Key Highlights
-
Merced Regional Airport (MCE) is the main airport for Merced, California. It is only three miles from the city center.
-
You can take direct flights from this airport to important places like Los Angeles (Hawthorne) and Las Vegas.
-
Advanced Air is the big airline here. They fly as part of the federal Essential Air Service.
-
The airport has free parking for all travelers.
-
If you need to get to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), there is a free shuttle from Hawthorne. You must book this shuttle before you travel.
-
There are also a few large airports within a two-hour drive from Merced Regional Airport. These airports give you more options for flights.
Introduction
Welcome to Merced, California. This city is full of life and is called the gateway to Yosemite National Park. It does not matter if you are here for work, school, or fun, the trip can be very simple. This guide will help you know what to do next, and it will show you just how easy it is to fly into Merced Regional Airport (MCE). You can fly direct from los angeles and land right in the center of California’s Central Valley. Your trip can be easy and without problems. Let’s help you start your journey in the best way.
Overview of Merced Airports
When you are getting ready for your trip to Merced, your main and easiest option is to use the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport. People also call it Macready Field. This airport is all about offering essential air service to the people here. It helps you travel in and out with less trouble and is more direct.
If you are a pilot or you want to fly from a smaller airport near Merced, you have other options like Los Banos Municipal Airport. Still, for most people who take regular flights, the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, or MCE, will be the top pick to get into the area. Below, we will take a look at where this airport is, and we will also talk about airlines and other nearby airports you can choose.
Location and Accessibility of Merced Regional Airport
Merced Regional Airport is at 20 Macready Drive, Merced, California, 95341. The location is great for people who want to reach many places in Merced. You will find the airport in the main terminal, so things are simple from the start.
This airport is only three miles from downtown Merced. You can get to the city center in just a few minutes. Being this close makes travel plans easy, whether you come for work or want to begin a vacation. It does not take long to go to or from the airport.
If you are a student, teacher, or visitor to the University of California, Merced, you will be glad to know the airport is a short drive away. The short distance between the airport, UC Merced, and downtown means less travel time. You will have more time for your plans when you get to Merced, California.
Other Nearby Airports Serving Merced, California
Yes, if you want more flight options, there are other airports near Merced, California. The closest big airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). It is about 64 miles from Merced. Fresno has more flights to different places in the U.S. and outside the country. Many people pick this airport for more choices with airlines.
If you want to fly to even more places, you can look at bigger airports in Northern California. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 115 miles from Merced. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 127 miles away. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another big choice. It is 133 miles from the city.
There are also a few smaller airports close by, like Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) and Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS). The direct flights from Merced go to Hawthorne Municipal Airport near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). But if you do not mind a longer car trip, these other airports sometimes offer cheaper flights.
Airlines and Flight Destinations
Flying out of Merced is easy, thanks to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The government started this program to make sure the city has steady and reliable air travel. This helps people in Merced get direct flights to big hubs. It makes your travel plans a lot better and saves you time.
Even though the airlines may change, the goal is always the same. Merced is kept connected to important places with this support.
Right now, the main airline at Merced gives you reliable flights on comfortable planes. You do not have to drive long distances. You can get to many other places fast with these direct flights. This also lets you link up quickly with other big travel networks. Let’s check out the airlines and routes offered from Merced.
Airlines Operating at Merced Regional Airport
Advanced Air is the current airline operating flights from Merced Regional Airport. As the recipient of the Essential Air Service contract approved by the Merced City Council, Advanced Air provides crucial connections for the community. The airline operates modern turboprop aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey for all passengers.
Should you have any questions about your booking or need assistance with services like adding a pet to your reservation, you can contact the Advanced Air reservation team directly. They can help with any special requirements to ensure your travel experience is smooth. While other carriers like United Airlines have served the airport in the past, Advanced Air is the current provider.
Here is a quick look at the airline serving MCE:
|
Airline |
Key Information |
|---|---|
|
Advanced Air |
Operates under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, offering direct flights to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. |
Popular Flight Routes and Connection Options
From Merced Regional Airport, you can fly nonstop to two great places. These direct flights help you get to large travel spots, whether you are leaving for work or just for fun. You do not have to worry about stopping in many places, as these flights are made to get you to your goal fast.
The most wanted direct flights from Merced are:
-
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS – Harry Reid International Airport)
-
Los Angeles area by flying to Hawthorne, California (HHR)
When you fly to Hawthorne, one good thing is the easy link to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Advanced Air will give you a free shuttle ride from Hawthorne to LAX if you have a flight from LAX. You need to book this service at least 48 hours ahead. It helps you have a smooth trip when you are going on to spots like San Francisco or other cities.
Conclusion
To sum up, looking through the Merced Airports travel guide gives you a lot of useful facts that can make your trip better. This guide points out important things like how to get in and out, the airlines there, and places you can fly to from Merced Regional Airport. With this info, you can choose what’s best for your trip.
If you plan to travel to Merced Regional Airport, or if you want to look at other choices near Merced, you should know what services and extras you can get. This will help your travel go well and be more fun.
If you have more questions about your trip, the guide has a helpful section with commonly asked questions. There’s no need to wait—get your bags ready and go have a good time in Merced!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities and services are available at Merced Regional Airport?
Merced Regional Airport offers the things you need for a better travel experience. Inside the main terminal, you will find a place to check in and some other simple services. The airport wants to help the people of Merced and all of California’s Central Valley. Because of this, travelers can look forward to more upgrades in the future at Merced Regional Airport.
How do I get to Merced Regional Airport from UC Merced or downtown?
Getting to Merced Regional Airport is quick and easy. The airport is only three miles away from downtown Merced. UC Merced campus is also just a short drive from here. You can reach the airport terminal in just a few minutes by car, taxi, or ride-sharing service.
What are the parking and ground transportation options at Merced Regional Airport?
Parking at Merced Regional Airport does not cost anything. It is free for everyone who travels. If you need to get from Merced to Hawthorne and take a connecting flight from LAX, you can use a free shuttle. To make sure you get a spot on the shuttle, you need to book it before your trip. This will help you move from one place to another with no trouble.