Airports Near Albert Lea
Looking for the nearest airport to Albert Lea? Albert Lea is served by a couple of airports located in different directions around the city. With two airports within a 50-mile radius, you still have solid options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to Albert Lea?
The closest airport to Albert Lea is Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW), a medium-sized airport located approximately 33.8 miles (54.4 km) south of the city center. The driving distance is about 38.1 miles (61.3 km), which typically takes around 49 minutes by car.
If you're looking for better connectivity, the nearest major airport is Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), located about 85.6 miles (137.7 km) north of Albert Lea in a straight line. The driving distance is around 94.3 miles (151.8 km), with an average travel time of about 1 hour and 49 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW)
IATA: MCW · ICAO: KMCW
Direct Distance 📏
33.8 miles
54.4 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
38.1 miles
61.3 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
49 min
Direction ➤
South
Rochester International Airport (RST)
Located 46.9 miles (75.5 km) northeast of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
46.9 miles
75.5 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
56 miles
90.1 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 8 min
Direction ➤
Northeast
Nearby airports to Albert Lea
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason City Municipal Airport | MCW | Mason City | 33.8 mi (54.4 km) | 38.1 mi (61.3 km) | 49 min | Medium-sized |
| Rochester International Airport | RST | Rochester | 46.9 mi (75.5 km) | 56 mi (90.1 km) | 1 h 8 min | Medium-sized |
| Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport | MSP | Minneapolis | 85.6 mi (137.7 km) | 94.3 mi (151.8 km) | 1 h 49 min | Large |
| Fort Dodge Regional Airport | FOD | Fort Dodge | 86.4 mi (139.1 km) | 128.6 mi (207 km) | 2 h 30 min | Medium-sized |
| Waterloo Regional Airport | ALO | Waterloo | 89.8 mi (144.5 km) | 121.7 mi (195.9 km) | 2 h 28 min | Medium-sized |
| La Crosse Regional Airport | LSE | La Crosse | 106.6 mi (171.5 km) | 122.5 mi (197.1 km) | 2 h 20 min | Medium-sized |
| Chippewa Valley Regional Airport | EAU | Eau Claire | 125.6 mi (202.1 km) | 182.8 mi (294.2 km) | 3 h 33 min | Medium-sized |
| St. Cloud Regional Airport | STC | St Cloud | 135.5 mi (218.1 km) | 162.5 mi (261.5 km) | 3 h 11 min | Medium-sized |
| Des Moines International Airport | DSM | Des Moines | 146.8 mi (236.3 km) | 154.7 mi (248.9 km) | 2 h 57 min | Medium-sized |
| The Eastern Iowa Airport | CID | Cedar Rapids | 148 mi (238.2 km) | 189.8 mi (305.5 km) | 3 h 41 min | Medium-sized |
Closest Airports to Other Cities Near Albert Lea
Planning to travel somewhere else in the region? Find the closest airport to these nearby cities:
- Closest airport to Rochester, MN
- Closest airport to Mankato, MN
- Closest airport to Mason City, IA
- Closest airport to Owatonna, MN
- Closest airport to Austin, MN
- Closest airport to Faribault, MN
- Closest airport to Northfield, MN
- Closest airport to North Mankato, MN
- Closest airport to New Ulm, MN
- Closest airport to Saint Peter, MN
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to Albert Lea, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.