โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
March Air Reserve Base operates as a premier U.S. Air Force Reserve Command installation spanning 2,075 acres in Riverside County, California, serving as headquarters for Fourth Air Force (4 AF) and home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, the largest air mobility wing within the Fourth Air Force structure. This strategically vital facility transformed from 78 years of active duty operations to Air Force Reserve Command control on April 1, 1996, ending decades as a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War while maintaining critical national defense capabilities through modern Reserve operations.
The base features robust aviation infrastructure with two concrete runways including primary runway 14/32 measuring 4,054 meters and secondary runway 12/30 extending 933 meters, designed to support the base's fleet of nine C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters and twelve KC-135R Stratotankers providing air refueling and strategic airlift capabilities worldwide. As a classified military installation, the base operates without civilian passenger terminal facilities, with all infrastructure dedicated to military operations, aircraft maintenance, aircrew training, and logistics support for Reserve missions requiring rapid global deployment capabilities.
Operational characteristics center on the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's mission to organize, train, and equip aircrews for air refueling and strategic airlift operations supporting national defense requirements across diverse global theaters. The wing made aviation history in 2005 by becoming the first Air Force Reserve Command unit to operate C-17 Globemaster III aircraft independently, receiving the "Spirit of California" as its first aircraft while transitioning from the venerable C-141 Starlifter that had served the base for decades during Strategic Air Command operations.
Strategic importance encompasses the base's role maintaining critical air mobility capabilities for U.S. defense operations while preserving aviation heritage through the March Field Air Museum, which provides public access to historical aircraft displays and educational programs showcasing the base's evolution from its establishment through decades of Cold War service to contemporary Reserve operations. The facility's location in Southern California's Inland Empire provides optimal training conditions and rapid deployment access to Pacific and global theaters, while maintaining the operational readiness essential for Air Force Reserve Command's mission to provide trained personnel and equipment supporting national defense requirements whenever activated for federal service.
๐ Connection Tips
March Air Reserve Base (RIV), formerly March Air Force Base, is a high-security and strategically vital installation of the United States Air Force Reserve, located in Riverside County, California. The base is famous for hosting various KC-135 Stratotankers and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, providing critical aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities. Southern California's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; however, the area can experience persistent morning fog known as the 'June Gloom' and occasional high winds from the Santa Ana mountains, which are critical factors for pilots using the 4,000-meter asphalt runway. The base's historical significance is preserved through the March Field Air Museum, which is accessible to the public and well worth a visit.
As a strictly restricted military facility, it does not offer any commercial passenger terminal amenities; you will find no duty-free shops, public lounges, or retail outlets on-site. If you are authorized to visit, the base is located in the Inland Empire and is well-connected to the city via the I-215 and SR-60 motorways. For all commercial travelers, Ontario International Airport (ONT) remains the primary gateway, located about 20 miles to the west.
Security is extremely tight, and all non-military visitors must have explicit prior authorization from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing before attempting to land or access the site. Ground transportation is strictly handled through official military channels or authorized personnel. Always ensure your credentials and transport are fully coordinated, as the base perimeter is a heavily guarded military zone with strict entry and exit protocols.
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.
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