Key Highlights
Welcome to your easy guide to airports in and around Modesto. Here are the main things you should know about traveling in Stanislaus County.
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Modesto has its own airport, called Modesto City–County Airport (MOD). This airport is mostly used for private and charter planes.
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If you want to fly with a big airline, the closest place to go is Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK), which is only about 25 miles from Modesto.
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If you need more flight options, you can drive to bigger international airports, like San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK).
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The terminal at Modesto airport has the basics you need, like parking and free Wi-Fi.
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You can find different ways to get to and from Modesto and all airports nearby.
This guide makes getting around Stanislaus County, Modesto, Stockton, and San Francisco simple and clear.
Introduction
Are you planning to go to or leave Modesto, California? Picking the best way to fly can help make the trip easy and good. Modesto is in the middle of the Golden State and is an important spot in the Central Valley of the United States. This guide gives you all the details you will need about the different airports near Modesto. It will help you pick the right flight and move around without trouble.
Overview of Airports Serving Modesto, California
If you want to fly in or out of Modesto, you have a few options. Modesto has a small local airport in the city. But if you need more flights to choose from, you can find some bigger airports close by. The choice you make will depend on what you need for your trip, how much money you want to spend, and where you plan to go.
With these choices, it does not matter if you are flying for work or just to have fun. You can always find a good airport for your trip to or from Stanislaus County, California (CA). Here, we will look at the main airport in Modesto and see what other big airports are near the area.
Modesto City–County Airport (MOD) – Main Hub
Modesto City–County Airport (MOD), known as Harry Sham Field, is the main airport in the City of Modesto. It is just a few miles from downtown, so people who live in the area find it very easy to use. The local city runs the airport, and it follows all the rules set by the FAA. The airport is marked with the codes KMOD and MOD.
There is a passenger terminal at Harry Sham Field. But the main job of the airport is for smaller flights, private planes, and general aviation. Big airlines do not fly here often. Some airlines, like United Express, have had flights from the airport before, but this changes. At this time, there are no big airline flights from MOD to major cities on a set schedule.
Because of that, people in Modesto and nearby find this airport very good for private flying, hiring a plane, or learning to fly. It is important for the local aviation community, even though there are not many commercial flights from here.
Other Nearby Airports for Commercial Flights
If you want more choices for commercial flights, you can find some bigger airports near Modesto, California. These airports have more airlines to pick from and go to more places, with some flights even leaving the country.
The closest airport where you can get a commercial flight is Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK). It is just 25 miles away. This is a good choice if you want a quick and easy flight to places inside the country. If you need an airport with more flights, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 76 miles from Modesto, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 94 miles away.
You can also look at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). Both are less than 90 miles away from Modesto. Picking one of these airports can help you get a good deal, mainly if you plan to rent a car for your trip.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Airlines and Flight Routes from Modesto
When you think about aviation in Modesto, you need to know the difference between flights on a set schedule and private flights you can book anytime. There is not much commercial airline service from Modesto’s airport, but there are many other ways to fly if you pick charter or private flights.
The FAA is the group that keeps an eye on all of this in the U.S. They have rules for every kind of aviation, so both ways to get in the air are safe.
Let’s look at which regular passenger airline services are or were at Modesto, and then talk about how charter flights give you more choice.
Scheduled Passenger Airlines and Destinations
Scheduled passenger flights from Modesto City–County Airport (KMOD) have historically been limited and are subject to change based on airline decisions. In the past, carriers like United Express have provided service to key destinations. However, there are currently no scheduled commercial flights operating from MOD. To find the most up-to-date flight schedule information, it is always best to check directly with airlines or flight-tracking resources like AirNav.
The lack of consistent scheduled flights means that for most commercial travelers, flying out of a nearby larger airport is the more practical choice. These airports offer numerous daily flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
Below is an example of a route that has been served from Modesto in the past.
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Airline |
Destination (Past Service) |
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United Express |
San Francisco (SFO) |
Charter and Private Flight Options
Yes, you can book a private flight from Modesto City–County Airport. The airport is a great place for charter and private flights, and it gives you an easy and quick way to travel for work or fun. If you pick a private charter, you get to fly when you want and do not have to deal with long lines or waits like at big airports.
Some companies offer charter flights from Modesto, and they give you different aircraft to choose from. You can book a small, fast jet for work trips or a bigger plane if you want to fly with family. There is something for everyone.
