โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Merrill Field (MRI) is Alaska's busiest general aviation airport and one of the nation's most active, handling over 150,000 annual operations on 436 acres just one mile east of downtown Anchorage. Established in 1930 as Alaska's first official airport and named for bush pilot pioneer Russel Merrill, this 436-acre airport operates with three runways (07/25 at 4,000 feet, 16/34 at 2,744 feet, and 05/23 at 1,570 feet) supporting 877 based aircraft out of Alaska's total 10,891 registered aircraft. The airport operates under Part 93 special airspace rules managing the heavily congested Anchorage Bowl traffic flow.
The terminal complex includes the 116-foot control tower and various facilities supporting 46 aviation businesses rather than traditional passenger terminals. Five flight schools operate from the field, including the University of Alaska Anchorage's Aviation Technology Division, training the next generation of Alaska pilots in specialized skills like bush flying, float operations, and mountain flying. The airport's weight restriction of 12,500 pounds ensures it remains dedicated to general aviation while nearby Ted Stevens handles commercial traffic.
An economic powerhouse generating $241 million in statewide output, Merrill Field serves as the operational base for air taxi operators like Alaska Air Transit and Lake Clark Air, providing essential connectivity to Alaska's roadless communities. This vital aviation hub provides 24/7 fuel availability (100LL and Jet A), nineteen taxiways, and a dedicated taxiway extension to Alaska Regional Hospital for MEDEVAC operations, reflecting its critical role in Alaska's aviation-dependent transportation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Merrill Field (MRI) is located one mile east of downtown Anchorage with excellent road access via the Glenn Highway and 5th Avenue. Ground transportation for pilots and passengers typically involves pre-arranged options. Traditional taxis are available but less common than ride-sharing services. Many flight schools and air taxi operators provide courtesy shuttles for their clients to local hotels. Winter conditions (October-April) require extra time for ground transportation, and studded tires or 4WD vehicles are recommended for rental cars during these months.
As a general aviation airport with no scheduled passenger service, visitors arrive by private aircraft, air taxi, or ground transport. Several FBOs provide courtesy cars for transient pilots, though availability varies. Rental cars can be arranged through FBOs with delivery from nearby locations, as no rental counters operate on-field. For connections to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (8 miles, 15 minutes), ride-sharing costs approximately $20-25.
The airport entrance is at 800 Merrill Field Drive, easily accessible from major Anchorage thoroughfares. Uber and Lyft operate throughout Anchorage with typical wait times of 5-10 minutes and fares of $10-15 to downtown. Downtown Anchorage rental agencies are 5 minutes away, with some offering pilot discounts. The People Mover bus system has stops near the airport on Mountain View Drive, though walking distance from the terminal area makes this impractical with luggage.
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 Merrill Field