James Madison University Travel
Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) is the closest commercial airport serving James Madison University, located just minutes from campus. Whether you’re a student heading home for break, a parent or family member visiting for graduation or game day, or faculty and staff traveling for work or research, SHD offers a convenient way to begin and end your journey without hours on the road.
With daily nonstop service on American Airlines, operated by SkyWest Airlines, to major hubs in Charlotte and Chicago, SHD connects the JMU community to destinations across the United States and around the globe. Flights are easily booked at aa.com, and passengers earn AAdvantage® miles while enjoying the time savings and simplicity of regional travel.
As the official airport of James Madison University, SHD is proud to support the needs of Dukes, families, alumni, and campus visitors by providing reliable air service and seamless connections for travel both near and far.
Fast Facts
- 15 Minutes from JMU’s Campus
- Free Parking
- Airport Shuttle
- On-Site Car Rentals
- Official Airport of JMU
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.
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.
