Which airport should I fly into for Chinatown?

For long-haul and international flights, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the main gateway near Chinatown. The closest airport, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK), is the most convenient for transfers — weigh proximity against the breadth of flight connections.

How far is the airport from Chinatown?

The nearest is about 11 mi (18 km) away. The table above shows the distance and an estimated transfer time for each airport within about 300 km.

How do I get from the airport into Chinatown?

Most airports offer taxis and ride-hailing, and many add a rail, metro or bus link into the city. Tap any airport above for a full guide with ground-transport options, lounges and transit details.

Airports Near Chinatown

The closest airports to Chinatown, California: IATA codes, names and distances, each with a full airport guide covering terminals, lounges and transit.

The nearest airport to Chinatown, California is Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 11 mi (18 km) away — roughly 38 min by road. It also serves as the area's main international gateway.

Code	Airport	Distance	Transfer	Type
OAK	Metropolitan Oakland International AirportOakland, United States	11 mi / 18 km	38 min	International
SFO	San Francisco International AirportSan Francisco, United States	12 mi / 20 km	42 min	International
HWD	Hayward Executive AirportHayward, United States	18 mi / 29 km	35 min	Regional
HAF	Half Moon Bay AirportHalf Moon Bay, United States	21 mi / 33 km	40 min	Regional
SQL	San Carlos AirportSan Carlos, United States	22 mi / 35 km	42 min	Regional
CCR	Buchanan FieldConcord, United States	24 mi / 38 km	46 min	Regional
NOT	Gnoss FieldNovato, United States	25 mi / 41 km	49 min	Regional
PAO	Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara CountyPalo Alto, United States	28 mi / 45 km	54 min	Regional

Distances are straight-line; transfer times are road estimates. "Type" flags major/international gateways.

Which airport is best?

For the shortest transfer, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the most convenient at about 11 mi out. Larger airports a little farther out can offer more connections, so it's worth comparing fares before booking.

Getting to and from the airport

Taxis and ride-hailing serve every airport here, and the larger ones usually add a rail, metro or bus link into Chinatown. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with OAK.

Hotels near the airport

For early departures or late arrivals, a hotel near OAK saves a stressful morning transfer.

Search hotels near OAK All hotels near Chinatown

Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Other cities these airports serve

Travel tips

Compare the total door-to-door time, not just the airfare — a cheaper flight into a distant airport can cost more once you add the transfer. Check whether your airport has a direct train or metro before defaulting to a taxi, and for international arrivals, confirm any visa or transit rules in advance.

Frequently asked questions

The nearest airport to Chinatown is Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 11 mi (18 km) away — roughly 38 min by road.