Plan to get to the Closest Airport to Crater Lake
Choosing the Right Airport which is the closest Airport to Crater Lake
Figuring out which airport to pick for your Crater Lake adventure can be a bit like choosing a lunch spot—you want convenience, speed, and maybe a little bit of excitement along the way. So, let’s check out your options:
| Airport | Distance from Crater Lake | Nonstop Flights (Major Cities) |
|---|---|---|
| Eugene Airport (EUG) | 120 miles | 12+ |
| Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) | 80 miles | 12+ |
| Portland International Airport (PDX) | 211 miles | Multiple |
| Klamath Falls Airport (LMT) | 29 miles | Limited |
Portland International Airport (PDX) is Portland’s pride and joy, lying about 211 miles from Crater Lake. With plenty of flights and hubs, it’s like the grand ol’ buffet of travel options. (Here’s how to get to Portland).
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), about 80 miles from your nature destination, serves up nonstop flights to 12 big-shot cities in the western U.S. It’s kinda like the middle child—it gets overlooked but often ends up being the smart pick (Check it out on Upgraded Points).
Eugene Airport (EUG) sits 120 miles from Crater Lake. It’s got nonstop flights to loads of major cities, providing a good balance of distance and flight options (Learn more on Upgraded Points).
Klamath Falls Airport (LMT), just 29 miles from Crater Lake, is for those who like to keep things ultra-close. Keep an eye on flight availability here cause options are as limited as parking at a rock concert (More insights on PortlandBlog).
Whether you’re arriving from the West Coast or flying in from across the country, it’s important to plan your journey with care. Many travelers often wonder, “What is the best airport to fly into for Crater Lake?” Truthfully, it can depend on factors like airline availability, rental car options, and your overall travel itinerary. Below, we’ll explore the top airports to consider and what makes each one unique.
Factors to Consider
Let’s break down the things you need to think about when picking the perfect airport:
Distance and Driving: You’ll have to balance those hours of driving with the flight choices available. Medford Airport (MFR) saves you some road time compared to the colossus Portland International (PDX).
Flights and Costs: Take a peek at those tickets—they love to change on you. Places like Klamath Falls might have fewer choices but can save precious time once you’ve landed.
Getting Around: Are you going to rent a car, hop a bus, or even consider a good old train ride? Make sure you know how you’ll get from the runway to Crater Lake’s picturesque shore.
Seasons: Depending on when you go, the weather might want a say. Plan when the skies and roads are in cooperative spirits.
Your Style: Prefer a long scenic drive or a quick flight with a hint of road trip? Choose the airport that fits your groove. For example, jumping from Portland to Medford takes about an hour on a plane which is a sleek shortcut.
With these thoughts in mind, you’ll kick off your Crater Lake expedition with a spring in your step and a smile on your face!
Closest Airports to Crater Lake
So you’ve got Crater Lake on your mind and need to nail down where you’ll be touching down, right? Picking the right airport makes all the difference. There’re two nearest hubs that’ll get you to Crater Lake National Park and right into nature’s good graces: Medford Airport (MFR) and Klamath Falls Airport (LMT). Both are handy with lots of travel options to boot.
Medford Airport (MFR)
Medford Airport, also called Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, sits about 80 miles southwest of Crater Lake National Park. This makes it a pretty slick choice if you’re set on seeing the park. Medford makes connections easy, with nonstop hops from big U.S. cities out west. It’s a go-to choice for park-bound globetrotters and curiosity seekers alike.
How Close and How Fast:
- To Crater Lake: 80 miles
- Time on the road: About 1 hour and 45 minutes
What You’ll Find Here:
- Rental cars ready to roll
- Shuttle rides
- Direct flies from major cities
Travel Stuff You Need to Know:
| What’s What | Got It? |
|---|---|
| Can I Rent a Car? | Yep |
| How Long’s the Drive? | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| How Far is it Exactly? | 80 miles |
If you wanna know more about getting a rental car or times on the road, head over to our Car Rentals and Drive Times page.
