Bend's Air Travel: Airport Access For Oregon's Outdoor Paradise

what airport is in bend oregon

While Bend, Oregon does have an in-city airport, the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN), it is not a commercial airport and is primarily used for private planes and flight training. The closest airport for commercial flights is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located about 20 miles north of Bend in the town of Redmond. This airport is well-connected, with direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver, and it serves as the primary gateway for air travelers visiting Bend.

Characteristics Values
Name Redmond Municipal Airport
Airport Code RDM
Location Redmond, Oregon
Distance from Bend 20 miles
Drive Time from Bend 25-30 minutes
Airlines American Airlines, United, Delta Airlines, Alaska, Avelo, Aha!
Car Rental Agencies Six full-service car rental agencies
Area 132,000 square feet
Elevation 3,459 feet
Runway 16/34
Runway Length 5,201 feet
Runway Width 75 feet
Taxiways Two parallel taxiways
Master Plan Airport Master Plan Update in progress

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Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the closest airport to Bend

Redmond Municipal Airport, on the other hand, is Central Oregon's primary commercial airport. It offers 30 daily flights, serviced by five air carriers: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport provides direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. It is well-connected, with six full-service car rental agencies, as well as a variety of private car, shuttle, and ride-share services. The terminal showcases Central Oregon design elements, and passengers can enjoy award-winning microbrews and freshly prepared meals at the Avalon Aeropub while taking advantage of the terminal's free Wi-Fi.

Once you land at Redmond Municipal Airport, Bend is just a short 25-30 minute drive away. The airport is less than 20 minutes from Bend via Highway 97. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Bend and its surroundings, including nearby attractions like the Cascade Lakes, Smith Rock, and the Deschutes National Forest. Bend has a public transit system, and services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the city, making it easy to get around.

While Redmond Municipal Airport is the closest option for commercial flights, there are other Northwest airports to consider if you don't mind a longer travel time to reach Bend. These include Portland's airport, PDX, which is around a three-hour drive from Bend, and Eugene's airport, which is 130 miles away and offers scenic valley views.

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It's located 20 miles north of Bend in Redmond, Oregon

While Bend, Oregon does have an in-city airport, the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN), it is not a commercial airport. Instead, it is a general aviation airport used for private planes, flight training, and similar purposes. The closest airport for commercial flights is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which is located about 20 miles north of Bend in Redmond, Oregon.

Redmond Municipal Airport is the primary gateway for air travelers visiting Bend. It is well-connected, offering direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Airlines such as Alaska, Delta, United, and American Airlines operate flights to and from Redmond, providing travelers with a convenient way to fly into Central Oregon. Once you land at RDM, Bend is just a short 25-30 minute drive away. The airport has a luxurious terminal showcasing Central Oregon design elements, and visitors can enjoy one of the region's award-winning microbrews and freshly prepared meals at the Avalon Aeropub.

If you are looking for alternative airports to fly into, there are several Northwest airports to consider, especially if you don't mind driving to reach your final destination. For example, Portland's airport (PDX) is famously easy to navigate and packed with entertainment options, making it perfect for a longer layover. It offers a variety of unique restaurants and pubs, Oregon-only shops, exhibitions, and even a dog therapy program. The drive from Portland to Bend takes approximately three hours and offers scenic views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Mountains.

Another option is Eugene's airport, located about 130 miles west of Bend. This airport offers scenic valley views and a range of nonstop flight options from various airlines. The drive from Eugene to Bend takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on weather conditions, and takes you through the charming Central Oregon towns of Sisters and Tumalo.

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Airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines fly to and from Redmond

While Bend, Oregon, does not have a major airport of its own, the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is located just 20 miles away in the town of Redmond and serves as the closest airport for commercial flights. This beautifully designed airport has won first place in Oregon infrastructure and engineering awards and has certificates of excellence for its construction projects. The airport showcases Central Oregon design elements, and passengers can enjoy one of the region's award-winning microbrews at the Avalon Aeropub while making last-minute travel arrangements with the terminal's free Wi-Fi.

The Redmond Airport terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Burbank, Reno, and San Diego. Airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines fly to and from Redmond, providing travellers with a convenient way to fly into Central Oregon.

Once you land at Redmond Airport, you have several options to get to Bend. The airport offers six full-service car rental agencies, as well as a variety of private car, shuttle, and rideshare services. The drive from Redmond Airport to Bend takes around 25 to 30 minutes, and you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that Bend has to offer.

If you prefer not to drive, Bend has a public transit system run by Cascades East Transit (CET). The buses serve the city of Bend and nearby communities, making it easy to get around town. Services like Uber and Lyft also operate in Bend, providing another option for travelling to and from the airport.

In addition to Redmond Airport, there are other Northwest airports to consider if you're looking for more availability or affordable tickets and don't mind driving to Bend. These include Portland International Airport (PDX), which is about a three-hour drive from Bend, and Eugene's airport, which is about a three-hour drive over Santiam Pass.

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Bend has its own airport, but it's for private planes and flight training

Bend, Oregon, is served by Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which is located about 20 miles north of the city in Redmond. The airport offers a convenient way to fly into Central Oregon, with direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Several airlines, including Alaska, Delta, United, and American Airlines, operate flights to and from Redmond, providing easy access for travellers visiting Bend.

While Bend does not have a major airport within its city limits, it is important to note that the city does have its own airport, known as the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN). This airport, however, caters primarily to private planes, flight training, and similar general aviation purposes. It is not a commercial airport. With a history dating back to the late 1930s, the Bend Municipal Airport has played a significant role in the region's aviation landscape.

Bend Municipal Airport is a bustling hub for general aviation, with a high volume of aircraft operations each year. In the year ending June 15, 2020, the airport recorded 141,175 aircraft operations, averaging 387 per day. The airport is categorized as a Category 2, High Activity Business, and General Aviation airport by the Oregon Department of Aviation. This classification underscores its importance in supporting business and general aviation needs in the region.

The airport covers a substantial area of 415 acres, with an elevation of 3,459 feet. Its single runway, 16/34, measures 5,201 by 75 feet and is equipped with two parallel taxiways. Over the years, there have been plans and developments aimed at improving the airport's infrastructure, including the creation of an Airport Master Plan and the development of a full east side parallel taxiway. These enhancements are designed to accommodate the growing aviation demands in the area.

The presence of the Bend Municipal Airport has contributed to the economic landscape of the region. With over eighteen aviation-related businesses operating at the airport, it has become one of the largest concentrations of family-wage jobs in the Bend area. This concentration of aviation-related industries underscores the airport's significance in fostering economic growth and providing employment opportunities for the local community.

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Other airports near Bend include Portland, Eugene, and Seattle

While Bend, Oregon, does not have its own major airport, the city is easily accessible from several airports in the region. The closest airport to Bend is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located about 20 miles north of the city in Redmond. It is the closest airport for commercial flights and serves as the primary gateway for air travellers visiting Bend. The airport offers direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver, and is serviced by airlines such as Alaska, Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Eugene's airport, located about 130 miles west of Bend, offers scenic valley views and a variety of nonstop flight options from airlines such as Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, and United. The drive from Eugene to Bend takes approximately two and a half hours.

While Seattle is a bit further away, it is still an option for travellers looking for more flight options or a different scenic drive. The drive from Seattle to Bend takes around six hours and takes travellers through forested areas, high desert, and mountain passes.

Frequently asked questions

Bend has an in-city airport, the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN), but it is not a commercial airport and is used primarily for private planes, flight training, and similar purposes.

The closest commercial airport to Bend, Oregon, is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located about 20 miles north of Bend in the town of Redmond.

Redmond Municipal Airport is less than a 20-minute drive from Bend, Oregon.

Redmond Municipal Airport is serviced by five air carriers: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

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