The Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) serves as the primary air gateway to Northern California’s Wine Country. Located just north of Santa Rosa, the airport offers a convenient and streamlined travel experience for visitors heading to Sonoma, Napa, and the surrounding regions. Its smaller size and focus on regional service provide a less congested alternative to the larger Bay Area airports. The airport’s operations are centered on providing direct, non-stop access to major hubs and popular destinations.
The Current Airline Roster
The airport hosts a select group of commercial carriers that provide scheduled passenger service to the region. Alaska Airlines is the largest operator at STS, offering the most frequent flights and the widest array of destinations. Alaska utilizes regional jets and mainline Boeing 737 service on select high-demand routes, such as to Seattle. American Airlines maintains a presence at STS, connecting the region to its extensive network through major hubs. This service is typically operated using regional jet aircraft, providing a direct link to the central and eastern United States. Avelo Airlines, a newer carrier, has also established a base at STS, expanding the airport’s offerings.
Direct Routes and Key Destinations
The non-stop destinations available from STS are heavily focused on connecting Sonoma County to major metropolitan areas and leisure spots in the West. Alaska Airlines offers numerous direct flights to California cities, including Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank (BUR), Orange County (SNA), and San Diego (SAN). Alaska also provides service to the Pacific Northwest with non-stop routes to Portland (PDX) and Seattle (SEA).
American Airlines provides access to two major hubs outside of California, offering daily service to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Avelo Airlines has expanded its service to include destinations like Las Vegas (LAS), Palm Springs (PSP), and Salt Lake City (SLC). Some routes may be seasonal, and travelers should check the current schedule.
Navigating the Airport: Ground Transportation and Parking
Travelers arriving at STS have several convenient options for ground transportation located near the terminal. On-site rental car counters are available from major companies, including Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, with vehicles accessible just a short walk from the baggage claim area. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis and limousines, are also readily available for quick transfers.
For public transit, Sonoma County Transit buses offer routes connecting the airport to the Santa Rosa Transit Mall and other county locations. The Sonoma County Airport Express bus service provides a direct connection to other Bay Area airports, such as San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK). Parking at STS is straightforward, with short-term and long-term lots located within a short distance of the terminal.