โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Palo Alto Airport (PAO), officially known as the Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara County, is one of the busiest single-runway general aviation facilities in the United States. The airport's passenger and pilot services are centered at the Airport Administration Building located at 1925 Embarcadero Road. This functional terminal facility serves as a primary hub for corporate travelers, flight students, and recreational pilots within the Silicon Valley region.
The terminal infrastructure provides essential amenities for travelers and crews, including a comfortable pilot lounge with seating, a dedicated flight planning area, and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. The facility is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is staffed to assist with airport information and transient aircraft check-ins. While on-site dining is limited to the Cloud9 Coffee kiosk, the popular Bay Cafรฉ at the adjacent Baylands Golf Links is within easy walking distance.
Technical services at the field are comprehensive, featuring 24-hour self-service 100LL Avgas and Jet A fuel, alongside full-service fueling during standard business hours. The airport features a single 2,443-foot asphalt runway (13/31) and is home to several major flight schools and clubs, including the West Valley Flying Club and Stanford Flying Club. Ground transportation is supported by highly active ride-sharing services and a public parking area that offers free stays for the first 8 hours.
๐ Connection Tips
It handles NO scheduled commercial airline flights but is a major center for corporate jets and private pilots. Car rentals can be pre-arranged for delivery to the FBO. At 6 feet elevation covering 102 acres, the airport operates a single 2,443-foot asphalt runway (13/31) restricted to aircraft under 12,500 lbs maximum weight, along with high-quality pilot lounges and 24-hour self-serve fuel.
Ground transport is straightforward; dedicated shuttle services (e The shuttle links are most useful for Stanford, downtown Palo Alto, and the nearby Caltrain corridor, so the airport is best when you want a quick business arrival without a long rental-car queue. Shuttle operators use the airport's quiet, suburban location to move people toward Stanford, downtown Palo Alto, and the nearby rail corridor without the detour of a larger Silicon Valley field.
g., Palo Alto Airport Shuttle) provide door-to-door transport to major hubs like SFO, SJC, and OAK. If you need a commercial connection, San Jose International (SJC) is approximately 15 minutes away via Hwy 101 Because the field is close to Silicon Valley traffic, many pilots also use it as a fast hop to meetings rather than as a place to linger between connections. That makes PAO especially effective for meetings, corporate hops, and quick weekend turns where the airport is merely the starting point for a short urban transfer.
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 Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara County