7 Closest Airports to Napa Valley [+ How to get there]

Are you looking for the closest airport to Napa Valley? Then this post is for you.

If you’re wondering where to fly into Napa Valley, this guide will list the airports closest to Napa Valley, which are more or less than two hours away from the wine country.

The airports near Napa range from small regional ones to major international airports with hundreds of airlines available.

We will help you figure out the best Napa Valley airport for you based on your travel time, budget, and convenience.

Whether you’re looking for the closest airport to Napa Valley wineries or the least amount of transit time, this guide will help you decide the best one for you.

7 Closest Airports to Napa Valley

Airport	Distance to downtown Napa	Drive Time to downtown Napa
Sonoma County Airport (STS)	48 miles	56 mins
Oakland International Airport (OAK)	54 miles	1 hr 3 mins
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	60 miles	1 hr 20 mins
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)	66 miles	1 hr 30 mins
San Jose International Airport (SJC)	86 miles	1 hr 30 mins
Buchanan Field Airport	35 miles	40 mins
Napa County Airport (APC)	7 miles	15 mins

What is the closest airport to Napa Valley?

The closest airport to Napa Valley is Sonoma County Airport which is about 48 miles from downtown Napa and takes about an hour drive.

The other airports nearest Napa Valley are Oakland International (54 miles), San Francisco International (60 miles), and Sacramento International (60 miles).

Technically speaking, Napa County Airport is the airport closest to Napa. However, it is not a commercial airport.

✈️ For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.

1. Sonoma County Airport

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 48 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 56 mins
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rental Car, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi, Private Transfer

Sonoma County Airport is the airport closest to Napa Valley that has commercial flights although it’s relatively small compared to the other airports on the list.

Due to its size, getting in and out of this Napa Valley airport is often reviewed as quick and convenient so you can get to the wine country sooner and with a lot less stress.

Even though it is the nearest airport to Napa Valley, it may not be the cheapest option depending on where you’re coming from.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO SONOMA COUNTY AIRPORT

Airlines	Destinations
Alaska Airlines	Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Burbank
American Airlines	Dallas, Phoenix
Avelo Airlines	Burbank, Las Vegas, Palm Springs

How to get to Napa Valley from Sonoma County Airport

• Rent a Car

Driving is the most convenient way of getting around Napa, especially if you’re planning to visit a lot of sights and wineries.

Once you exit the airport terminal, you can just walk towards the car rental center and choose among these on-site car rental agencies: AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, National, and ACE.

Check what age you can rent a car in California here.

❗ Do you want to find the best deals on rental cars? Check out RentalCars.com and compare the best rates from the biggest rental car companies.

• Uber/Lyft/Ziro from STS to Downtown Napa

If you plan on booking a car via a ridesharing app, the pickup point is located on the next curb after the passenger pick-up and drop-off area that’s directly in front of the terminal.

Otherwise, there are plenty of airport taxis available that can take you downtown.

• Private Transfer

Booking a private transfer is a convenient way to get from the Sonoma airport to downtown Napa.

Also, most companies that offer private transfers in the wine country regions double up as private tour providers.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours, California Wine Tours, and Beau Wine Tours are some examples, and they even extend their services to other airports such as SFO, SMF, and OAK.

READ MORE: Best Napa Winery Tour Packages

Closest Major Airport to Napa Valley

2. Oakland International Airport

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 54 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 1:03 hrs
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rental Car, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi, Private Transfer

Oakland International Airport is the closest international airport to Napa Valley and it has the best on-time arrival and departure rates among other airports in the Bay Area.

This is the closest Southwest airport to Napa Valley and OAK is their largest operation in California so you may be able to find some good flight deals.

Depending on your flight arrival time, there may be some rush hour traffic leaving the bay area so make sure to take that into consideration.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL

How to get from Oakland Airport to Napa Valley

• Rent a Car at OAK

Rental car companies operate 24/7 and are located only 5 minutes from the airport. Shuttles are provided and pick up passengers every 10 minutes.

These car rental agencies are available on site: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty

• Uber/Lyft from OAK to Downtown Napa

Rideshare pickup areas in the Oakland International Airport are located on the third curb of both Terminals 1 and 2 between stops 3C1 and 3C10.

On-demand taxis are also available in case there is surge pricing for your Uber/Lyft. 

• Private Transfer – this private transfer is the best way to travel from OAK to the Napa Valley without any hassle or stress.

