Airports Serving San Luis Obispo: A Comprehensive Guide

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is located in California, between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The airport offers a high-quality, easy-going travel experience with eight routes connecting travellers to a large number of destinations. The airport has recently undergone renovations and expansions, including a $13.5 million runway rehabilitation.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)

The airport covers 340 acres and has two runways. It features four parking lots with varying levels of proximity to the main terminal, including designated disabled parking spaces with close access to the access ramp and elevator. Parking rates for daily parking are $20 per day, or $2 per hour, with a discounted rate of $13 per day for disabled drivers. The airport offers four convenient ways to pay for parking: credit card, cash, pay by text, and pay by app. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport 2 hours before their flight to allow for ticketing and security screening. The airport terminal is open daily from 3:00 AM to 12:30 AM.

For dining options, the airport's Spirit of San Luis Restaurant is open daily, serving burgers, sandwiches, and more, with views of the runway and surrounding mountains. The SLO Café & Marketplace also sells drinks and lunch items to departing passengers, located just past the security checkpoint.

Transport options to and from the airport include taxis, Lyft, Uber, and the SLO Transit public transportation system. Car rental companies Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are also located on-site.

Easy-going travel experience

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP Airport) offers an easy-going travel experience with eight routes connecting you to a large number of destinations. The airport has recently undergone renovations and expansions and is situated directly between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering direct access to California's Central Coast by air.

The airport has significantly extended its non-stop services in recent years, adding to the 17,000+ destinations reachable in just one or two stops. United Express now offers a fourth round trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, CA, and Portland, OR.

The airport features four parking lots with varying levels of proximity to the main terminal. Parking Lot 4 has designated disabled parking spaces with close access to the access ramp and elevator. Parking rates for daily parking are $20/day, or $2/hour for disabled parking. The airport offers four convenient ways to pay: credit cards, cash, pay by text, and pay by app.

If you have some time to kill, the airport's Spirit of San Luis Restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, and more, with views of the runway and surrounding mountains. For departing passengers, the SLO Café & Marketplace sells drinks and lunch items just past the security checkpoint. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi.

Upon arrival, you can easily coordinate ground transportation or pick up a rental car from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, or Hertz, all located on-site.

Eight routes to many destinations

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, also known as SLO Airport or SBP Airport, offers eight routes to many destinations. The airport is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and provides a high-quality, easy-going travel experience.

Los Angeles

United Airlines offers flights from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These flights are available with a round trip or as one-way flights.

San Francisco

United Airlines and Alaska Airlines provide flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). United Express also offers a fourth-round trip to San Francisco.

Dallas-Fort Worth

American Airlines offers twice-daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth, using larger aircraft.

Denver

United Airlines has added mainline Airbus A319 jet service for non-stop flights between Denver and San Luis Obispo.

Salt Lake City

Delta Connection (SkyWest) previously offered flights to Salt Lake City in 2007 and 2008.

Phoenix

US Airways Express, flown by Mesa Airlines, offers twice-daily flights to Phoenix using the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 900 (CRJ-900).

San Diego

Alaska Airlines offers daily non-stop flights between San Luis Obispo and San Diego International Airport.

Portland

Alaska Airlines also provides daily non-stop flights to Portland, Oregon.

In addition to these eight routes, San Luis Obispo Airport has significantly extended its non-stop services, now offering 17,000+ destinations reachable in just one or two stops. The airport also has a blossoming business district with dining and other attractions.

Ground transportation options

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP Airport) is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering direct access to California's Central Coast. The airport has undergone recent renovations and expansions, including a $13.5 million runway rehabilitation project.

By Car

If you plan to drive to the airport, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport offers both long-term and short-term parking options. The airport features four parking lots with varying proximity to the main terminal. Parking rates for daily parking are $20 per day, or $2 per hour, with a discounted rate of $13 per day for disabled parking. The airport accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, cash, pay by text, and mobile apps.

By Rental Car

For those who prefer to rent a car upon arrival, San Luis Obispo Airport has several on-site rental car companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz.

By Taxi or Ride-sharing

If you don't have a car, you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft. These services can be convenient if you're travelling with colleagues or need a curbside drop-off.

By Bus or Train

Additionally, there are options to travel to and from the airport by bus or train. The airport's website provides more detailed information on ground transportation and the various ways to get around San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo Airport is a quaint airport compared to larger hubs like SFO and LAX. However, it offers a high-quality, easy-going travel experience with several daily non-stop flights to choose from.

History of the airport

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, also known as SBP Airport, is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering direct access to California's Central Coast. The airport has undergone recent renovations and expansions, enhancing the overall travel experience for its passengers.

The history of SBP Airport dates back to its establishment in 1939 when it opened with a modest hangar and dirt runways. The airport was the brainchild of Earl Thomson and his brothers-in-law, William "Chris" and David Hoover, who leased the land from county officials. In its inaugural year, the airport featured a single 88-by-100-foot hangar, and subsequent developments in 1940 included the installation of hard surface runways and lights by the War Department.

During World War II, the airport was utilised by the U.S. military between 1939 and 1945. In the early years of its operation, the airport played a role in training private pilots and advanced students through a federally sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program. The federal government assumed control of the airport during the war, returning it to county management in 1946.

Post-war developments saw the construction of additional infrastructure, including another hangar, a ramp, and an administration building. In 1947, county supervisors appointed Chris Hoover as the full-time airport manager. The same year, Southwest Airways introduced a passenger and airline service that operated until 1955.

Over the years, various airlines have served San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, with some establishing headquarters and others merging or discontinuing services. Wings West Airlines, for example, was headquartered in San Luis Obispo and operated as an independent commuter carrier before merging into American Eagle. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities, offering an easy-going travel experience with convenient amenities and accessible parking options.

Frequently asked questions