California, being a large and populous state, has numerous airports. Here is a list of major airports in California:
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the world. It’s located in Los Angeles, California, and serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international travel. Here are some key details about LAX:
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- IATA Code: LAX
- ICAO Code: KLAX
- Elevation: 38 feet (12 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: LAX has multiple terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal and terminals numbered 1 through 8.
- Airlines: LAX is a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, among others.
- Runways: LAX has four parallel runways and a fifth runway located to the north of the passenger terminals.
- Passenger Traffic: LAX is one of the busiest airports in the United States and globally in terms of passenger traffic.
LAX is known for its modern facilities, diverse dining and shopping options, and its proximity to various attractions and destinations in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to various destinations across the globe.
2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major international airport located in San Mateo County, near San Francisco, California. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a significant gateway for travelers, both domestic and international. Here are some key details about SFO:
- Location: San Mateo County, near San Francisco, California, United States
- IATA Code: SFO
- ICAO Code: KSFO
- Elevation: 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SFO has several terminals, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal (also known as the Harvey Milk Terminal 1).
- Airlines: SFO serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SFO has multiple runways, including parallel runways and a crosswind runway, to accommodate the high volume of air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SFO is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
SFO is known for its excellent facilities, art exhibitions, diverse dining and shopping options, and sustainability initiatives. It provides a convenient point of entry for travelers to explore the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
3. San Diego International Airport (SAN) – San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a major public airport located in San Diego, California, United States. It serves as a primary airport for travelers in the San Diego metropolitan area and is a hub for both domestic and international flights. Here are some key details about SAN:
- Location: San Diego, California, United States
- IATA Code: SAN
- ICAO Code: KSAN
- Elevation: 17 feet (5 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SAN has a single terminal with two parts: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is further divided into East and West Concourses.
- Airlines: SAN serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SAN has several runways to accommodate both commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SAN is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its easy accessibility, stunning views of the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline, and a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and art installations. It plays a crucial role in connecting San Diego with various destinations across the United States and beyond.
4. San Jose International Airport (SJC) – San Jose
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is a major public airport located in San Jose, California, United States. It serves as a primary airport for the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland metropolitan area, commonly known as the Silicon Valley region. Here are some key details about SJC:
- Location: San Jose, California, United States
- IATA Code: SJC
- ICAO Code: KSJC
- Elevation: 62 feet (19 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SJC has a modern terminal complex with two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal B is the newer of the two terminals and was opened in 2010.
- Airlines: SJC serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SJC has multiple runways, including parallel runways and a crosswind runway, to accommodate the air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SJC is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its efficient operations, tech-friendly amenities, and proximity to Silicon Valley, a hub for technology and innovation. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it a vital transportation hub in the region.
5. Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Oakland
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a major public airport located in Oakland, California, United States. It serves as a primary airport for travelers in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly for those in the East Bay region. Here are some key details about OAK:
- Location: Oakland, California, United States
- IATA Code: OAK
- ICAO Code: KOAK
- Elevation: 9 feet (3 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: OAK has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Airlines: OAK is a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air, among others.
- Runways: OAK has multiple runways to accommodate commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: OAK is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, and its role in serving as a hub for budget airlines like Southwest Airlines. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the region.
6. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a major public airport located in Sacramento, the capital city of California, United States. It serves as a primary airport for travelers in the Sacramento metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Here are some key details about SMF:
- Location: Sacramento, California, United States
- IATA Code: SMF
- ICAO Code: KSMF
- Elevation: 27 feet (8 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SMF has two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal B is the newer terminal and opened in 2011.
- Airlines: SMF serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SMF has multiple runways to accommodate both commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SMF is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and some international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its ease of access, modern facilities, and its role as a gateway to the Northern California region. It provides a variety of services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the Sacramento area.
7. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – Burbank
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), also known as Bob Hope Airport, is a public airport located in Burbank, California, United States. It serves the Greater Los Angeles area and is known for its proximity to Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Here are some key details about BUR:
- Location: Burbank, California, United States
- IATA Code: BUR
- ICAO Code: KBUR
- Elevation: 778 feet (237 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: BUR has two terminals: Terminal A (formerly known as the “Domestic Terminal”) and Terminal B (formerly known as the “International Terminal”).
- Airlines: BUR serves as a hub or a focus city for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, among others.
- Runways: BUR has multiple runways, including two parallel runways and a crosswind runway, to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: BUR is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, especially for travelers involved in the entertainment industry, and its accessibility to various parts of the Los Angeles area. It provides various services, including dining and shopping options, making it an important transportation hub in the region.
8. John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County
John Wayne Airport (SNA), also known as Orange County Airport, is a major public airport located in Orange County, California, United States. It serves the Orange County area and is named after John Wayne, an iconic actor in American cinema. Here are some key details about SNA:
- Location: Orange County, California, United States
- IATA Code: SNA
- ICAO Code: KSNA
- Elevation: 56 feet (17 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SNA has a single terminal with three concourses: A, B, and C.
- Airlines: SNA serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SNA has two runways to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SNA is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, modern facilities, and proximity to various attractions and cities in Southern California. It provides a range of services, including dining and shopping options, making it an important transportation hub in the region, particularly for those traveling to or from Orange County.
9. Ontario International Airport (ONT) – Ontario
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a major public airport located in Ontario, California, United States. It serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California, which includes areas like Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino. Here are some key details about ONT:
- Location: Ontario, California, United States
- IATA Code: ONT
- ICAO Code: KONT
- Elevation: 947 feet (289 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: ONT has two passenger terminals: Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.
- Airlines: ONT serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines, among others.
- Runways: ONT has multiple runways to accommodate both commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: ONT is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its ease of access, modern facilities, and role in serving the Inland Empire region of Southern California. It provides various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the area.
10. Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Long Beach
Long Beach Airport (LGB), officially named Long Beach Airport (Daugherty Field), is a public airport located in Long Beach, California, United States. It serves the Long Beach area and the surrounding regions of Los Angeles County. Here are some key details about LGB:
- Location: Long Beach, California, United States
- IATA Code: LGB
- ICAO Code: KLGB
- Elevation: 60 feet (18 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: LGB has one terminal, which is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Airlines: LGB serves as a hub or a focus city for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways, among others.
- Runways: LGB has multiple runways to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: LGB is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, proximity to various attractions in Long Beach, and its relatively smaller size, providing a more manageable and efficient travel experience for passengers. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the area.
11. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – Fresno
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a major public airport located in Fresno, California, United States. It serves the Central Valley region of California and provides access to the nearby Yosemite National Park. Here are some key details about FAT:
- Location: Fresno, California, United States
- IATA Code: FAT
- ICAO Code: KFAT
- Elevation: 336 feet (102 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: FAT has one main terminal building that houses both domestic and international flights.
- Airlines: FAT serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, among others.
- Runways: FAT has multiple runways to accommodate both commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: FAT is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, providing access to the Central Valley region and popular tourist destinations like Yosemite National Park. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the area.
12. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) – Palm Springs
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is a major public airport located in Palm Springs, California, United States. It serves the Coachella Valley region of Southern California, including cities like Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and more. Here are some key details about PSP:
- Location: Palm Springs, California, United States
- IATA Code: PSP
- ICAO Code: KPSP
- Elevation: 477 feet (145 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: PSP has one main terminal building.
- Airlines: PSP serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, among others.
- Runways: PSP has multiple runways to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: PSP is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, providing access to the Coachella Valley and its popularity as a travel destination for both leisure and recreational activities. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an important transportation hub in the region.
