Are you looking for the best way to get from Pensacola to Gulf Shores? If so, you’ve landed on the right article.
In this post, I’ll discuss all the available transportation options for traveling between these two U.S. cities, including by car, shuttle, and taxi.
If you decide to drive, keep reading to find the best routes, plus a list of stops you can make to add interest to the journey.
Let’s dive in!
Pensacola To Gulf Shores Distance And Time
The trip between Pensacola, Florida, and Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama, can vary between 35 and 60 miles, depending on where you’re headed.
Driving from downtown Pensacola to downtown Gulf Shores usually takes about 1 hour to cover the 35 miles. That’s in normal traffic conditions.
Expect longer travel times during busy seasons such as spring break and summer.
If you’re headed to the Fort Morgan area west of Gulf Shores proper, expect travel distances of 45 miles or more.
Ways To Get From Pensacola To Gulf Shores, Alabama
The best way to get from Pensacola to Gulf Shores is to drive.
The trip only takes about 1 hour from downtown to downtown (depending on traffic) and is the most budget-friendly option.
If you’re traveling in a personal vehicle, check out the recommended routes and stops below.
Don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to drive? No problem! The next best option is to take a private shuttle.
Rest easy in the care of a professional driver and enjoy countryside views during your point-to-point transfer.
Prices vary but expect to pay between $85 and $125 for a direct shuttle between Pensacola Airport and Gulf Shores. Depending on the number of passengers, you may incur an additional charge.
It’s also possible to take a taxi service, Uber, or Lyft. The price is similar to paying for a shuttle.
According to the Uber rate calculator, the fare costs anywhere from $75 to $105, depending on the option you select.
I don’t recommend taking a bus from Pensacola to Gulf Shores since the journey will take three hours and cost about the same as a taxi or shuttle.
Are There Shuttles From Pensacola To Gulf Shores?
Yes–multiple shuttle companies take people from Pensacola to Gulf Shores as well as to Pensacola Beach, Pensacola International Airport, and the Orange Beach area.
Journey times will vary depending on the distance to your destination, but the total travel time is typically 1 hour to 1.5 hours in normal traffic conditions.
Abe Airport Shuttle is a prompt, safe, competitive shuttle service with transfers to and from Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Pensacola International Airport.
Expect to pay somewhere between $90 to $125 for a six-passenger van. Check the Abe Airport Shuttle website’s main page for more detailed information.
Pensacola Airport Shuttle is another option, offering pick-up and drop-off services to destinations within 100 miles of Pensacola International (PNS).
This company offers shuttle and taxi services, airport transfers, group charters, and event charters.
The base rate for two passengers traveling from PNS to Gulf Shores is $90-100. Additional passengers cost $5 each.
The Pensacola Gulf Coast Shuttle is another great option for getting from Pensacola to Gulf Shores.
This service charges approximately $85 to $110 per transfer (with up to four passengers), depending on which area of Gulf Shores you’re visiting. Additional passengers are charged $10 each.
What Are The Best Airlines To Fly Into For Each City?
The best and closest airport to fly into for Pensacola is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), as it is within the Pensacola city limits.
Considering flight costs, this airport is also the best choice for Gulf Shores. It’s only about 1 hour from Gulf Shores.
This relatively small airport serves the entire Northwest Florida Panhandle and is typically very busy.
American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit, Silver, United, Southwest, and Frontier all offer commercial flights into and out of this airport.
Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before boarding at Pensacola International Airport. If you’re flying into PNS and need to pick up baggage, expect to spend 15-30 minutes beyond your flight time.
Other airports to consider if PNS doesn’t work for you include Destin Executive Airport (DTS), Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), and Gulf Shores International Airport (also known as Jack Edwards Field).
Gulf Shores International Airport is the closest airport to Gulf Shores but is used primarily by business and leisure travelers traveling on corporate jets or private charters.
Pensacola To Gulf Shores By Car
If you’re planning to visit the crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast, going by car is a great choice.
The short trip goes through several small towns and past points of interest. Let’s take a look at the best routes.
Best Route Or Routes To Take From Pensacola To Gulf Shores
There are two main routes from Pensacola to Gulf Shores. Check your favorite navigation app to see which option has the best traffic conditions on your travel day.
✓ Pensacola to Gulf Shores Route 1
The first route option takes about an hour and covers 34 miles. To start, take East Garden Street to Barracas Avenue (Florida-292).
Continue on this road until you reach Gulf Shores. When you cross the state line, Florida 292 becomes Alabama-182 West.
✓ Pensacola to Gulf Shores Route 2
For the second route to Gulf Shores, take West Navy Boulevard to North Navy Boulevard to US Highway 98 West.
Next, turn left onto Florida 173 South, then right onto Florida 292 West. Continue on this road until you reach Gulf Shores.
When you cross the state line, Florida 292 becomes Alabama-182 West.
Are There Any Tolls Between Pensacola And Gulf Shores?
There are no tolls between Pensacola and Gulf Shores.
Pensacola To Gulf Shores: Fun Stops To Make Along The Way
Photo credit – Wikimedia
1. McGuire’s Irish Pub
Fancy a drink before leaving Pensacola? If so, hop in the car for a short drive to McGuire’s Irish Pub, a local restaurant that’s a fun first stop.