Klamath Falls Airport (LMT)
Klamath Falls Airport, sometimes called Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport, hits the mark for another prime spot to start your Crater Lake adventure. It’s roughly 60 miles to the park, just a hair closer than Medford (Upgraded Points).
How Close and How Fast:
- To Crater Lake: 60 miles
- Time on the road: About 1.5 hours
What You’ll Find Here:
- Road trip ready car rentals
- Shuttle rides
- Budget-friendly flights direct from Portland (PlanetWare)
Travel Stuff You Need to Know:
| What’s What | Got It? |
|---|---|
| Can I Rent a Car? | Yep |
| How Long’s the Drive? | 1.5 hours |
| How Far is it Exactly? | 60 miles |
When mapping out your getaway, don’t miss our guide on traveling from popular cities to Crater Lake. It’s packed with tips on routes and riding options to keep you stress-free.
Whether you take off from Medford or Klamath Falls, you’re setting the stage for an epic Crater Lake escapade. Off you go to explore, marvel, and make memories that’ll stick!
Choosing the Best Airport to Fly Into for Crater Lake
When deciding on the best airport to fly into for Crater Lake, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind:
- Seasonal Road Conditions
Parts of Crater Lake National Park can be snowy or icy for much of the year. If you’re traveling in winter or early spring, check road closures and be prepared for possible detours. In these conditions, airports with better on-site car rental options for AWD or 4×4 vehicles may be worth considering. - Flight Deals and Flexibility
While some regional airports are closer, larger airports can offer more flight choices and potentially lower fares. Be sure to compare prices at both small and major airports—you might find significant savings if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive. - Rental Car Availability
Smaller airports may have fewer rental agencies, so cars can book up quickly during peak season. If you plan to visit during summer (the most popular time for Crater Lake), reserve your rental vehicle well in advance to secure a good rate and vehicle type. - Combination Trips
If you’d like to explore more of Oregon, flying into a larger city like Portland or Eugene can open up opportunities for road trips to the coast, the Cascade Range, and other attractions. Just remember, your drive time to Crater Lake will be longer.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you decide on the best airport to fly into for Crater Lake—one that aligns with your budget, timing, and sense of adventure.
Transportation Options
Heading to Crater Lake National Park? Let’s make your trip nice and easy by picking the right way to get there. Here’s your cheat sheet for rental cars, drive times, buses, and trains.
Car Rentals and Drive Times
Renting a car can be your ticket to freedom and fun on the road to Crater Lake. Both Medford Airport (MFR) and Klamath Falls Airport (LMT) have plenty of rental rides waiting for you.
| Airport | Drive Time to Crater Lake | Ballpark Rental Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Medford (MFR) | 1 hour 15 minutes | $50-70 |
| Klamath Falls (LMT) | 2 hours | $50-70 |
| Portland (PDX) | 5 hours | $40-60 |
Starting from Medford, you’re looking at about a 75-minute drive to the Rim Village Visitor Center. Klamath Falls is a tad further, clocking in at nearly 2 hours. If you’re coming from Portland, buckle up for a 245-mile drive that takes roughly 5 hours via I-5 S and OR-58 E or 5 ½ hours via I-5 S and OR-138 E (PortlandBlog).
Bus and Train Services
Bus Services
Thinking of taking the bus? It’s a bit of a trek and not the most direct. Greyhound runs a line from Portland to Medford that lasts around 6 hours and costs under $50 one-way (PlanetWare). You’ll need to catch more rides to finally reach Crater Lake. All in, it could take you up to 20 hours. Some charter buses also head from Portland to the park, with travel times ranging between 6 hours 15 minutes and 7 hours 20 minutes (PortlandBlog).