13. Santa Ana/Orange County Airport (SNA) – Santa Ana
Santa Ana/John Wayne Airport (SNA), often referred to as John Wayne Airport, is a major public airport located in Santa Ana, California, United States. It serves Orange County and the greater Southern California region. Here are some key details about SNA:
- Location: Santa Ana, California, United States
- IATA Code: SNA
- ICAO Code: KSNA
- Elevation: 56 feet (17 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SNA has one main terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Airlines: SNA serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SNA has multiple runways to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SNA is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic passengers annually.
The airport is known for its convenient location, efficient operations, and proximity to major attractions in Orange County and the surrounding areas. It provides a range of services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it a vital transportation hub in the region.
14. San Diego International Airport (SAN) – San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN), also known as Lindbergh Field, is a major public airport located in San Diego, California, United States. It serves as the primary airport for the San Diego metropolitan area and is a significant gateway for travelers in Southern California. Here are some key details about SAN:
- Location: San Diego, California, United States
- IATA Code: SAN
- ICAO Code: KSAN
- Elevation: 17 feet (5 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SAN has a single terminal with two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has two concourses, East and West, while Terminal 2 has two concourses as well.
- Airlines: SAN serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, among others.
- Runways: SAN has multiple runways to accommodate both commercial and general aviation traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SAN is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its stunning views of San Diego Bay and downtown skyline, efficient operations, and proximity to various attractions and cities in the San Diego region. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it an essential transportation hub in the area.
15. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) – San Jose
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is a major public airport located in San Jose, California, United States. It serves as the primary airport for the city of San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley region, which is a hub for technology and innovation. Here are some key details about SJC:
- Location: San Jose, California, United States
- IATA Code: SJC
- ICAO Code: KSJC
- Elevation: 62 feet (19 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: SJC has two main terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B.
- Airlines: SJC serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, among others.
- Runways: SJC has multiple runways to accommodate air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: SJC is a busy airport, handling a significant number of domestic and some international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its modern facilities, proximity to technology companies, and its role in serving the tech-focused Silicon Valley region. It offers various services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it a significant transportation hub in the area.
16. McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Las Vegas
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is a major public airport located in Paradise, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a significant gateway for travelers visiting Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Here are some key details about LAS:
- Location: Paradise, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
- IATA Code: LAS
- ICAO Code: KLAS
- Elevation: 2,181 feet (665 meters) above sea level
- Terminals: LAS has multiple terminals, including Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 has four concourses (A, B, C, D), and Terminal 3 is divided into Concourse E and the West Remote Gates.
- Airlines: LAS serves as a hub or a focus city for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines, among others.
- Runways: LAS has multiple runways, including parallel runways and diagonal runways, to accommodate the high volume of air traffic.
- Passenger Traffic: LAS is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling a significant number of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport is known for its proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, a major tourist destination, and its role in connecting travelers to the entertainment and leisure attractions of Las Vegas. It offers a range of services, dining options, and shopping opportunities for travelers, making it a vital transportation hub in the region.
FAQ’s Airports in California
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about airports in California provide useful information about the various airports in the state. Here are some common questions and their respective answers:
1. What are the major airports in California?
Some major airports in California include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
2. Which airport is closest to Disneyland in California?
The closest airport to Disneyland in California is John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, followed by Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
3. How many airports are there in the San Francisco Bay Area?
The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three major airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
4. What is the busiest airport in California?
The busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic is typically Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), followed by San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
5. How do I get from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to downtown San Francisco?
You can use various transportation options, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), taxis, shuttle services, or ride-sharing services to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco.
6. Are there airports near Yosemite National Park in California?
The closest airports to Yosemite National Park are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH).
7. What are the transportation options from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to downtown Los Angeles?
Transportation options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and public transportation like the LAX FlyAway bus or the Metro Rail.
8. How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight to allow time for security checks, check-in, and boarding.
9. Which California airport is closest to Silicon Valley?
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the closest major airport to Silicon Valley, a hub for technology companies.
10. What is the airport code for San Diego International Airport?
The airport code for San Diego International Airport is SAN.
