Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is a public airport located just north of Wilmington, NC.  ILM covers approximately 1800 acres of land.  The airport has two runways and a single terminal which has eight gates.

This guide will help provide the information required to help you make the best choice from the options available to you, such as parking rates—both long and short term—and hotels that offer parking and shuttles, and possible places to grab a meal.

Parking Rates and Options

Wilmington International Airport offers travelers six parking lot areas to choose from, all within a short walk of the terminal.

Travelers can expect to pay up to $24 per day for parking at Wilmington International Airport.

Hourly Lot

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $24.00

Premium Daily Lot

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $14.00

Main Daily Lot

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $10.00

Standard Daily Lot

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $10.00

North Daily

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $12.00

Economy Daily Lot

Up to 30 minutes FREE
30 minutes – 1 hour $1.00
1 hour – 2 hours $2.00
2 hours – 3 hours $3.00
3 hours – 4 hours $4.00
4 hours – 5 hours $5.00
Maximum Daily Rate $8.00

Parking Tips

  • If you are dropping off or picking up passengers from ILM, please continue straight on Airport Blvd. to the terminal. You may pick up/drop off your passenger at the curb, but please do not leave your vehicle unattended. Parking at the curb of the terminal is strictly prohibited and will result in ticketing and/or towing by Airport police.
  • Thirty minutes of free parking are allowed in all lots, so feel free to park in the short-term lot (the closest to the terminal) to pick up and drop off guests that may need assistance.
  • Additionally, if you are picking up passengers, you may wait for them in the Cell Phone Lot. To access the lot, continue on Airport Blvd. past the main airport terminal. Turn right onto the first road, Trask Drive, and continue straight after the stop sign. There will be signs directing you to the cell phone lot. Once the passenger has contacted you that they are ready for pickup, simply proceed to the front of the terminal building.

Airport Resources

No matter how travelers look at it, parking rates at or near the Wilmington International Airport can be expensive and costly—especially if you have to park there for several days.

With this mindset, we have gathered a few ideas and resources to help you find some of the best rates and discounts, and coupons in an attempt to make your parking more affordable.

Official Airport Parking Page

This page offers information on various options that are both convenient and economical.  The site provides rates, live availability, and up-to-date news.  There is also information on links to the flights, passengers, and the airport itself.

Prices at On Air Parking, however, are the best rates you’ll get at ILM. We offer off-airport parking for a mere $4.99 a day! Once you book with us, the address of your parking lot will be emailed with you and away you go! Our lots offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, and you may cancel at any time for any reason. On Air Parking is, hands down, your low-price leader for airport parking. 

Hotel Parking with Airport Shuttle Service

Many travelers are learning the park, stay, and fly luxury that many hotels offer these days.  They can stay at the hotel the night before and take the complimentary shuttle to the airport, all while never moving their vehicle. There are several hotels within 2.3 to 3 miles of Wilmington International Airport that offer park, stay and fly packages and complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminals.

Holiday Inn

Distance from ILM: 2.3 miles

5032 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405

Phone: 910.392.1101

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Distance from ILM: 2.8 miles

160 Van Campen Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Phone: 910.392.3227

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Distance from ILM: 2.9 miles

9 Estell Lee Pl, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: 910.765.1131

Hotel Ballast

Distance from ILM: 3 miles

301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: 910.763.5900

Local Eateries

Although there are several places to grab a bite to eat near the Wilmington International Airport, those that rated with the most stars are:

Indochine Restaurant – Thai & Vietnamese

7 Wayne Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403

Thai & Vietnamese fare served in an exotic, art-filled setting with an outdoor garden & gazebos.

Dine-in Curbside pickup Delivery

Blue Surf Café – Café

250 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Bright, rustic-chic venue for imaginative takes on seafood & American fare, served three meals a day.

Dine-in Curbside pickup No-contact delivery

Port City Java – Restaurant

2099 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403

Coffeehouse chain with house-roasted, organic java plus breakfast items, sandwiches & baked goods.

Curbside pickup only

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant – Chinese

2601 Castle Hayne Rd E, Wilmington, NC 28403

Simple counter-service outfit offering a typical menu of Chinese food favorites & lunch specials.

Takeout only

Airport Parking 

Looking for cheap airport parking near Wilmington International Airport? Try On Air Parking!