Introduction
The airport serving San Carlos, near the Bay Area of Northern California, United States, is known as the San Carlos Airport. It is located 11 km away from Redwood City. It belongs to San Mateo County and is owned by the city of San Carlos. The airport, barely off U.S. Route 101 and situated at an elevation of about 3 m, is home to the Civil Air Patrol West Bay Composite Squadron 192. The Hiller Aviation Museum is down the street from the airport, which makes it a very attractive location and great aviation hub for San Carlos.
Airlines and Destinations
The airport is one of the smaller general aviation-oriented airports in California. There are also no regularly scheduled commercial passenger flights. Private pilots, flight schools, and corporate aviation fly in and out of this airport. This means no airlines service San Carlos Airport.
Passenger and Flight Figures
Since San Carlos is a general aviation airport, specific passenger or flight data are not available to the public. However, it is considered to be a high-traffic airport because of the presence of flight training activities. The airport sees hundreds of takeoffs and landings a day from private planes, charter flights, and flight school operations.
How to Get Here
Location: 620 Airport Dr, San Carlos, CA 94070. Positioned just off U.S. Route 101, it is a very easy drive. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO / KSFO). Nearby airports include Palo Alto Airport (PAO), Hayward Executive Airport (HWD), and Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ).
Parking
San Carlos Airport offers plenty of parking for guests and pilots. There are grassy areas and reasonable parking just adjacent to the terminal building as well as on Airport Drive. The service picks up and drops off at the airport and Hiller Aviation Museum; parking is free.
Transportation Prices
Just FYI, there are no buses or shuttles in and out of San Carlos as it is a regular general aviation airport. In order to enter and exit the airport, visitors will have to use their own vehicles (or rental cars) as ride-sharing services such as Uber do not currently operate here. The price will also depend on the service and how far away you need to go.
Terminal Layout
A single terminal building at San Carlos Airport contains airport administration offices, a pilot's lounge, and several businesses. There are no separate terminals or concourses. This all goes to the same one terminal facility for passenger processing of services.
Navigate the Airport
It isn't a big airport, and you can walk around it. There are signs everywhere to tell visitors where the terminal building is, all parking lots, and areas. The terminal building is home to rental car agencies and other services. Passengers requiring help may get in touch with the airport staff at the administrative office.
Getting Between Terminals
There is one terminal at San Carlos Airport, so there are no airside transfers. There are no separate terminals for different passengers whatsoever, and all passenger—but not cargo—services and facilities are in the only terminal building.
Services and Amenities
- Weather briefing facilities
- Pilot's lounge
- Aircraft chemical treatment services
- Rental car agencies
- Flight training schools
- Hiller Aviation Museum
- Free public parking
Restaurants and Shops
Within the San Carlos Airport terminal building, no restaurants or shops are located. Those looking to stop for food or shop must do so outside the airport along nearby streets and within the surrounding San Carlos community.
Security and Customs
The San Carlos Airport is a public, general aviation airport which serves as an alternative to other more congested airports near the city; it does not have security checkpoints. However, there are no TSA checkpoints or customs facilities on site. It is the primary responsibility of both private pilots and passengers traveling on such flights to prepare in advance to comply with and simplify these regulations.
Accessibility
San Carlos Airport is equipped to accommodate travelers with special needs. All terminal building and parking areas are ADA compliant as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The building has accessible parking spaces, ramps, and toilets. Airport employees can also aid if essential.
Travel Tips
- Get there early, as the airport can be crowded at times, especially when flight training is increased.
- Introduce yourself to airport operations and communications, as this is an operating general aviation facility.
- Fill up on any required supplies as there are few amenities directly at the airport site.
- Plan your ground transportation before you arrive (there are no shuttles or public buses).
- Get information on the weather and runway conditions before your flight, because fog and wind can shut down airport operations here.
- Enjoy the aviation-centric ambiance; if time permits, visit the Hiller Aviation Museum.