โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
75
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Buchanan Field (CCR), also identified by its ICAO code KCCR, is a prominent general and business aviation airport located in Concord, California, United States. Serving the vibrant Contra Costa County, the airport plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses, flight training, and private travel within the San Francisco Bay Area. While it does not host scheduled commercial airline services, it is a significant hub for corporate and recreational aviation, offering a convenient alternative to larger, more congested regional airports.
The airport features a main terminal building that houses 'The Flight Deck' restaurant, accessible to both pilots and the public. In addition to the main terminal, KCCR is home to multiple Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) such as Concord Jet Center and Pacific States Aviation, which provide a comprehensive suite of services. These FBOs offer ground handling, fueling (AVGAS and JET fuel), passenger care, catering coordination, and aircraft maintenance, ensuring all operational needs are met for private and charter flights.
Operational infrastructure at Buchanan Field includes four asphalt and concrete runways, with the longest measuring 5,001 feet, accommodating a wide range of aircraft. The FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) operates daily, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management. Other essential services include flight training, aircraft rental, and specialized air medical transport. Despite being a non-towered airport for most operations, its well-maintained facilities and diverse services make it a key asset for the general aviation community in Northern California.
๐ Connection Tips
Buchanan Field (CCR) in Concord serves as a highly efficient alternative for East Bay travelers looking to bypass the congestion of major Bay Area hubs like SFO, OAK, and SJC. The airportโs primary draw for commercial-style connections is JSX (formerly JetSuiteX), which operates out of a private terminal at 181 John Glenn Drive. Unlike traditional commercial flights, JSX allows passengers to arrive just 20 to 30 minutes before departure, significantly reducing the total travel time. If you are connecting from a major international flight at San Francisco International (SFO) to a JSX flight at CCR, it is essential to allow a minimum buffer of 3 to 4 hours.
This accounts for deplaning, baggage claim, and the often unpredictable traffic on the Bay Bridge or San Mateo Bridge. There are no direct shuttle services between Buchanan Field and the major regional airports. For the most seamless "plane-to-pavement" transfer, pre-booking a private black car service or using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft is recommended. A drive to Oakland International (OAK) typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, while reaching SFO can take 60 to 90 minutes depending on the time of day.
For those using public transit, the North Concord/Martinez BART station is a short 10-minute rideshare from the CCR terminal. From there, the Yellow Line provides a direct connection to SFO, while a transfer at Coliseum Station is required for the OAK Airport Connector. While the CCR terminal offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and light snacks, full-service dining is located just outside the airport grounds on Diamond Boulevard. Always confirm your JSX terminal location, as it is separate from the main Buchanan Field general aviation terminal.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Buchanan Field