The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Napa, California

Whether you’re flying into California for a wine country tour, corporate retreat, or a special celebration, choosing the right airport around Napa is key to starting your trip on the right foot. While Napa County Airport serves private and charter flights, most groups will land at one of four major airports within driving distance: San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), Sacramento International (SMF), or Sonoma County (STS). Each has its pros and cons—from flight options and amenities to traffic patterns and how easy it is to load your group onto a charter bus.

If you want your group’s arrival and departure to be seamless, let Charter Bus Rental Napa handle airport transportation! We can send a comfortable minibus or full-size charter bus to pick up your passengers right outside baggage claim and shuttle them directly to your hotel, winery, or event venue. With a large fleet, friendly staff, and 24/7 support, we make it easy to get an instant quote and reserve the perfect ride. Call 707-819-4630 today and we’ll help you book a Napa airport shuttle in minutes!

Quick Answer:

There is no major commercial airport in Napa itself. The closest are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) about 55 miles south, Oakland International Airport (OAK) about 60 miles south, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) about 75 miles northeast, and Sonoma County Airport (STS) about 50 miles northwest. For most groups, SFO offers the most flights but also the most traffic. OAK is less crowded and closer than people think. SMF is best if you’re coming from inland states. STS works for West Coast travelers on Alaska Airlines. No matter which airport you choose, Charter Bus Rental Napa can pick you up curbside and provide direct service to your destination.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is the Bay Area’s largest airport and the main international gateway for Northern California. It’s about 55 miles from downtown Napa via US-101 North and CA-37 East, a drive that takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. SFO offers nonstop flights from more than 120 destinations worldwide on every major airline, so it’s the top choice for groups with members flying in from different states or countries.

The airport has four terminals arranged in a circle: Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and International Terminal G. Each terminal has a designated area for oversized vehicles like charter buses to load and unload passengers. Simply tell us your airline and arrival gate, and we’ll coordinate pickup on the lower level of the appropriate terminal. Your bus will have plenty of room to park while your group collects luggage. If needed, our team can schedule multiple shuttles to accommodate staggered arrivals.

Inside SFO, you’ll find dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops—including local favorites like Boudin Bakery, Napa Farms Market, and Lark Creek Grill. There’s also free Wi-Fi, yoga rooms, children’s play areas, and art exhibits throughout the terminals. If your group has extra time before departure, you can relax in one of the airline lounges or visit the Aviation Museum near Terminal A. Just keep in mind that SFO is a busy hub, especially during summer and holidays. Allow extra travel time for security lines and potential flight delays.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Located across the bay from SFO, Oakland International is about 60 miles from Napa via I-580 West and CA-29 North. The drive usually takes just under 2 hours, though it can be faster than SFO depending on Bay Bridge traffic. OAK is smaller and less congested than SFO, making it a popular alternative for domestic flights and budget carriers like Southwest, Spirit, and Allegiant. If your group is flying in from the West Coast, Las Vegas, Phoenix, or other cities with frequent low-cost service, OAK may offer better schedules and fares.

OAK has two terminals (1 and 2) connected by a short walkway. Charter buses and shuttles pick up passengers at the commercial vehicle zone outside each terminal’s baggage claim. Our buses can easily navigate the loop road and wait curbside while your group boards. Compared to SFO, the parking lots and roads around OAK are less crowded, so you’re less likely to encounter delays when loading luggage or coordinating multiple vehicles.

While OAK doesn’t have as many high-end shops or restaurants as SFO, you’ll still find essentials like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, Pyramid Ale Taproom, and Subway inside the terminals. There are also several off-site hotels with meeting space and park-and-fly packages if your group needs to stay overnight. One advantage of OAK is its proximity to downtown Oakland’s Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, and the Oakland Zoo—all great options if you want to add a day of sightseeing before heading to Napa.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

For groups traveling from inland cities or states, Sacramento International may be the most convenient airport. SMF is about 75 miles northeast of Napa via I-80 West and CA-12 West, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. The airport is small, modern, and easy to navigate, with two terminals (A and B) connected by an automated people mover. Major airlines include Southwest, United, American, Delta, and Alaska, offering nonstop flights to most western U.S. cities plus Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Hawaii.

