โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Topeka Regional Airport (FOE), also known as Forbes Field, is a joint civil-military aviation facility located seven miles south of downtown Topeka, Kansas. Originally established during World War II as Topeka Army Air Field and later serving as a major Strategic Air Command base, the airport has a deep military heritage. Today, it serves as the primary aviation hub for the state's capital, managed by the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority. The facility is a unique blend of historical significance and modern industrial development, housing the Topeka Regional Airport and Business Center.
The passenger terminal at FOE was completed in 1985 and was designed to handle a steady flow of commercial traffic. While scheduled airline service ceased in 2014, the terminal remains a well-maintained and functional facility used for charter flights and military operations. Inside, the building features five airline ticket counters and a single baggage claim carousel. Rental car services, primarily Hertz, are available on-site to accommodate arriving passengers. The terminal also provides a professional environment for various aviation-related businesses and state government operations.
As a joint-use facility, the airport is home to several significant military units, including the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard. This military presence is a defining characteristic of Forbes Field, with the airfield's 12,803-foot main runwayโone of the longest in the Midwestโfrequently accommodating large tanker and transport aircraft. The airport also plays a vital role in general aviation and corporate travel, serving as a key destination for athletic team charters and business leaders visiting the Kansas state capital and the surrounding Shawnee County region.
Ground transportation from Topeka Regional Airport is conveniently coordinated with the city's main thoroughfares. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available to transport visitors to downtown Topeka, the Kansas State Capitol, and the various hotels and businesses in the area. For aviation enthusiasts, the airport is also the site of the Combat Air Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of historical military aircraft. Despite the absence of scheduled commercial flights, Topeka Regional Airport remains a cornerstone of the region's infrastructure, supporting national defense, industrial growth, and essential charter operations.
๐ Connection Tips
Topeka Regional Airport (FOE), historically known as Forbes Field, serves as a significant aviation hub for the Kansas capital. While it lacks the high-frequency commercial schedules of nearby Kansas City, it remains a vital facility for regional connectivity and military operations. The airport is home to the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard, and travelers will frequently see military aircraft operating on the massive 12,803-foot runwayโone of the longest in the region, capable of handling almost any aircraft in existence.
For aviation enthusiasts, a layover or visit to FOE is incomplete without exploring the Combat Air Museum located on-site, which features a vast collection of historic military aircraft and memorabilia. When planning a connection through Topeka, it is important to recognize that most commercial travelers may find themselves using charter services or regional links rather than major scheduled airlines. The facility is well-equipped for corporate aviation with excellent FBO services.
If you are using FOE as a gateway to the state capital, ground transportation like rental cars or ride-shares should be arranged ahead of time, as the airport is situated several miles south of the downtown district. The spacious terminal reflects its history as a former Air Force base, offering a sense of scale rarely seen at other regional airports. Whether you are arriving for government business in Topeka or stopping for a refueling leg on a cross-country flight, Forbes Field provides a historic and highly capable platform for all types of aviation needs in the Sunflower State.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Topeka Regional Airport