Train Services
All aboard Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Train if you’re okay with a scenic route. Running all year, it stops at both Portland and Klamath Falls. Going from Portland to Klamath Falls takes a bit over seven hours, so expect your total journey to Crater Lake to exceed 20 hours. A one-way ticket to Klamath Falls costs about $60 (PlanetWare).
| Transportation | Route | Time | Price (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound Bus | Portland to Medford | 6 hours | <$50 |
| Charter Bus | Portland to Crater Lake | 6 hrs 15 mins – 7 hrs 20 mins | Varies |
| Amtrak Train | Portland to Klamath Falls | 7 hours | ~$60 |
| Full Train Journey | Portland to Crater Lake | 20+ hours | ~$60 |
For more intel, check out which airport is closest to Yosemite and airport near Acadia National Park to spice up your national park adventures.
Traveling from Popular Cities
From Portland to Crater Lake
So you’re planning to head out to Crater Lake from Portland, Oregon. You’re in luck ’cause there are a cheeky bunch of ways to make the trip. The closest major airport is Portland International (PDX), which sits about 211 miles away. While this might sound like a stretch, it’s no biggie with the options you got:
Car Rentals and Driving Time:
Renting a car from PDX is your best bet. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours and is packed with stunning scenery. Plus, if you fancy cutting drive time, peek at Medford Airport (MFR) which is a breezy 80 miles from Crater Lake.
Charter Buses:
For those who prefer to kick back while traveling, charter buses run from Portland to Crater Lake, though the schedule’s a bit choosy. Expect the ride to Medford to last anywhere from 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes.
| Travel Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Car Rental | 4 to 5 hours |
| Charter Bus | 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes |
Fancy more details about airports near national parks? Check the spot for nearest airport to Yosemite.
Options from New York
Getting to Crater Lake from the Big Apple? Now we’re talking some serious planning. You gotta fly into one of the closer major airports before hitting the open road towards Crater Lake.
Flights to Nearest Major Airports:
Hop on a plane from New York to Eugene Airport (EUG). It’s parked 120 miles from Crater Lake and hooks you up with nonstop flights out west. Your other option would be Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR), which hangs out 80 miles from Crater Lake and has flights to 12 major places out west.
Connecting Travel Options:
Once you touch down, rental cars are your direct ticket to Crater Lake. If trains are your jam, check out Amtrak to Klamath Falls station—60 miles from the park’s entrance. From there, snag a car, Uber, or catch the Crater Lake Trolley.
| Travel Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Flight to Eugene Airport (EUG) | 6-7 hours (layovers included) |
| Flight to Medford Airport (MFR) | 7-8 hours (layovers included) |
| Amtrak to Klamath Falls | Depends on how you’re rolling |
Craving more air travel tips? Swing by our guide on airport near Acadia National Park.
Practical Travel Tips
Flying can be a bit like solving a puzzle, but with a little prep, your trip to Crater Lake will be as smooth as a jazz tune. Here’s some stuff to keep in your back pocket for a hassle-free adventure.
Baggage Restrictions and Fees
Pack smart! Every airline has its own quirky rules about baggage—like those bizarre laws you hear about in small towns. Here’s a quick snapshot of what some major airlines expect you to do:
| Airline | Weight Game (Economy) | Extra Luggage Price Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | 50 lbs | $30 a bag |
| United Airlines | 50 lbs | $35 a bag |
| American Airlines | 50 lbs | $30 a bag |
Check up with your airline ahead of time so you’re not the person holding up the line at the airport. And if you’re heading out to a hidden gem like Crater Lake, bring just what you need. Skip the extra charges by keeping within those friendly weight limits.
Considerations for International Travel
If you’re hopping on an international flight to see Crater Lake, here’s a quick list to keep the trip hiccup-free:
- Visa Requirements: Make sure you’ve got the right papers to get into the U.S. It’s like needing a backstage pass—vital for entry.
- Travel Insurance: Get some peace of mind with travel insurance. It’s your safety net for those unpredictable twists and turns—think canceled flights, baggage gone missing, or a sniffle turned nasty.
- Currency Exchange: Have a stash of U.S. dollars ready for when you touch down. Local spots often beat airport exchange rates, so maybe wait till you leave the terminal.
- Electronic Plug Adapters: Don’t let an uncharged phone cramp your style. Type A and B plugs are your new best friends here.
