Overview
Amarillo sits in the Texas Panhandle, a proud Route 66 town ringed by the vast high plains and the dramatic Palo Duro Canyon. It is a favourite stop on any American road trip, blending cowboy heritage, giant steaks and wide western skies. There are no direct flights to Amarillo from the UK, so your journey routes through a major US hub, but connections are frequent and straightforward. If you are hunting for cheap flights to Amarillo, the price charts on this page show current fares at a glance.
Best time to fly to Amarillo
Amarillo has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) bring warm days, cool evenings and the best conditions for exploring the canyon. Summers are hot with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are cold with the odd snowfall and biting winds - the city is one of the windiest in the United States. Term-time and the autumn shoulder season usually offer better value; check the When to book chart above to compare months.
Airlines and routes
Flights from the UK to Amarillo are one-stop itineraries. Common routings include London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth with British Airways or American Airlines, then American Airlines on to Amarillo; or a connection via Denver or Houston with United. Southwest Airlines also serves Amarillo from several US cities if you connect on a separate ticket. Expect a total travel time of around 14 to 16 hours depending on your layover, with the transatlantic leg taking roughly 10 to 11 hours and the final hop under 90 minutes.
Things to do in Amarillo
Compact and welcoming, Amarillo makes an easy base for the Panhandle's big-sky scenery and roadside Americana.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The second-largest canyon in the US, with red-rock trails, cycling and open-air summer theatre.
- Cadillac Ranch: Ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried nose-down in a field - bring a spray can.
- Historic Route 66 District: Sixth Street's antique shops, diners and bars in the old San Jacinto neighbourhood.
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Home of the free 72oz steak challenge and a slice of roadside legend.
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: An engaging look at the breed that helped shape the American West.
At Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA)
The airport lies about 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Amarillo, a 15 to 20 minute drive. There is no direct public transport link, so most visitors hire a car at the terminal - handy for reaching the canyon and Route 66 sights. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate, typically costing around £20 to £25 to central hotels, and some hotels run a courtesy shuttle if arranged in advance.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Amarillo
- Book ahead: Fares are usually best booked roughly two to five months in advance; see the When to book chart above.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures often undercut weekend flights, and avoiding US public holidays helps.
- Use flexible dates: Shifting your trip by a few days can lower the fare - the price charts on this page make cheaper dates easy to spot.
- Compare hubs: Check connections through Dallas, Denver and Houston, as the best-value routing changes with the season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling for tourism do not need a visa but must hold a valid ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme, applied for online before departure, along with a passport valid for the length of stay. No special vaccinations are required. Healthcare in the US is expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. The local currency is the US dollar (USD); cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a little cash is handy for tips.