Spend a little time looking at the million $1 bills hanging from the ceiling, sipping ale brewed in a copper kettle, and eating mouthwatering Irish stew or delicious Reuben egg rolls.
If you head to McGuire’s between 8 pm and midnight on weekdays, 9 pm and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, or between 11 am and 2 pm on Sundays, you can enjoy great live music.
McGuire’s Irish Pub is located at 600 East Gregory Street, Pensacola. It’s open from 11 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 2 am on Sundays.
💡 Note: If you’re driving, I advise you to drink responsibly.
2. Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten
Another great spot for food, brews, and board games is Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten. This microbrewery and taproom is located at 208 Newman Avenue, Pensacola.
There are 18 taps with beers and ciders available at Gary’s. There’s also plenty of outdoor space to stretch your legs, play cornhole, or challenge your friends or family to a game or two of giant Jenga.
Check the event calendar for upcoming curry nights, football nights, art markets, and food truck extravaganzas held at Gary’s.
Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 pm, and Sunday from 2 pm to 8 pm. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
3. National Naval Aviation Museum
Does 150 military aircraft, a giant theater, and a flight simulator sound like a good time?
If so, the National Naval Aviation Museum outside Pensacola is the perfect place to stop on your way to Gulf Shores.
It’s only 10 miles (about 26 minutes) from Pensacola. The history alone is intriguing, not to mention the impressive array of aircraft.
If you can swing it, I think the IMAX movie about aircraft history and how the Blue Angels train is worth the extra expense.
✓ Alternate Stop: Pensacola Lighthouse And Maritime Museum
Another nearby option is the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
The lighthouse dates back to 1859 and offers sweeping views of the Bay. You might even get to see the Blue Angels practicing from the top.
💡 Note: Wear shoes with closed backs (or be prepared to go without) for the 177-step climb to the top.
4. Perdido Key State Park
Soak in the stunning beauty of the barrier islands at Perdido Key State Park. This park is about 40 minutes from Pensacola (roughly 20 miles).
It’s a great place to swim, fish, picnic, admire dunes, and spot various bird species, such as plovers, gulls, herons, loons, mergansers, and black skimmers.
Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches here from late March through August.
The natural beauty, sand dunes, and lovely views make this tranquil spot a worthy stop.
5. Flora-Bama Bar
Join the “bamily” at the Flora-Bama Lounge in Orange Beach for a great time with a vast selection of live music and tasty food at five good restaurants.
The Flora-Bama Bar is famous throughout the United States for its bar, music, sunsets, and events (which often hit national news).
The Flora-Bama Bar is ready and waiting if you’re ready for a break after driving about 42 minutes from Pensacola.
Order a Bushwacker and listen to your choice of music at any of the five stages.
This stop is located at 17401 Perdido Key Drive on Perdido Key.
Photo credit – Cetacean Dolphin & Sailing Cruises
6. Dolphin Tour Orange Beach
Are you looking for the best time ever? Then why not take a dolphin tour while you’re in Orange Beach?
Spending a few hours observing these cute and intelligent mammals will be so much fun.
Step aboard a unique shallow-water vessel for this tour of the waterways around Orange Beach.
You’ll head to areas most watercraft can’t access, then spend about 45 minutes enjoying great views of local dolphin pods.
Your captain will answer ALL the questions people ask about dolphins, the local ecosystem, and area flora and fauna.
This dolphin tour lasts 1.5 hours and has over 300 five-star reviews. The tour starts at a location just 15 minutes or so from Gulf Shores.
7. Cotton Bayou Public Beach
Another top spot to pause your road trip is Cotton Bayou Public Beach, a prime place to enjoy white sands and deliciously warm water.
This public beach is only 15 minutes from Gulf Shores, at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161.
There are outdoor showers, restrooms, and a beach access mat. There’s also a boardwalk, parking and fishing charters, showers, and a lifeguard.
It can get busy on this beach, so go early to nab a parking place and the best chair and umbrella spots.
Swim, dig for crabs, soak in the sand, and enjoy the views.
8. Branyon Beach
Just before you reach Gulf Shores, consider stopping at Branyon Beach. This small beach access is at the intersection of Campground Road and Highway 182.
It’s a fabulous spot to see the sunrise or a beautiful sunset. This beach tends to be very quiet and secluded, with few beachgoers.
There is no lifeguard or facilities, but there is a nice boardwalk between the beach and the adjacent campground.
Tips for your Gulf Shores Vacation
Congrats! Now that you’ve made it to Gulf Shores, it’s time to enjoy this location to the max. Be sure to check out Gulf State Park Pier.
Other fun activities include visiting the Gulf Islands National Seashore or a local amusement park.
Pensacola To Gulf Shores Final Thoughts
Congrats! Now you know all the ways to get from Pensacola to Gulf Shores.
To recap, the most economical way to travel between these two sunny destinations is in a personal vehicle.
I think it’s fun to stop at points of interest along the route to round out the experience.
Taking a shuttle is an excellent choice if you don’t have access to a vehicle.
Shuttles typically cost between $85 and $110, depending on the distance to your hotel or accommodations.
And there you have it! Which of these travel methods sounds best to you?
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Blogs
Me enjoying a nice quiet night at Quietwater Beach in Pensacola Beach!
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