Charter buses and commercial vehicles pick up passengers on the ground level outside each terminal’s baggage claim. The airport’s layout allows buses to pull in, park, and load quickly without circling crowded roads. Since SMF serves fewer flights than SFO or OAK, your group will appreciate shorter lines at security and baggage claim. It’s also close to downtown Sacramento attractions like Old Sacramento, the State Capitol, and the Crocker Art Museum if you want to plan a pre-wine country excursion.

Dining options at SMF include local chains like Squeeze Inn Burgers, Café Bernardo, Dos Coyotes Border Café, and Iron Horse Tavern, along with Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, and the airport recently opened a new rental car center with easy access for large vehicles. If your group prefers a quieter airport experience and doesn’t mind the extra mileage to Napa, SMF is a solid choice.

Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Located in Santa Rosa, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport is the closest commercial airport to Napa Valley at just 50 miles northwest via CA-121 South and CA-29 North. The drive takes about 1 hour, making STS ideal for groups coming from Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, or other West Coast cities served by Alaska Airlines. While STS is much smaller than the other airports listed here, it offers nonstop flights to a handful of destinations and quick connections through Seattle or Los Angeles to other parts of the country.

One of the biggest perks of flying into STS is the ease of ground transportation. The single terminal handles only a few flights per day, so your charter bus can park right outside baggage claim and your group will be on the road to Napa in minutes. There’s little traffic around the airport, and the surrounding Highway 101 corridor has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and wineries if you want to explore Sonoma County before crossing over to Napa.

Inside the terminal, you’ll find a small café serving coffee, sandwiches, and local wines, plus a gift shop with souvenirs featuring Snoopy and other Peanuts characters (the airport is named after the creator of the comic strip, who lived in Santa Rosa). Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available, but don’t expect the same level of amenities as SFO or SMF. STS is best for smaller groups or those prioritizing convenience and a short transfer to wine country.

Napa County Airport (APC)

Napa County Airport is located just south of downtown Napa and primarily serves private jets, charter flights, and general aviation. While there are no scheduled commercial passenger flights, some groups may arrive via private aircraft for luxury tours, executive retreats, or VIP events. If your party is flying into APC, we can arrange a charter bus, minibus, or sprinter van to meet you on the tarmac and provide exclusive transportation to your hotel, winery, or venue.

The airport has a small terminal building with rental car counters, pilot services, and a café. There’s ample parking for oversized vehicles, and the airport is minutes from central Napa’s restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. While APC isn’t an option for most travelers, it’s worth considering if your group wants to avoid the crowds and security lines of larger airports. Just let us know your flight details, and we’ll coordinate with airport staff for seamless curb-to-curb service.

Why Book a Charter Bus for Napa Airport Transfers?

No matter which airport your group chooses, reserving a private charter bus is the easiest way to travel between Napa and the terminal. Public transportation options are limited, especially for early morning or late-night flights. Rideshares and taxis can split up your group and become expensive for long-distance trips. With a charter bus, everyone stays together in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with plenty of room for luggage, wine purchases, and personal items.

Onboard amenities like reclining seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and TVs make the drive from the airport to Napa relaxing and productive. Your group can nap after a red-eye flight, catch up on emails, or watch a movie while enjoying scenic views of the Bay Area, Sacramento River Delta, or rolling vineyards. If you’re arriving at different times or airports, we can schedule multiple shuttles to ensure everyone is picked up on time. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to customize your itinerary and quote.

Book a Napa Airport Shuttle Today

Don’t let airport logistics stress you out before your Napa trip even begins. Charter Bus Rental Napa has the vehicles, staff, and expertise to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for any size group at any airport. Whether you need a 15-passenger sprinter van for a bachelorette weekend, a 28-passenger minibus for a company offsite, or a 56-passenger motorcoach for a destination wedding, we’ll match you with the perfect option. Our team can even create custom wine tour routes, dinner shuttles, and sightseeing excursions to enhance your stay in Napa Valley.

Ready to get started? Call 707-819-4630 or use our online quote tool to receive a personalized estimate for your Napa airport transfer in seconds. Let us know your arrival airport, group size, and travel dates, and we’ll handle the rest. With Charter Bus Rental Napa as your transportation partner, you can focus on enjoying the world-class food, wine, and scenery of California’s premier destination. Safe travels and see you in wine country!