Best Airport for Napa

3. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 60 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 1 hour 15 mins
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rental Car, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi, Private Transfer, Ferry

San Francisco International Airport has the most domestic and international airlines among the airports near Napa Valley.

SFO Airport may be the best airport for Napa Valley if you’re flying in from outside the country.

It is a very busy airport, so it takes a bit of time to get in and out. However, we’ve transited through this airport multiple times and had no issues.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Here are some major airlines that fly through SFO, click here for a complete list:

How to get from SFO to Napa Valley

• Rent a Car at SFO

Traveling to Napa Valley from San Francisco offers some of the most scenic routes that are best appreciated if you have the luxury of driving yourself.

Car rental agencies can be found both on-site and out and is easily accessible via the SFO’s AirTrain Blue Line and free shuttle service. 

❗ Do you want to find the best deals on rental cars? Check out RentalCars.com and compare the best rates from the biggest rental car companies.

• Uber from SFO to Napa

Ride App pick-up areas for domestic travelers are located on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage while the pickup area for international guests is on the center island at the Departures/Ticketing Level.

Taxi zones are located at the center islands on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level.

• Private Transfer – booking this private transfer is the most convenient and hassle-free way to get to Napa from SFO.

💡Read this article for the best ways to get from San Francisco to Napa Valley. and this one for the best Private Tours in San Francisco.

• Ferry

Traveling to Downtown Napa from SFO via ferry is scenic and the cheapest but also the most time-consuming way of getting there, especially if you have a lot of luggage with you.

Make your way to the SFO BART Station located at the International Terminal and ride the train going to Embarcadero BART Station.

From here walk 6 minutes to the SF Ferry Terminal Station Gate E where you will ride the ferry traveling to Vallejo.

A Vine Transit Station is located just outside of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal where you can ride a bus to Downtown Napa.

More Airports near Napa Valley

4. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 66 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 1 hr 20 mins
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rental Car, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi

Sacramento International Airport is another airport close to Napa Valley.

This is a great option to fly into if you want to avoid the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the larger Bay Area airports.

This airport near Napa doesn’t get too busy and it’s easy to fly in and out of.

The drive from SMF to Napa is also more convenient compared to SFO or OAK and in some ways quicker, as you can avoid the bay area traffic.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO SMF AIRPORT

Here are some major airlines that fly through SMF, click here for a complete list:

How to get from Sacramento Airport to Napa Valley

• Rent a Car at SMF

There are plenty of rental car options available at the Sacramento airport. Rental car shuttles pick up from both Terminal A and B for your convenience.

These car rental agencies are available on-site: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, Zipcar

Browse rental car deals here

• Uber from Sacramento Airport to Napa

Rides booked via rideshare apps have designated pickup areas on SMF depending on which terminal you are exiting from.

Terminal A pick-up is located on the west curb while Terminal B pick-up is on the Lindbergh curb. On-demand taxi services are also available at both terminals.

• Private Transfer – this private transfer is the easiest way to get to Napa from Sacramento Airport.

5. San Jose International Airport (SJC)

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 86 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 1 hr 30 mins
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rental Car, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi

San Jose International Airport may not be the closest airport to Napa but it still is a contender as a great airport to fly into because of how quick it is to get in and out of.

The time you save at the airport could just as easily make up for the time you’ll spend on the road.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

How to get from San Jose Airport to Napa

• Rent a Car

Because of the distance of San Jose Airport from the wine country, renting a car just might be cheaper than booking a rideshare or taxi to Napa, especially if you’re only using it for a few days. See our guide for under 25 car rental in California.

Walk to the Rental Car Center directly across from Terminal B and rent a car from the following agencies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty

• Uber from San Jose Airport to Napa

Rideshare pickup for Terminal A is located at the Arrivals Curbside near Stop 1 while Terminal B’s pickup area is located on the Ground Transportation Island near Stops 8 and 9.

On-demand taxi stations are accessible via Stop #2 of Terminal A and Stop#1 on Terminal B.

6. Buchanan Field Airport

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 35 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 40 min
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rideshare, Car Rentals

This medium-sized airport located in Contra Costa County is a public airport but also features commercial flights with one carrier.

JSX Airline operates flights out of this airport with limited routes, including Las Vegas, Burbank, and Orange County.

This is a great option for charter or private flights, as the airport offers great amenities, and the drive to is under 40 minutes to downtown Napa. 

After landing, there are a few quick-service restaurants in the area and an on-site hotel if your flight is delayed.

