Airports Near Santa Cruz
Looking for the nearest airport to Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz is served by several airports located in different directions around the city. With three airports within a 50-mile radius, you have plenty of 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 Santa Cruz?
The closest airport to Santa Cruz is San Jose International Airport (SJC), a large airport located approximately 27.4 miles (44.1 km) north of the city center. The driving distance is about 33 miles (53.1 km), which typically takes around 47 minutes by car.
For better flight options, consider San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which offers more connections. It's located 48.4 miles (77.9 km) northwest of Santa Cruz. The driving distance is approximately 61.2 miles (98.5 km), with a typical drive time of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Direct Distance 📏
27.4 miles
44.1 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
33 miles
53.1 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
47 min
Direction ➤
North
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Located 28.7 miles (46.2 km) south of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
28.7 miles
46.2 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
43.4 miles
69.9 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
54 min
Direction ➤
South
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located 48.4 miles (77.9 km) northwest of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
48.4 miles
77.9 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
61.2 miles
98.5 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 19 min
Direction ➤
Northwest
Nearby airports to Santa Cruz
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose International Airport | SJC | San Jose | 27.4 mi (44.1 km) | 33 mi (53.1 km) | 47 min | Large |
| Monterey Regional Airport | MRY | Monterey | 28.7 mi (46.2 km) | 43.4 mi (69.9 km) | 54 min | Medium-sized |
| San Francisco International Airport | SFO | San Francisco | 48.4 mi (77.9 km) | 61.2 mi (98.5 km) | 1 h 19 min | Large |
| Oakland International Airport | OAK | Oakland | 52.7 mi (84.8 km) | 65.2 mi (104.9 km) | 1 h 23 min | Large |
| Modesto City–County Airport | MOD | Modesto | 74.4 mi (119.7 km) | 112 mi (180.3 km) | 2 h 27 min | Medium-sized |
| Stockton Metropolitan Airport | SCK | Stockton | 77 mi (123.9 km) | 98.7 mi (158.8 km) | 2 h 7 min | Medium-sized |
| Merced Regional Macready Field | MCE | Merced | 86.3 mi (138.8 km) | 119.9 mi (192.9 km) | 2 h 36 min | Medium-sized |
| Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport | STS | Santa Rosa | 114.3 mi (184 km) | 136.2 mi (219.3 km) | 2 h 49 min | Medium-sized |
| Sacramento Mather Airport | MHR | Sacramento | 116.3 mi (187.1 km) | 151.3 mi (243.5 km) | 3 h 19 min | Medium-sized |
| Sacramento International Airport | SMF | Sacramento | 121.3 mi (195.3 km) | 150.9 mi (242.8 km) | 3 h 4 min | Large |
| Fresno Yosemite International Airport | FAT | Fresno | 128.6 mi (206.9 km) | 156.9 mi (252.5 km) | 3 h 18 min | Medium-sized |
| San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport | SBP | San Luis Obispo | 142.9 mi (230 km) | 168.3 mi (270.9 km) | 3 h 25 min | Medium-sized |
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 Santa Cruz, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.