You can find aircraft such as the Honda Jet and the Pilatus PC-24 for charter flights. These make the trip very comfortable and nice. Modesto City–County Airport is a good choice for people who want an easy and direct private flight.
Airport Amenities and Traveler Services
The Modesto City–County Airport may be small, but the terminal gives you many things to make your trip better. You will get the main services you need from when you get there until you get on your plane.
You will find good parking, Wi-Fi to help you stay connected, and spots where you can get food and drinks fast. Let’s see what things you can use in the terminal and what your choices are for ground transport.
Terminal Facilities – Parking, Wi-Fi, Food
The terminal at Modesto City–County Airport is built to be simple and user-friendly. You will have an easy and relaxing time here. The airport mainly serves general aviation, but you will still get the basic things you need when you travel.
When you come in, you will see there is a nice waiting area. You will also find clean restrooms and vending machines with snacks and drinks. These are ready for the people who are waiting for private flights or other types of planes.
Here are some of the services you get at the Modesto terminal for your trip in or out of the airport:
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Convenient Parking: There is parking close to the terminal, so you can get from your car to check-in without much walking.
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Free Wi-Fi: The whole terminal has free Wi-Fi. You can use it whether you want to work or just check your phone for news, talk, or anything else.
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Car Rentals: There are car rental services at the airport, making it easy for you to get a car right when you arrive in Modesto.
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Vending Machines: You will find vending machines in the waiting area for a fast snack or drink when you need one.
Accessibility and Ground Transportation Choices
Getting to Modesto City–County Airport is easy, since it is close to downtown Modesto and the main roads. The airport has good ways for you to get in and out, and there are a lot of ways for you to travel once you land.
If you need a car while you visit, or you want a fast ride to where you need to go, you will find good choices at the airport. There are car rental desks right on-site. Many people like this because it lets you go at your own speed and see what is new around modesto.
If you do not want to drive yourself, there are other choices to get around:
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Taxi Services: Taxis wait at the airport, and you can get one for a straight ride to your hotel or wherever you need to go.
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Ride-Share Services: You can use an app like Uber or Lyft in the area to get a ride quick and easy.
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Shuttle Services: You can book some shuttles ahead of time, and they will take you to hotels and main places around town.
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Hotel Shuttles: A few hotels in the area may have free rides for people who are staying with them.
You will find it simple to keep your plans moving with these helpful travel choices at Modesto City–County Airport.
Getting To and From Major Airports Near Modesto
Many people who fly to or from Modesto travel through big airports nearby. These airports can be 25 miles away, or even more than 90 miles out. So, you need to think ahead about how to get to or from the airport.
The good news is there are different ways to travel between Modesto and places like Stockton, Oakland, and San Francisco. The best choice will depend on how much you want to spend, when you need to travel, and what you like best. Here are some of the public and private ways to get from one place to another.
Public Transportation Options
Using public transportation to go from Modesto to big airports nearby can save you money. But you may need some time to plan your trip. The public transit in Stanislaus County and towns near it help people reach big travel lines and get to where they need to go.
If you want to get to airports in the Bay Area or Sacramento, you may need to use more than one type of ride. Most of the time, you start with a bus in Modesto, then get on an Amtrak or ACE train. These trains will take you closer to airports like Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) before you change to the next ride.
Here are the main steps to use public transportation:
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Regional Buses: Take a bus in Modesto or a nearby town to go to a main transit spot.
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Connecting Trains: After you reach the big hub, get on an Amtrak or ACE train. These trains help you travel further into the Bay Area.
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Airport Shuttles: From the train stop, you will find a shuttle or city bus just for airports to get to your airport terminal.
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Plan Ahead: Always look at the service times before your trip. Buses and trains in Stanislaus County can run at different hours each day.
Taxi, Shuttle, and Rideshare Services
If you want a simple and easy way to travel between Modesto and the big airports nearby, you can choose private transportation. Right now, Modesto City–County Airport does not have direct flights for commercial travel. But you can get a direct shuttle or taxi that takes you straight to any airport you need.
With these services, someone picks you up from your home in Modesto and drops you off right at the terminal. You do not have to change buses or handle your bags on public transit. You just go from your door to the airport. These options may cost more than using public transport, but the ease and comfort are often worth it.
Look at these common private transportation choices:
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Taxis: You can take a regular taxi for a direct ride. It is a steady option, though it does cost more.