7. Napa County Airport

• Distance to downtown Napa Valley: 7 miles
• Drive time to downtown Napa: 15 min
• Transportation Options to Napa Valley: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), Taxi, Wine tour companies

If you don’t mind splurging, elevate your wine tasting trip even more by flying to Napa Valley via a private charter plane.

Called the “Skyport to the Wine Country,” Napa County Airport is the closest airport to Napa Valley wineries, albeit a private one.

But if you have access to a private plane or pilot one, this Napa Valley airport is as close as you can fly into Napa.

Napa Valley at a Glance 

• How to Get There: The closest airport to Napa Valley is Sonoma County Airport but San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF) airports will have more airline options. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.

• How to Get Around: The best way to get around Napa Valley is by car. Use Rentalcars.com to score the best deals on rental cars.

• Where to Stay: For the most convenient location, stay at 1801 First Luxury Inn (which comes with a hot tub!) and Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn for a mid-range budget.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Napa is in the fall when the weather is perfect and marks the start of the wine harvest and crush season.

• Best Napa Valley Wine Tour: This small group wine tasting tour is a great option for visiting multiple wineries in the region. And this tour for wine lovers if you’re visiting from San Francisco.

• Don’t Forget: Get a Priority Wine Pass to get access to discounts, reserve tastings, and more.

FAQs: Where to Fly into for Napa Valley

What is the Best Airport for Napa Valley?

The best airport for Napa Valley is the Sonoma County Airport. Although not the cheapest option, its small size makes it easy to navigate so you’re sure to be out of the terminal in no time.

The closest major airports for Napa Valley are Oakland International, San Francisco International, and Sacramento International Airport where you may find better flight deals.

Is it better to fly into Sacramento or San Francisco for Napa?

Sacramento Airport would be more convenient to fly in and out of than San Francisco Airport and the drive to Napa will be much easier and less hectic than driving from SFO.

If you’re flying in from an international destination, San Francisco Airport will be the best airport for Napa, with multiple airlines available.

Does Southwest fly to Sonoma?

No, Southwest does not fly to Sonoma County Airport but it has direct flights to Oakland International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. 

What is the closest airport to Sonoma?

The closest airport to Sonoma is the Sonoma County Airport, which is about 29 miles and a 45-minute drive from downtown Sonoma.

If you’re driving to Sonoma from San Francisco, the 44.5-mile distance will take about 55 minutes without traffic.

Is it better to fly into SFO or Oakland for Napa?

It is better to fly into Oakland International Airport as the drive to Napa is shorter and the airport is usually not as busy, which means its easier to get your luggage and get to the rental car counter.

Oakland Airport also has better on-time statistics than San Francisco, as departures and landings are not as hindered by the fog that blankets the South San Francisco Bay.

The only downside to flying into Oakland Airport is that there are fewer airlines to choose from and fewer flight options per route.

Is Napa close to San Francisco or Sacramento?

Napa is technically closer to San Francisco, but the difference is travel distance is just ten miles when measured from the heart of these cities. 

If there is no traffic, a trip from Napa will be faster to San Francisco, but in most cases, driving from Napa to Sacramento is faster even though the trip is longer by miles. 

While the San Francisco Airport is 5 miles closer to Napa, the Sacramento Airport is about equal when it comes to travel time and is a much easier airport to fly out of.

What is the biggest airport near Napa Valley?

The biggest airport near Napa Valley is San Francisco International (SFO) which offers the most domestic and international routes in the region.

San Francisco International Airport averages around 1300 flights per day, and had 57 million passengers take off or land in 2018.

The San Francisco Airport has 50 airlines that operate flights, while the second largest airport in Oakland only has 29 (if not including inactive carriers).

What airport do you fly into for Napa and Sonoma?

The best option for flying into for a trip to Napa or Sonoma is Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

While it isn’t the closest, it is the easiest as the airport is seldom busy compared to other options in the region, which means you will get to your bags and car rental lines faster.

While the drive distance to Napa from Sacramento International is a few miles farther than Oakland and San Francisco airports, the drive time is the same or less as you will avoid the Bay Area traffic.

Wrap-Up: Closest Airport to Napa Valley

Though Napa County Airport is the closest airport to Napa Valley, it doesn’t offer any commercial flights.

There are, however, larger airports near the area that you could fly into and use as your starting point. Keep this article handy when booking a flight and choosing the airport for your trip.

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