If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma County, you’ll likely need to fly into one of the airports near Sonoma. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.
The best airport to choose depends on your specific travel needs and preferences. If you are looking for the closest airport with direct flights to Sonoma County, then the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport is the obvious choice. However, if you are looking for a wider range of flight options and airlines, then Oakland International Airport or San Francisco International Airport might be a better choice.
If you are coming from the northeast, then Sacramento International Airport could be a good option. Regardless of which airport you choose, make sure to compare airfare and airline options to find the best deal for your trip.
Key Takeaways
If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma County, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to airports and transportation.
- If you’re coming from out of state, you may want to consider flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about an hour and a half drive from Sonoma County. Alternatively, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about two hours away, and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is about two and a half hours away.
- If you’re coming from within California, you may be able to find a flight to Sonoma County Airport (STS), which is located right in the region. However, keep in mind that flight times and prices may not be as convenient as they are from larger airports.
- If you’re interested in wine tasting, you may want to look into purchasing a wine-tasting pass. These passes allow you to taste wine at multiple wineries in the area for a discounted price.
- If you’re looking for other nearby destinations to visit, consider checking out Napa Valley or Lodi, both of which are within driving distance.
» Looking for more wine regions in California to visit? We personally love the Paso Robles area, as well as the classics Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, and even Lodi!
Specific Airports
Here is more information on the specific airports that you might consider:
Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport
The Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the closest airport to Sonoma County, located just 7 miles northwest of Santa Rosa. This airport offers direct flights from several major cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. However, flights can be limited and expensive, so it’s worth considering other options as well.
This airport is served by Alaska Air, American, and United, offering direct flights to several domestic destinations. The airport has a single terminal building with a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and car rental services.
Alaska Air offers non-stop flights to Burbank and Los Angeles from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS). American Airlines also offers non-stop flights to Phoenix from STS. United Airlines flies non-stop to Denver from STS, while Southwest Airlines offers non-stop flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver from STS. Avelo Airlines provides non-stop flights to Santa Rosa from Burbank Airport.
Alaska Airlines is another great option for those traveling to Sonoma County. They offer non-stop flights to Burbank and Los Angeles from STS. They also offer flights to other destinations across the United States and internationally.
As far as convenience, you can’t get any easier than STS. It’s such a small airport that you can be off the plane, grab your luggage, and get your rental car all within 15 minutes. Then it’s just a few miles into Santa Rosa or up to Healdsburg.
Oakland International Airport
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located about 50 miles south of Sonoma County. This airport is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, and it also serves other airlines like American, Delta, and United. If you are flying into Oakland, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to Sonoma County. The airport has two terminals with a range of shops, restaurants, and other services.
San Francisco International Airport
One popular alternative is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located about 60 miles south of Sonoma County. This airport is a major hub for United Airlines, and it also serves other airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest. While it’s a bit farther away, SFO offers a much wider range of flights and airlines, making it a great choice if you’re coming from farther afield.
If you are flying into SFO, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to Sonoma County. The airport has four terminals with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and other services.
Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located about 90 miles northeast of Sonoma County. This airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Air, American, Delta, and United. If you are flying into Sacramento, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to Sonoma County. The airport has two terminals with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other services.
Travel Considerations
When planning your travel to Sonoma County, there are a few things to consider to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
Transportation
To get around Sonoma County, renting a car is typically the easiest and most convenient option. There are several rental car companies available at the airport and throughout the county. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
If you prefer not to drive, there are also sightseeing tours available that can take you to popular destinations in the area. Additionally, Sonoma Airport Express operates a bus service from SFO to Sonoma County Airport.
Lodging
There are many hotels and lodging options available in Sonoma County to fit any budget or preference. Some popular areas to stay include Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. When planning your travel, consider the location of your lodging in relation to the activities and attractions you want to visit.
Plan Your Travel
To make the most of your trip to Sonoma County, it’s important to plan your travel ahead of time. Research popular attractions and activities, make reservations for tours and tastings, and consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Most visitors come to Sonoma to do some wine tasting and these days it’s important to book wine tasting appointments in advance. See our guide to the top wineries in Sonoma (and in Healdsburg) to help you plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly into Santa Rosa Airport?
Santa Rosa Airport, also known as Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), is served by three airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
What destinations can I fly to from Santa Rosa Airport?
From Santa Rosa Airport, you can fly to several destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
How do I get to Sonoma County from Santa Rosa Airport?
You can get to Sonoma County from Santa Rosa Airport by renting a car, taking a taxi, or using a rideshare service. The distance between Santa Rosa Airport and Sonoma County is approximately 10 miles, and the drive takes about 20 minutes. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Sonoma County Transit bus, which runs from the airport to various locations in the county.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.
