โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ) is a significant joint-use aviation facility serving the Silicon Valley and the city of Mountain View in northern California. The airfield is owned by NASA and managed by Planetary Ventures (a subsidiary of Google), catering primarily to NASA's Ames Research Center, the California Air National Guard, and various corporate and research-related aviation. it is a critical hub for aerospace research, disaster response, and high-tech industry transport.
Inside the facility, there is no traditional commercial passenger terminal. Instead, operations are centered around various administrative buildings, hangars (including the historic Hangar One), and specialized staging areas for government and corporate flights. Access to the airfield is strictly controlled, requiring prior authorization and appropriate credentials. The facility handles a variety of aircraft, from military transport planes and NASA research jets to private corporate aircraft, reflecting its importance to the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem.
Ground transportation within the Moffett Field complex and to the surrounding Mountain View area is managed via pre-arranged private transport and local taxis for authorized personnel. The airfield's location near the San Francisco Bay offers travelers unique views of the surrounding salt ponds and the tech campuses of Silicon Valley during arrival and departure. It remains an essential infrastructure point for the connectivity and research capabilities of northern California, ensuring that this important center for technology and defense remains accessible by air.
๐ Connection Tips
Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ) is a strictly restricted government and research aviation facility situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, serving primarily as a hub for NASA Ames Research Center and authorized corporate partners under the management of Planetary Ventures (a subsidiary of Google). For travelers, it is vital to recognize that NUQ does not host any scheduled commercial passenger airline services; all flight operations are military, government-related, or sanctioned private corporate missions. If you are an authorized visitor or crew member arriving at NUQ, ground transportation must be pre-arranged and coordinated with your on-base sponsor, as there are no on-demand rideshare or taxi ranks allowed past the secure perimeter. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop passengers at the main security gates located off Moffett Boulevard, but they are generally not permitted to enter the airfield ramps without specific base access credentials.
For those requiring commercial airline connections, Norman Y. Mineta San Josรฉ International Airport (SJC) is the nearest major hub, located approximately 15 minutes to the southeast. A standout feature of the airfield is the massive and historic Hangar One, one of the world's largest freestanding structures, which serves as a critical visual landmark for VFR pilots in the San Francisco Bay Area. Security at Moffett Field is rigorous; 100% ID checks are mandatory at all entry points, and photography of base infrastructure, military aircraft, or sensitive research facilities is strictly prohibited without prior authorization. Travelers should also be aware that the facility provides a professional and highly secure environment for essential aerospace research and disaster response missions. Arriving at the main gate at least 60 minutes before any scheduled transition is recommended to account for security processing. Always verify current gate hours and access protocols with the airfield's administrative office before arrival. NUQ remains an essential asset for the technological and defense infrastructure of northern California.
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 Moffett Federal Airfield