Garfield County Regional Airport
Your Link to the Colorado Rockies!
Introduction
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Garfield County Regional Airport (IATA: RIL, ICAO: KRIL) is a vital transportation center situated within the beautiful area of western Colorado. RIL is the third busiest general aviation airport in Colorado and considered an integral hub for serving many of its area communities, maintaining a mix of private jet travelers with military operations and support aircraft as well as firefighting bases.
Airlines and Destinations
Although Garfield County Regional Airport handles mostly general aviation flights, it has limited commercial service. Right now, the airport has just one airline operating there with nonstop flights to a few small-serving cities in the area.
Passengers & Flights
With more than 50,000 aircraft movements in 2023, Garfield County Regional Airport has always been an integral player within Colorado's aviation framework. However, it still only gets just under 20,000 passengers a year.
How to Get Here
The airport is situated 3 nautical miles (6 km) east of the central business district in the city of Rifle, Colorado. Interstate 70 visitors can exit at the Rifle/Silt/New Castle Interchange to reach it.
Parking
Parking is provided for both public and commercial vehicles at the airport. The facility offers daily parking, weekly rates, and monthly fees for its short-term and long-term lots, with rates of $5 a day (economy) or $10 per day in premium spaces.
Transportation Prices
Garfield County Regional Airport is serviced by taxi and rideshare services – a $10-20 fare gets you to the nearby city of Rifle. The airport also offers a $5 shuttle service to the Rifle Amtrak station for those looking for more economical options.
Terminal Layout
A modest single-story terminal building provides the basic facilities required for private and general aviation passengers. The terminal has a comfortable waiting area, pilot's lounge, and limited concessions.
Navigate the Airport
Garfield County Regional Airport (KRIL) is easy to navigate. The terminal building is small, and everything you need from the FBO to rental car desks to ground transportation providers are within a couple of minutes' walk.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Garfield County Regional Airport has only a single terminal, you do not need to worry about moving between different terminals. The full-service passenger and general aviation facilities are integrated in one building.
Services and Amenities
If you are looking for drinks, food, or other related services, the airport's F&B and Restaurants will serve your purpose. Additional services at this FBO include fueling, maintenance and repair for aircraft, pilot supplies, and a pilots' lounge. Furthermore, the terminal offers complimentary Wi-Fi and basic concessions.
Restaurants and Shops
Food and shopping are a bit limited, but you can find something to eat or drink at the small café. The closest big city with a much wider range of eating and shopping options is Rifle, which can be reached by car within a short drive from the airport.
Security and Customs
There is no dedicated security checkpoint or customs at Garfield County Regional Airport. The responsibility for ensuring that security and customs regulations are being observed rests with private as well as commercial aviation travelers.
Accessibility
The terminal building of the airport is fully accessible for disabled passengers. With accessible parking spaces, ramps, and restrooms onsite, the airport helps meet the needs of all visitors.
Travel Tips
Garfield County Regional Airport is primarily a general aviation facility, with commercial service in the form of IFR charters. Travelers can stay in touch with the respective operators to understand what flight is flying on which day and then accordingly plan their trip, as options will still be very limited even after they start. For those with extra exacting tastes, private jet and charter companies may be an option as well.