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Pre-Booked Shuttles: You can book a shuttle for travel alone or with others. The price is often set before your trip, and it will get you to the terminal.
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Rideshare Apps: With apps like Uber and Lyft, you can get a ride quickly or set one up ahead of time to all the airports in the region.
Tips for Booking and Finding Cheap Flights
Many people want to find cheap flights. If you are flying from Modesto, there are a few airports you can pick. This can help you compare prices and get a good deal on your trip. If you do a bit of checking and book at the right time, you can save money.
To cut down your travel costs, you need to be smart about where and when you look for flights. The tips below can help you find deals and know the best times to book your flight from the Modesto area.
Where to Search for Deals and Offers
Finding great flight deals from the Modesto area means looking at a few good spots online and staying flexible. Because you have more than one airport close by, it helps you get a cheap ticket. You will want to look on the internet for options, but remember to check a few sites, not just one.
Flight comparison websites can help a lot. These sites let you check flights from several airports, like Stockton, Oakland,, and Sacramento, all at the same time. You can see right away which airport—maybe it is SFO or Stockton—will give you the best deal for where you want to go.
To save even more, you can:
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Compare Nearby Airports: Always look at prices from SCK, OAK, SMF, and SFO, as well as flights that leave from Modesto.
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Check Airline Websites: A few airlines put special prices right on their site that you cannot get anywhere else.
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Sign Up for Fare Alerts: Put in an alert for your trip so you will know when the price goes down.
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Be Flexible with Dates: If you can move your days a bit—maybe leave a day sooner or later—it could make your ticket cost less.
Best Times to Book Out of Modesto Airports
Timing is very important when you want to book flights. The best times to book a trip from the Modesto area airports are about the same as for other places. It helps to plan your trip early and not travel during busy times. This can help you save a lot of money.
If you work in the Modesto area and need to do a day trip, your best airport depends on where you start. Some people may find that flying out of Stockton (SCK) is better, because it can cut down on travel time on the ground. But, if you want to save as much time as possible and want things to be easy, booking a private charter right to Modesto City–County Airport (MOD) is the best way to get to work fast.
Here are some simple tips to help you pick a good time to book your flights:
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Book in Advance: Try to get your flights at least a few weeks or a month before you need to go.
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Travel Off-Peak: You will often find cheaper flights in the middle of the week, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and during times that are not holidays.
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Consider Shoulder Seasons: You should think about flying in the spring or fall. These are good times that come right before or after the busy summer season, bringing nice weather and lower prices.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
United Airlines runs flights to and from Modesto’s Harry Sham Field. This gives you some good options to travel in California and beyond. If you need to park, the airport has a terminal parking area close to the building. It is easy for you to get in and out. The airport sits only about 10 miles from downtown Modesto. You can get there in a short drive. To go to big places like San Francisco, Yosemite, Stockton, or SFO, there are simple transit choices nearby.
Are there direct flights out of Modesto City–County Airport?
Right now, Modesto City–County Airport (Harry Sham Field) does not have regular direct flights for big city travel. The airport is mostly used for general aviation. It is also used by private planes and charter flights. With these flights, you can get a direct trip to many places, depending on your plans and needs.
If you need more choices for harry sham field in modesto and aviation, private and charter flights may be a good fit.
Which airport should I choose when flying to or from Modesto?
The airport you go to will depend on what you need. If you want to fly private, then Modesto City–County Airport is a good choice. If you are looking for regular commercial flights, Stockton (SCK) is the closest one. If you want to fly to more places in the US and other countries, you can use bigger airports like San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK).
What airport amenities are available at Modesto City–County Airport?
The Modesto City–County Airport terminal has features that make travel easy for private and charter flyers. The place has a nice area for passengers to wait. Parking is close to the terminal, so you do not have to walk far. You can get a car on-site, which is handy. There is also free Wi-Fi at the terminal, so you can stay connected.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the Modesto airports can make your trip much better. You can pick from the main Modesto City–County Airport or some other close airports. This gives you the choice to go with what fits you best. If you know about the airline routes and the things each airport has, you will be ready for your flight, no matter if you are going on a vacation or taking a business trip. Using public buses or rideshare apps makes it easy to get to where you want to go. Try to plan ahead and know the right time to book flights. Doing this can help you save money. Have a great time in Modesto! If you need help with your plans, just reach out and ask.