendant will hand out immigration forms. Be sure to pack a pen in your carry-on (this is my favorite pen). We learned the hard way that there were no spare pencils or pens provided, so be sure to bring your own.

Once your plane lands, all passengers deplane via stairs on the runway before entering the terminal. After entering the terminal, you’ll proceed to immigration where you’ll need your completed forms and passport.

Baggage Claim

Once you’ve gong through immigration, head to the indoor baggage claim to collect your luggage. Providenciales International Airport is a small but fairly efficient airport, so you won’t spend much time on luggage and will get to your vacation as quickly as possible.

Travel Tip: use AirTags to keep track of your luggage

AirTags have been a total game-changer for us. I pop one in every piece of luggage we travel with, and it’s such a relief knowing exactly where our bags are before takeoff and after landing.

Transportation Options from PLS

Once you’ve collected your bags, you’ll have several transportation options to get to your accommodations:

• Pre-arranged Shuttle Service: Many resorts and hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, so reach out to your hotel ahead of time to coordinate pick up.
• Taxis: There are taxis at the designated stand outside the terminal. Note: there is no Uber in turks and caicos.
• Rental Cars: Great if you plan to explore the island on your own schedule. Major rental companies like Avis and Hertz are available at the airport. All the locals recommended us to use Grace Bay Rentals or Al’s Rent a Car.
• Private Transfers: Book a private car service in advance for a more personalized experience. This is a great option if you are staying outside of the Grace Bay area.

Need more travel details? Check out my full guide to getting around Turks & Caicos.

Departure from Providenciales International Airport (PLS)

Checking In

Leaving Turks and Caicos is just as straightforward as arriving at PLS. Here are a couple of tips we picked up when departing from Providenciales International Airport:

• Allow for extra time: Aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure time. In our experience, we arrived 3 hours ahead and the United kiosk wasn’t open yet. While it wasn’t a major inconvenience, it did give us additional time to get settled in the airport before the rush of travelers arrived.

The photo above shows how quickly the airport fills up—it only took 45 minutes for the terminal to go from calm to packed. Arriving early is your best bet for a stress-free departure.

Amenities and Services at PLS

While you are waiting for your flight, there are a few amenities and services available at Providenciales International Airport:

Duty-Free Shopping: There is a small selection of duty-free shops offering souvenirs, local crafts, and island goods.

Wi-Fi Access: The airport has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. While not the fastest, it’s enough to download a podcast or two.

Food Options: The turks and caicos airport food options are limited, but you’ll find snacks and premade sandwiches at small kiosks, as well as Gilley’s Restaurant on the second floor. Don’t miss the outdoor bar—a cool spot to relax and watch planes while enjoying a drink. It’s definitely the coolest feature of the airport!

Quick Tips for Navigating Providenciales International Airport

1. Time Zone: Turks and Caicos follows Eastern Standard Time (EST).
2. Flight Time: From the Tri-State area, expect a flight time of 3–4 hours.
3. Travel Documents: Make sure you have all your travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas or entry permits for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
4. Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bring some cash for small purchases, major credit cards are widely accepted on the island.
5. Weather: The Turks and Caicos Islands have warm temperatures year-round. The airport A/C wasn’t strong, so pack a portable fan to be extra comfortable while waiting for your flight.
6. Transportation: Arrange transportation from Providenciales International Airport to your hotel in advance. Taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services are available at the airport.

FAQs About Providenciales Airport

How long does it take to get through customs at PLS airport? It’s generally quick, but timing depends on how many flights land at once. It took us around 15 minutes, but all depends on the time of day you arrive.

Are there lounges at PLS? Unfortunately, there are no lounges – but the outdoor bar is a great place to pass the time while you wait for your flight.

Does the Turks and Caicos airport have any restaurants? Yes, there’s a small bar called Gilley’s located on the second floor. While it’s convenient for a quick drink or bite, we didn’t find the food to be the best. The drinks were decent, but the chicken fingers we tried were very dry. If you’re picky about food or want something more satisfying, I recommend eating before you arrive at the airport or packing your own snacks.

Have you traveled through Providenciales International Airport? Share your tips in the comments below!