Which airport should I fly into for Redwood City?

For long-haul and international flights, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main gateway near Redwood City. The closest airport, San Carlos Airport (SQL), is the most convenient for transfers — weigh proximity against the breadth of flight connections.

How far is the airport from Redwood City?

The nearest is about 2 mi (3 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 Redwood City?

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 Redwood City

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

The nearest airport to Redwood City, California is San Carlos Airport (SQL), about 2 mi (3 km) away — roughly 6 min by road. For long-haul flights, the main international gateway is San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Code	Airport	Distance	Transfer	Type
SQL	San Carlos AirportSan Carlos, United States	2 mi / 3 km	6 min	Regional
PAO	Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara CountyPalo Alto, United States	7 mi / 11 km	23 min	Regional
SFO	San Francisco International AirportSan Francisco, United States	12 mi / 19 km	40 min	International
HWD	Hayward Executive AirportHayward, United States	14 mi / 22 km	26 min	Regional
HAF	Half Moon Bay AirportHalf Moon Bay, United States	15 mi / 24 km	29 min	Regional
OAK	Metropolitan Oakland International AirportOakland, United States	16 mi / 26 km	31 min	International
SJC	Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International AirportSan Jose, United States	19 mi / 30 km	36 min	International
RHV	Reid Hillview of Santa Clara County AirportSan Jose, United States	25 mi / 41 km	49 min	Regional

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

Which airport is best?

For the shortest transfer, San Carlos Airport (SQL) is the most convenient at about 2 mi out. If you're flying internationally or want the widest choice of routes, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (12 mi) is the bigger gateway — worth the extra distance for long-haul or cheaper fares.

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 Redwood City. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with SQL.

Hotels near the airport

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

Search hotels near SQL All hotels near Redwood City

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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 Redwood City is San Carlos Airport (SQL), about 2 mi (3 km) away — roughly 6 min by road.