โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field serves as Oregon's state capital airport covering 751 acres at 213 feet elevation, operating two asphalt runways (5,811-foot runway 13/31 with ILS and 5,146-foot runway 16/34) plus helipad H1, with control tower, restaurant, and general aviation center supporting limited flight training. Recently renamed from Salem Municipal Airport in June 2024 to highlight its Willamette Valley AVA location for tourism promotion, the facility experienced the return of commercial service in October 2023 through Avelo Airlines offering twice-weekly Boeing 737 flights to Las Vegas and Hollywood-Burbank serving the Los Angeles market.
Terminal facilities comprise a compact terminal with basic waiting areas and amenities, though travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem just two miles away. The facility supports general aviation operations alongside Avelo's commercial service, with ground transportation including Cherriots Line 04 bus hourly connections to downtown Salem transit center, local taxi companies like Amanda's Taxi and Affordable Taxi, plus active Uber and Lyft services.
Operational characteristics focus on commercial passenger service complemented by general aviation activities, corporate flights, flight training operations, and emergency services, while the airport's proximity to downtown Salem and state capitol buildings makes it an attractive alternative to Portland International Airport for regional travelers. The facility maintains necessary safety and operational standards with control tower operations and ILS approach capabilities.
Strategic importance encompasses serving Oregon's state capital with renewed commercial aviation connectivity after 15 years without scheduled airline service, providing stress-free alternatives to Portland's larger hub for regional travelers, and supporting the greater Willamette Valley's tourism and business aviation needs while maintaining vital general aviation services for emergency response and regional connectivity throughout Oregon's mid-valley communities.
๐ Connection Tips
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field (SLE), is the primary commercial airport for Oregon's state capital and the heart of the Willamette Valley. The fare is a standard $1.60. For a more direct transfer, local taxi companies like Amandaโs Taxi and Affordable Taxi are the primary on-call options; a ride to downtown Salem typically costs between $10 and $15 and takes about 10 minutes. The airport's location just off Mission Street makes it easily accessible by car, with on-site parking located directly across from the terminal entrance. The bus stop is located at the intersection of State Street and Airport Road, roughly a 5-to-10-minute walk from the terminal.
Facilities include a small waiting area and basic amenities, but travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem. For budget travelers, the Cherriots Line 04 bus provides an hourly connection between the airport area and the downtown Salem transit center. The terminal at SLE is compact and exceptionally easy to navigate, allowing passengers to arrive just 60 to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Ground transportation from SLE is convenient and well-organized.
For those needing to connect to Portland or other parts of the state, Groome Transportation offers a dedicated shuttle service, while the Amtrak Cascades line provides scenic rail links from the Salem station located just a few miles away. Since the return of scheduled commercial service via Avelo Airlines, the airport has become a popular and stress-free alternative to Portland International (PDX) for regional travelers. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also active in Salem and provide reliable transfers to and from the airfield.
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 Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field