Alternative Airports To San Francisco International: Your Guide

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the nearest airport to San Francisco, located about 13 miles south of the city. However, it is prone to congestion and delays due to its position on the foggy San Francisco Bay. Luckily, there are three other airports in the Bay Area with airline service that can serve as alternatives to SFO: Oakland International Airport (OAK), San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF). These airports offer convenient access to San Francisco and the surrounding region, with some providing less expensive flight options and fewer delays.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

OAK is a good choice for those travelling south of San Francisco, especially to Silicon Valley. It is also a convenient option if your trip includes destinations such as Napa, Yosemite, Sequoia, or Lake Tahoe, as it is closer to these places than SFO. The airport is just a 40-minute ride from San Francisco via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

One of the major advantages of OAK is that it experiences fewer flight delays. This is due to its location being less prone to fog, and also because it is not as busy as SFO. However, a downside is that it has limited non-stop international flights, servicing only Mexico and several European cities.

All the airports in the Bay Area offer shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and public transportation.

San Jose International Airport (SJC)

The airport is conveniently connected to San Francisco via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), making it easily accessible for those travelling to the city. It is also accessible by car, with Highway 101 and Interstate 880 nearby.

SJC offers a range of transportation options, including shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and public transportation. The airport provides convenient access to various destinations in the Bay Area, including Silicon Valley and the East Bay region.

Compared to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), SJC may offer less expensive flight options and potentially fewer delays due to reduced congestion and less frequent fog. It is a suitable alternative for those visiting Oakland, Napa, Yosemite, or other points east of San Francisco, as it is closer to these areas.

Sacramento International Airport

The airport has seen growth in passenger traffic over the years, serving 8.9 million passengers in 2014, 9.6 million in 2015, and 10.1 million in 2016. In 2017, the airport surpassed its previous high of 10.7 million passengers, reaching 10.9 million. Despite challenges in the aviation industry due to economic downturns and fluctuating fuel costs, Sacramento International Airport has attracted several airlines and maintained growth.

In terms of art and culture, Sacramento International Airport offers a museum-worthy public art collection for travellers to explore. Additionally, the airport is committed to addressing noise and wildlife concerns and has implemented a systematic approach to safety management. Overall, Sacramento International Airport serves as a convenient gateway to Northern California's attractions and has shown resilience and growth in passenger traffic over the years.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport

The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, with double-digit increases every year since 2018, except in 2020 due to the pandemic. As of 2024, the airport is undergoing a major expansion project to enhance the security screening area, add new gates, and construct a new international arrivals facility. This includes a $32 million four-level parking garage with 917 spaces, completed in November 2021.

The airport is also home to several military, law enforcement, firefighting, and medical air units. The Fresno Air National Guard Base hosts the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard, while the Fresno Air Attack Base supports aerial firefighting. Other operators with facilities at the airport include the California Army National Guard, California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff's Office, and Fresno Police Department.

Sonoma County Airport

The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) is an alternative to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It is located 85 miles from SFO, in Santa Rosa, California, in Sonoma County. The airport is named after Charles M. Schulz, the cartoonist of the Peanuts comic strip, who lived in Santa Rosa for over 30 years.

The airport is situated in the heart of Wine Country, 55 miles north of the Golden Gate. It offers short lines and proximity to wineries, breweries, foodie hotspots, and more. The airport also has an interesting history, with a former airfield owned by Richfield Oil Corporation located 6 miles southeast of the present airport, which was used in the 1930s. During World War II, the use of this airfield was discontinued, and the current airport's facilities improved.

In terms of airlines, Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and American Airlines all operate flights from Sonoma County Airport, with nonstop flights to Burbank, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Seattle. In 2017, United Express announced a return to Santa Rosa with thrice-daily service to San Francisco, however, this was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sun Country Airlines also offered seasonal nonstop service between Santa Rosa and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in 2017.

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