โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Salem-Leckrone Airport operates as southern Illinois's key general aviation facility, positioned 2 miles northwest of Salem - the Marion County seat situated halfway between Indiana and Missouri borders on historic U.S. Highway 50, with convenient Interstate 57 access at Exit 116 providing northeast connections to Effingham and south to Mount Vernon. Located at the intersection of major transportation corridors where the original Vincennes-St. Louis Road now serves modern cross-country travel, the facility serves as an efficient alternative to St. Louis Lambert International Airport 80 miles west.
Terminal facilities provide functional general aviation amenities with pilot lounge, basic services, and flight planning areas, while ground transportation requires advance coordination with local Salem taxi services or pre-arranged car rental delivery from nearby Centralia due to the absence of on-site rental counters, permanent taxi ranks, or public transit connections. The Salem Airport Authority maintains courtesy car availability for short-term local use when arranged through airport management or FBO services.
Operational characteristics center on private aviation, agricultural flying, business charter services supporting regional commerce, and emergency medical flights serving Marion County communities, while the facility provides convenient access for travelers seeking alternatives to major hub airports for southern Illinois destinations. Corporate aircraft frequently use the airport for business travel within the region's agricultural and industrial sectors.
Strategic importance encompasses serving as the primary aviation gateway for Marion County where Salem's position on historic transportation routes continues its role as a regional crossroads, providing general aviation services for southern Illinois communities within reasonable driving distance of multiple major metropolitan areas, and maintaining essential emergency aviation capabilities for a region where the nearest commercial service requires significant overland travel to reach St. Louis or other major hubs.
๐ Connection Tips
Salem-Leckrone Airport (SLO) is a key general aviation facility serving Marion County in southern Illinois. Alternatively, travelers should pre-arrange a pickup with a local Salem taxi or shuttle service. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), which is the nearest major hub approximately 80 miles to the west. If you require a vehicle, it is best to contact a car rental agency in nearby Centralia, IL, which can often deliver a rental car to the airport's Fixed Base Operator (FBO) with prior notice.
Commercial travelers seeking scheduled airline flights should look to St. The terminal is situated approximately 2 miles from the city center of Salem. Facilities at the terminal are functional and tailored to the general aviation community, offering a pilot's lounge, basic snacks, and flight planning areas. For those arriving via private or chartered flight, ground transportation must be meticulously arranged in advance, as there are no on-site car rental counters, permanent taxi ranks, or public transit links directly serving the airfield.
The airfield is conveniently located near the intersection of I-57 and US Highway 50, making it an excellent stop for those conducting business in southern Illinois. It is important for travelers to note that this airport does not currently host scheduled commercial airline services; it is primarily used by private pilots, agricultural aviation, and business charters. A highly useful tip for visiting pilots is to contact the airport management or the FBO ahead of time to inquire about the availability of a 'courtesy car,' which is sometimes provided for short-term local trips to restaurants or nearby lodging.
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-Leckrone Airport