Napa, located in the heart of Napa Valley wine country, is a popular tourist destination known for it’s wine production, resort spas, farm-to-table restaurants and scenic landscapes. With over 4 million visitors per year flocking to Napa for it’s world-renowned wineries and Mediterranean climate, finding the closest and most convenient airports is key for travelers. The purpose of this content is to provide an in-depth look at the airports in closest proximity to Napa, outlining the distance, transportation options and highlights of each to help you decide which works best for your upcoming trip.
Oakland International Airport
Distance from Napa: 50 miles, approximately 1 hour drive
Located on the east side of San Francisco Bay in the city of Oakland, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the closest major airport to Napa at just 50 miles away. A one hour drive along highway 80 and highway 37, Oakland International serves over 14 million passengers per year on a wide variety of domestic and international carriers.
Transportation to Napa:
- Rental cars – All major rental car agencies are available onsite at Oakland International. Having your own rental car is the most convenient way to get to and from Napa.
- Shared shuttle vans – Companies like Evans Transportation offer scheduled shuttle van services between Oakland International Airport and Napa hotels. The journey takes around 90 minutes.
- Uber/Lyft – Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft connect to Napa but the drive can be expensive, usually over $100 each way.
Highlights:
- Low cost carriers like Southwest and Spirit offer very competitively priced flights into and out of Oakland International.
- The BART rapid transit system has a station connected to the Oakland International Airport terminals, allowing easy access to/from downtown San Francisco.
- Onsite amenities include free wifi, private nursing rooms, a service animal relief area, currency exchange booths and countless dining/shopping options.
Overall, Oakland International Airport is the best major airport choice for Napa Valley visitors who don’t mind a bit of a drive to access the convenience of a large hub with plenty of flights and amenities.
San Francisco International Airport
Distance from Napa: 60 miles, 1 hour and 15 minute drive
As one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has hundreds of incoming flights per day making it very accessible for travelers. Located on the west shoreline of the San Francisco Bay, it sits just over 60 miles from Napa accessible via highway 101 north and highway 37 east.
Transportation to Napa:
- Rental cars – All major car rental agencies are available at SFO. Renting your own vehicle allows the most flexibility exploring Napa and surrounding wine regions.
- Shared shuttle vans – Various private shuttle companies like Evans Transportation run pre-scheduled van rides from SFO to Napa hotels/wineries.
Highlights:
- As one of the largest airports in the state, San Francisco International has tons of nonstop flight routes domestically and globally on every major airline.
- Connected via BART and Caltrain rail systems along with other public transit like SamTrans buses.
- Many awards including “Best Airport in North America” from the Airport Service Quality Awards.
- Abundance of airport amenities like lounges, art exhibits, spa services, boutique shopping and dining.
While a bit farther than Oakland, San Francisco International remains a feasible option to fly into Napa especially for visitors that can take advantage of the airport’s immense size, offerings and flight network.
Sacramento International Airport
Distance from Napa: 75 miles, 1 hour 20 minute drive
Located just over 75 miles southeast from Napa, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest major airport actually located inland (away from the Bay Area). Serving nearly 11 million passengers yearly on a mix of domestic and international carriers, it is accessible from Napa by taking highway 80 south and highway 12 west.
Transportation to Napa:
- Rental cars – Onsite rental cars are available through companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, etc to allow you to drive to Napa on your own schedule.
- Shared shuttle vans – Scheduled van/bus services like Evans Transportation provide rides between Sacramento Airport hotels and Napa destinations.
- Uber/Lyft – As with the other airports, Uber or Lyft can transport you between Sacramento and Napa but expect to pay at least $130 each way.
Highlights:
- Recently renovated in 2011 so very modern terminal with great amenities and easy navigation.
- California high speed rail service planned to connect directly to the airport in future years.
- Close proximity to downtown Sacramento and attractions like Old Sacramento State Historic Park and the State Capitol.
For travelers originating from other inland western US cities, Sacramento International can be a logical flight connection on your journey to Napa Valley with minimal additional drive time once arrived.
