As in the real estate market, when it comes to airports, it’s all about location, location, location. Airports close to city centers are great for tired travelers wanting to get to their destination, drop off their bags, and flop on the bed after a day of flying. The last thing you want after deplaning from that cross-country flight where you were stuck in the middle seat is to get stuck again. This time in an hour's worth of traffic heading to downtown (we’re looking at you JFK & Dulles).
The following is a list of major US airports with the most convenient travel times from the airport arrivals hall to the city center.
Major US Airports Closest to Their City Center
For this list, I calculated the distance from curbside at arrivals to downtown or some similar destination of interest. All the major airports listed are within 8 miles of their respective city centers with around a 15-minute or less drive time. While some airports offer various modes of public transportation to the city center and we've listed the best here. This particular list is aimed toward travelers hailing cabs or using a ride-sharing app to get into town as fast as possible.
Boston Logan International – BOS
3.1 Miles from Arrivals to City Hall Plaza
Located in East Boston, Logan Airport is just a short hop across the haabah from downtown Boston. The Callahan tunnel which runs underneath will get you to the city’s North End or City Hall Plaza in under 10 minutes. From there, you can visit historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, follow the Freedom Trail, or have an authentic Italian dinner on Hanover Street all before your ears adjust from the change in altitude.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Boston?
- Taxi: One-way from $17-24
- Uber X: $17-23
- Lyft: $21-24
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Boston (BOS) from all over the US and Canada.
San Diego International – SAN
3.0 Miles from Arrivals to Downtown
Travelers to San Diego can count themselves lucky flying into the airport formerly known as Lindbergh Field. Situated only 3 miles northwest of downtown, San Diego International is one of the closest airports in America to its respective city center. Popular points in the city like the Gaslamp Quarter and Convention Center (especially when Comic-Con is in town in July) should only take visitors roughly 10-15 minutes via taxi or Uber/Lyft after exiting at arrivals.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown San Diego?
- Taxi: One-way from $20-26
- Uber X: $9-12
- Lyft: $10-12
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to San Diego (SAN) from all over the US and Canada.
Washington DC Reagan National –DCA
3.6 Miles from Arrivals to Washington Monument/The National Mall
Located in neighboring Virginia, DC’s National Airport is just a quick ride over the Potomac before you start to see the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital. A short 3.6 miles separates the airport’s arrival hall from the middle of the National Mall. Where you'll be smack-dab in the center of the District’s famous monuments, parks, and museums.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Washington DC?
- Taxi: One-way from $16-22
- Uber X: $13-16
- Lyft: $12-15
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Washington DC-National (DCA) from all over the US and Canada.
Related: Which Washington DC Area Airport is Best? National, Dulles, or BWI
Las Vegas McCarran International – LAS
3.5 Miles from Terminal 1 Arrivals to Caesar’s Palace/ Las Vegas Strip
Originally on the outskirts of town, McCarran Airport has had the benefit of the city coming to it because of all the ongoing growth and construction happening in Vegas. Depending on where you're staying in Sin City, getting from curbside at arrivals to a hotel on the Strip should run roughly around 10-15 minutes. Trips to Fremont Street in downtown LV will take a little longer (approximately 20 minutes). But with the majority of visitors setting up shop at high-rise hotels on the Strip, Las Vegas McCarran is positioned as one of the most convenient airports in the country.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip?
- Taxi: One-way from $18-23
- Uber X: $13-16
- Lyft: $12-15
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Las Vegas (LAS) from all over the US and Canada.
Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International – HNL
5.2 Miles from Arrivals to Aloha Tower/Downtown
With one of the most beautiful approaches for landing, Honolulu International Airport also has one of the most lovely locations of US airports too. Downtown Honolulu is just a smidge over 5 miles and around a 12-minute drive after you've lei'd your feet down outside of Oahu's main airport. World-famous Waikiki is only about 9 miles away, but beware that traffic cutting through downtown can make surfing that stretch into a much longer ride depending on the time of day.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Honolulu?
- Taxi: One-way from $25-31
- Uber X: $16-19
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Honolulu (HNL) from all over the US and Canada.
Dallas Love Field – DAL
7.0 Miles from Arrivals to Dealey Plaza
What’s not to love about flying into Dallas? Probably choosing DFW as your arrival airport, which is about 25 miles away from the city center. Home to Southwest Airlines, Love Field is just 7 miles north of downtown Dallas, and usually, a more convenient alternative for travelers two-stepping into the Big D. Passengers arriving at Love Field can expect a 15-20 minute ride from outside of baggage claims to their destination downtown Dallas.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Dallas?
- Taxi: One-way from $18-22
- Uber X: $14-16
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Dallas Love Field (DAL) from all over the US and Canada.
Related: Which Dallas Area Airport is Right for You: DFW or DAL?
Charlotte Douglas International – CLT
7.0 Miles from Arrivals to Charlotte Convention Center
Situated 7 miles due west of downtown, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a bit further afield than some other airports on this list. But CLT makes up for that with its convenient road network. From the airport, all you have to do is make a straight shot down Route 74, and in 15-minutes time you will be in the heart of the Queen City. After that speedy ride into town, you should feel right at home circling around and around the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte with all the extra time you saved.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Charlotte?
- Taxi: One-way from $22-27
- Uber X: $16-18
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Charlotte (CLT) from all over the US and Canada.
Salt Lake City International – SLC
7.5 Miles from Arrivals to Downtown
Flyers arriving at Salt Lake City only have a 12-minute ride on Interstate 80 East before they exit off to downtown. Nestled next to the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City International is also a convenient option for those who enjoy winter sports. With top-notch ski resorts like Snowbird and Park City located only 45 minutes away from the terminal.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Salt Lake City?
- Taxi: One-way from $20-24
- Uber X: $16-18
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Salt Lake City (SLC) from all over the US and Canada.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International – PHX
4.6 Miles from Arrivals to Downtown
Serving as a major hub for two airlines, American and Southwest. Phoenix Sky Harbor not only provides convenient flight connections, but it also provides convenient links for travelers driving downtown. Located just over 4 miles from the center of town, the Sky Harbor “mega-hub” is roughly a 10-minute cab ride to sporty hotspots like Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Or Talking Stick Resort Arena, the NBA's Phoenix Suns homecourt.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown Phoenix?
- Taxi: One-way from $24-32
- Uber X: $14-16
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to Phoenix (PHX) from all over the US and Canada.
Related: Which Phoenix Airport is Best: PHX or AZA?
San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International – SJC
4.7 Miles from Arrivals to Downtown
Do you know the way to San Jose? If not, here's the info on this Bay Area airport that's beautifully positioned just 4.7 miles northwest of downtown. While neighboring SFO and OAK might have some impressive public transportation options, neither can boast a better commute from curbside to city center than Mineta San Jose International. Mix in recently ramped-up service from carriers like Alaska and Southwest alongside the rapid 10-minute ride to downtown, and it's easy to compute why SJC is on the shortlist for Silicon Valley visitors.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to downtown San Jose?
- Taxi: One-way from $18-24
- Uber X: $15-18
- Lyft: $15-18
Fares will vary by distance, surge pricing, and other factors. (tip not included)
See our current fare listings to San Jose (SJC) from all over the US and Canada.
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