California is one of the most visited states in the United States, and its airports play a vital role in the transportation of millions of passengers every year.
With nine of the top ten busiest airports in the country, there is no shortage of options for travelers flying in or out of the state. From major international hubs to smaller regional airports, each airport provides a unique experience and offers a variety of services for travelers.
In this article, we will review the top 10 airports in California and discuss their various features and amenities. So if you are looking for an airport to suit your needs, read on to find the best one for you. We discuss the Top 10 Airports in California.
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is located about 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, California.
It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary international airport for the Los Angeles metropolitan area. LAX offers many domestic and international flights and is a hub for American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
The airport is served by nine public terminals which are linked by shuttle buses, hotel shuttles, and walkways. Services and amenities provided at LAX include free Wi-Fi and charging stations, currency exchange kiosks, ATMs, and several restaurants and lounges.
2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the busiest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area and the second busiest in California.
It is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and is a major hub for United Airlines and Virgin America. The airport consists of four runways, four terminals, and a wide array of shops, restaurants, and services.
SFO operates flights to destinations around the world and offers a variety of ground transportation options, including public transit, taxi, and rental cars.
3. San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is the major airport serving San Diego, California, and the surrounding region.
It is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego and is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. The airport offers flights to over 64 domestic and international destinations.
It is served by 19 airlines providing nonstop service to 39 cities in the U.S. and 17 international destinations. San Diego International Airport is also home to numerous shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
4. Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located in the city of Oakland, California, in the Bay Area of San Francisco Bay.
The airport is located 10 miles south of downtown Oakland, near the Oakland waterfront, and is the primary airport serving the entire East Bay region. OAK is the fourth busiest airport in California, serving 14.2 million passengers in 2018, and is a hub for Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
The airport has two main runways and two terminals with a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition, OAK is also home to several car rental companies, making it a popular choice for those looking to rent a car while in the area.
5. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a public airport located 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento, California, United States. It is operated by the Sacramento County Department of Airports.
It is the busiest airport in the Sacramento metropolitan area, with over 8.2 million passengers served in 2019. The airport provides service to numerous destinations domestically and internationally, including Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.
The airport features two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which offer a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, retail shops, car rental services, and a pet relief area. The airport also has a number of parking garages, economy lots, and valet services.
6. John Wayne Airport-Orange County (SNA)
John Wayne Airport-Orange County (SNA) is a commercial and general aviation airport located in Santa Ana, California. It is the only commercial service airport in Orange County and serves the Greater Los Angeles area.
The airport handles an average of 700 flights per day and is used by both domestic and international airlines. SNA offers a variety of transportation options including rental cars, taxis, shuttle buses, and public transportation.
The airport has one runway and two terminals. The airport is also accessible by public transportation via MetroLink, Amtrak, and Metrolink bus routes.
7. Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
Hope Airport, officially known as Bob Hope Airport, is located in the city of Burbank, California in the United States. The airport is mainly used for air transportation, and handling domestic and international flights.
The airport covers an area of 5.9 sq mi and has two terminals with 15 gates. The airport serves as an origin and destination for American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.
The airport is also home to various cargo airplanes service companies, such as FedEx Express, UPS, and Amazon Air. The Bob Hope Airport is the oldest operating airport in the Los Angeles area, having opened in 1930.
Prospects for the future of the airport look bright, as the airport is in the process of undergoing a $250 million renovation, which is set to finish in 2023.
8. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Palm Springs International Airport is a public airport located three miles east of downtown Palm Springs, California.
It is operated by the Palm Springs International Airport District and serves as a major hub for flights to and from the Coachella Valley.
The airport offers service to domestic and international destinations and is served by eight commercial airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
The airport has one 11,000-foot runway and two 9,400-foot runways. It offers a variety of services and amenities, including a 24-hour USO lounge, two cafes and restaurants, a spa and massage service, and an art gallery.
9. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is located 10.7 miles from Fresno, CA.
It is the primary airport in Fresno and serves the Central Valley of California. The airport offers domestic and international flights to a wide variety of destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, and several other cities.
The airport also has a few regional and charter flights as well. The airport has many amenities, including a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and services. There is also a free shuttle to the nearby town of Clovis, California.
10. San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is an international airport located in San Jose, California, about 2.5 miles from the city’s downtown area.
The airport serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. SJC offers domestic and international flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
The airport is equipped with two runways and handles approximately 13 million passengers annually. It also provides amenities such as restaurants, shopping, lounges, and more.
Conclusion:
The data analysis shows that the busiest airports in the world are the ones located in the United States, followed by China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The United States has the highest number of airports, as well as the busiest ones with nearly one million flights per year. China has the second-busiest airports with nearly 7 million flights per year.
Japan and the United Kingdom are also home to some of the busiest airports with over 5 million flights per year. Although the number of passengers can vary from place to place, these airports provide an important link for travelers from all over the world.