- International Roaming and Data Plans: A chat with your phone carrier can save you from a wallet-draining bill. Or be a local—grab a SIM card when you land.
Elevate your travel wisdom with our insights on the nearest airport to Yosemite and find your path to airport near Acadia National Park.
A trip to places like Crater Lake is one for the books. With these tips tucked under your hat, you’re bound to have a trip that’s both memorable and stress-free.
Exploring Nearby Destinations
Once you’ve picked the best airport to fly into for Crater Lake, it’s time to look around and see what else you can get up to. Here’s the scoop on some add-on travel choices and must-see spots to throw into the mix.
Additional Travel Options
Crater Lake’s awesome, but why not broaden your horizons and check out the surrounding attractions. You can get there your way, whether that’s in a rental ride or public transport.
Car Rentals
Wheelin’ around in a rental? Good call. Here’s the lowdown:
- From Eugene Airport (EUG): With a rental, you’re the boss of your itinerary. Hit the road whenever the mood strikes.
- From Medford Airport (MFR): Routes to exciting places are right up your alley.
| Starting Point | Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eugene Airport | Crater Lake National Park | 2.5 hours |
| Medford Airport | Crater Lake National Park | 1.75 hours |
| Klamath Falls | Crater Lake National Park | 1.5 hours |
Public Transit
Don’t feel like driving? No problem, there’s something for you too:
- Amtrak to Klamath Falls: From there, it’s just a rental, Uber, or Crater Lake Trolley ride away.
- Greyhound Bus: Zoom from Portland to Medford without a care.
Nearby Attractions to Visit
Besides Crater Lake, nearby places are just begging for a visit. They offer a buffet of natural beauty and adventure.
Nearby National Parks
If you’ve got the time and energy, Oregon has more beauty spots to see:
- Yosemite National Park: Check out the nearest airport to Yosemite.
- Yellowstone National Park: For specifics, see which airport is closest to Yellowstone.
Local Attractions
- Umpqua National Forest: It’s all about those hikes and campsites.
- Rogue River: Think stunning views and thrilling white-water rafting.
- Mount Thielsen: Got a spirit of adventure? This peak, aka the “Lightning Rod of the Cascades,” is calling your name.
Coastal Towns
Need some chill coastal vibes? These quaint towns have you covered:
- Newport: Artsy and laid-back, with the Oregon Coast Aquarium to boot.
- Cannon Beach: Famous for Haystack Rock and its sprawling sandy shoreline.
Wine Country
Sipping in the serene vineyards near Eugene and Medford is a top choice:
- King Estate Winery: Pinot Noir lovers, this one’s for you.
- Rogue Valley AVA: Sample the local vineyards’ diverse wine offerings.
With this goodie bag of add-ons and nearby treasures, your Crater Lake trip can turn epic. Each stop and smart shortcut adds a little something extra, making your Crater Lake National Park adventure one for the books. Peek at our travel guide for handy hints and more juicy details.
For more intel on getting to other national parks, hit up:
- nearest airport to Moab
- airport near Acadia National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the best airport to fly into for Crater Lake if I’m on a tight schedule?
If you want the shortest drive, airports closer to Crater Lake like Medford (MFR) or Klamath Falls (LMT) are likely your best bet. However, these might have fewer flight options. If timing is critical and you can’t find a convenient flight to these smaller airports, consider a larger airport like Eugene (EUG) or Portland (PDX) and plan for a slightly longer drive.
Q: Can I visit Crater Lake in winter, and does it affect which airport I should choose?
Yes, you can visit in winter, but expect limited road access and potential closures. If you’re comfortable driving in snowy conditions, flying into Medford or Klamath Falls can save time. Just make sure you reserve an appropriate vehicle (AWD or 4×4) in advance.
Q: Are there any public transportation options from the airports to Crater Lake?
Public transportation to Crater Lake is extremely limited. Most travelers find renting a car essential for flexibility and to enjoy nearby stops. Shuttle services may operate seasonally, but schedules can be inconsistent.
