Laughlin AFB

"Develop Mission-Ready, Resilient Airmen, Leaders and Families!"

The 47th Flying Training Wing develops Combat Ready Airmen, Leaders and Pilots in support of Air Force and Combatant Command requirements by conducting effective, safe and disciplined Flying Training operations and Mission Assurance activities. The 47th Flying Training Wing has been active at Laughlin Air Force Base since September 1, 1972. In the fifty-plus years that it has been operating at Laughlin, the 47th Flying Training Wing has trained more than 15,000 pilots for the United States and its allies, and has seen many bright and dedicated Airmen come and go through its gates.

The Laughlin Air Force Base West Gate is located on Spur 317 and serves as the Main Gate, open 24 hours, seven days a week. In the event of maintenance or closure to the West Gate, the alternate North Gate is located on Highway 90. Call the Law Enforcement Desk at 830-298-5100 for current base access information. There is a 100% identification check upon arrival. To access the base, you must have a valid military ID card or driver’s license.

Driving from San Antonio

West Gate (Main Gate): If you are driving from San Antonio, take U.S. Highway 90 west for 154 miles to Loop 79 south for two miles; then take Spur 317 east for two miles.

North Gate (Alternate Gate): If you are driving from San Antonio, take U.S. Highway 90 west for 151 miles. The entrance will be on the left. The North Gate is only operational in the event of a gate closure at the West Gate.

Driving from the West

West Gate (Main Gate): From the west, travel on Interstate Highway 10 east through El Paso. Then, take U.S. Highway 90 east from Van Horn. After passing Del Rio, continue on U.S. Highway 90 east and take Loop 79 south for two miles; then take Spur 317 east for two miles.

North Gate (Alternate Gate): From the west, travel on Interstate Highway 10 east through El Paso. Then, take U.S. Highway 90 east from Van Horn. After passing Del Rio, continue on U.S. Highway 90 east. After passing under the bridge for Highway 277, the entrance will be on the right. The North Gate is only operational in the event of a gate closure at the West Gate.

Driving Through Central Texas

West Gate (Main Gate): Drive on U.S. Highway 277 southwest from San Angelo, and take Highway 90 east to Del Rio. After passing Del Rio, continue on U.S. Highway 90 east, and take Loop 79 south for two miles. Then, take Spur 317 east for two miles to the Laughlin AFB Front Gate.

North Gate (Alternate Gate): Drive on U.S. Highway 277 southwest from San Angelo, and take Highway 90 east to Del Rio. After passing Del Rio, continue on U.S. Highway 90 east. After passing under the bridge for Highway 277, the entrance will be on the right. The North Gate is only operational in the event of a gate closure at the West Gate.

Air Service

As of April 2023, there is no commercial airline service to Del Rio International. The next closest major airport is San Antonio International located approximately 150 miles east of Del Rio.

Bus Service

There is bus service available from San Antonio (downtown bus station) to Del Rio Station. Bus information may be found online at Greyhound. Travel time is approximately three and a half hours.

Train Service

Scheduled passenger train service at Del Rio Station may be found online at Amtrak.

Local Taxi and Rental Vehicles

Limited taxi and rental vehicle companies serve the Del Rio/Laughlin AFB area. There is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car located in Del Rio. Reservations may be made online or by calling 830-774-2527.

Official-duty transportation can be arranged through Vehicle Dispatch at 830-298-5763 or after hours through Command Post at 830-298-5167.