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport
Distance from Napa: 35 miles, 45 minute drive
The smallest commercial airport covered, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa is conveniently located just 35 miles from Napa making it the shortest drive of these options. Directly north of Napa via highway 29, it specifically serves Sonoma County and the wider wine country region.
Transportation to Napa:
- Rental cars – Though smallest selection, car rentals are available from companies like Avis, Budget and Hertz onsite. Driving yourself remains the best transportation mode for flexibility.
- Uber/Lyft/Taxi – With no shared shuttle services, ridesharing or local Santa Rosa taxis would be the only public transportation from STS to Napa besides renting a car. Expect to pay $80+ each way for Uber.
Highlights:
- Small hometown airport feel while still offering amenities like free wifi, wine bars and eateries showcasing local flavors
- Alaska and American Airlines operate direct flights between Santa Rosa and major hubs like Los Angeles, Dallas, San Diego and Portland providing links across the country.
- Close proximity to over 420 Sonoma County wineries along the famous route known as Highway 12.
For visitors solely focused on wine tasting around Napa and Sonoma, flying into quaint Charles M. Schulz airport is likely the fastest route directly into wine country itself though flight options are much more limited compared to alternatives.
How to get around?
Rent a Car
Renting your own car is the most convenient way to explore Napa, especially if you want flexibility to visit multiple wineries, restaurants and attractions at your own pace. All major rental agencies are available onsite at nearby airports. Be sure your rental includes GPS navigation.
Use Rideshares
Services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Napa Valley. This allows you to enjoy tastings without a designated driver. However, rideshares often cost more than a rental car would for multi-stop trips. Cell reception is spotty in parts of wine country which can complicate some rideshare pickups.
Book Wine Tours
Various private companies like Platypus Tours, Beyond the Label and Perata Luxury Tours operate public and private guided tours of the Napa Valley using vans, limos or luxury vehicles. Knowledgeable local guides do the driving so you can relax and enjoy wineries, restaurants, or sightseeing.
Take Public Transit
Napa County’s local bus service is the Vine Transit System. Buses cover popular routes to downtown Napa stops, major hotels, wineries along the highway 29 corridor including Oxbow Public Market. Frequency is rather limited though.
Other Options
Taxis, specialty transport like bike rentals or private drivers for hire are smaller niche transportation modes. Biking for example allows you to travel at your own pace enjoying natural scenery between destinations not far apart.
No matter your preference, there are diverse reliable ways to plan transportation while wine tasting or dining across beautiful Napa Valley once arrived from nearby airports. Consider group size, cost, accessibility needs and interests before building your itinerary around the perfect local get-around.
FAQs
The closest airport is the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, located around 35 miles north of Napa in the city of Santa Rosa. The drive time is approximately 45 minutes via Highway 29.
The closest major airport is Oakland International Airport, located around 50 miles southwest of Napa. It takes around 1 hour to drive to Napa via Highways 80 and 37.
San Francisco International Airport is located around 60 miles southwest from Napa’s city center. The drive time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes taking Highways 101 North and 37 East.
Most travelers fly into Oakland International Airport as it offers a good combination of price, availability of flights, amenities and minimal drive time to Napa at just 50 miles away. However San Francisco and Sacramento Airports are also feasible options depending on individual factors.
Rental cars, shared shuttle vans, Uber/Lyft rides, as well as local taxis are available at the various airports. Renting a car is generally the most convenient as it allows flexibility for visiting multiple Napa destinations at your own pace.
The drive time from San Francisco International Airport to Napa is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Travelers take Highways 101 North and 37 East to arrive into downtown Napa.
Summary
With four viable airports to fly into when visiting Napa ranging from large international hubs like San Francisco to the small regional Santa Rosa airport, travelers have choices tailored to their specific needs. Oakland International likely represents the best blend of price, abundant flight schedules, amenities and minimal drive time to downtown Napa hotels and wineries. Though every airport has merits depending on factors like hometown location, budget, rental car requirements and more. Hopefully this breakdown has provided useful information when deciding which airport is appropriate for your upcoming escape to stunning Napa Valley.