a photo of the SHD lobby with photos of JMU

James Madison University Travel

Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) is proud to be the official airport of James Madison University (JMU). Located just 15 minutes from JMU’s campus, SHD is the most convenient way to travel to and from JMU.

With a first-rate performing arts facility, nationally-ranked sports teams, year-round events, state-of-the-art conference facilities, prospective student programming, and more, JMU attracts plenty of national attention, visitors, and alumni reunions throughout the year.

Whether you’re visiting campus from afar, attending a conference, or heading home for winter break, affordable flights on Contour Airlines and their interline partner, American Airlines, give you the flexibility to travel anywhere affordably. SHD offers access to American Airlines’ global network through daily flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Passengers have access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations while enjoying a hassle-free travel experience. You can get anywhere in the world with just one flight out of SHD.

Fast Facts

JMU Duke Dog waves while sitting on a plane

Transportation From JMU to SHD

Whether you’re a JMU student without a car, an alumnus returning for homecoming, or a visitor flying in from out of town, we have you covered.

Parking is always free at SHD. So after a short 15-minute drive from JMU’s campus, park your car at our terminal, and don’t worry about a price tag. Why fight traffic and drive a couple of hours to a larger airport only to pay hefty parking fees?

SHD offers a premier shuttle service, just another way we make your travel experience more convenient. Simply book our SHD Shuttle in advance, and it will pick you up right from your dorm, apartment, or hotel and take you right over to SHD, with plenty of time to catch your flight.

Don’t have a car in the area but need to drive? We offer rental cars on-site for a smooth transition off your plane, into a car, and right into your trip. Avis and Budget rental car agencies are here to get you where you need to go.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Flying Experience

We set the bar high for creating a memorable and welcoming experience. A passion for aviation and customer service shines through in the small details that set us apart. On the day of your flight, enjoy free parking close to our terminal, a quick check-in process, efficient TSA checkpoints, and not worrying about your checked luggage until you reach your final destination. Not to mention, our shorter TSA lines mean that you only have to arrive at SHD one hour before your scheduled boarding time, instead of the typical two hours. The amenities of a local airport and the global network of a major airline partner make for the ideal travel experience, no matter where your trip takes you.

JMU Duke Dog walks off of a plane
a large photo of the JMU quad in the SHD lobby

Feel at Home at SHD

We know that JMU feels like a home-away-from-home. We are proud to be the Official Airport of JMU, and we want to spread that famous JMU cheer with our travelers. That’s why you’ll see some purple and gold decor, photos of the beautiful campus, and the Duke Dog himself when you enter our airline terminal. Plus, we’ll greet you with that Friendly City hospitality.

JMU & Private Aircraft Travel

Not only do we provide convenient access to campus with our airline flights for current and prospective JMU students, parents, alumni, and visitors. But we also offer a wide variety of General Aviation services to private and corporate aircraft headed to the University. We are honored to host charter operations for various JMU sports teams and their opponents throughout the year. We love to support the Dukes with easy and exceptional travel in any way we can. We always roll out the purple carpet for the Dukes and their valued guests, and nothing brings us more pride than sending the Dukes off to playoff and championship games around the country.

Learn more about our general aviation services.
(540) 234-8304.

a JMU sports team boards a flight at SHD