Flying High to Ashland: Your Guide to Airlines Serving Southern Oregon

Directly answering the burning question: No airlines fly directly into Ashland, Oregon. You’ll need to set your sights a little further afield to the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), which serves as the gateway to Ashland and the surrounding region. Several airlines operate out of MFR, providing convenient access to this Southern Oregon gem.

Understanding Your Flight Options: Medford Airport (MFR)

While Ashland doesn’t have its own commercial airport, Medford Airport (MFR), located a mere 15 miles to the northwest, is your aviation lifeline. Think of it as Ashland’s de facto airport. The accessibility of Medford Airport is a major advantage, offering a range of airlines and flight options to connect you to this beautiful corner of Oregon.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary airlines you’ll find operating at MFR:

• Alaska Airlines: A significant player in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska Airlines provides numerous flights to and from Medford, predominantly connecting to hubs like Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX). This opens doors to broader networks across the US and beyond. Think of Alaska Airlines as your reliable friend, often offering competitive fares and convenient scheduling.
• United Airlines: United offers service to Denver (DEN) and San Francisco (SFO), providing vital links to the eastern and southern parts of the country. These hubs offer connections to a vast international network, making Medford easily accessible from almost anywhere in the world.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta provides flights to Salt Lake City (SLC), a key western hub, giving you access to Delta’s extensive domestic and international routes. This is a great option for travelers looking for seamless connections and comfortable travel.
• American Airlines: Offering service to Phoenix (PHX), American Airlines adds another connection point to the southwest and eastern US. This is especially convenient for those traveling from, or needing to connect through, the Arizona hub.
• Allegiant Air: This budget carrier offers seasonal flights to select destinations such as Las Vegas (LAS), providing a cost-effective option for travelers seeking direct routes to specific leisure destinations. Allegiant is your go-to for budget-friendly getaways.

Essentially, these airlines collectively provide a robust network that connects Medford (and, by extension, Ashland) to a variety of major cities and international hubs.

Planning Your Trip: Tips and Tricks

Navigating the world of air travel to get to Ashland requires a little strategic planning. Here are some insider tips to make your journey smoother:

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons (summer and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival), book your flights well in advance to secure the best fares and availability. Procrastination is the enemy of budget travel!
• Consider Connecting Flights: While direct flights are ideal, connecting flights can often be cheaper. Don’t be afraid to explore different routes through Seattle, Portland, Denver, or Salt Lake City.
• Compare Prices: Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare fares from different airlines and identify the best deals. Knowledge is power, and price comparison is your superpower.
• Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, experiment with different dates to see if you can find cheaper flights. Even shifting your travel by a day or two can sometimes yield significant savings.
• Factor in Ground Transportation: Remember to factor in the cost and time of ground transportation from Medford Airport to Ashland. Rental cars, ride-sharing services, and shuttle options are all available.

Beyond the Airport: Reaching Ashland

Once you land at Medford Airport, you have several options for getting to Ashland:

• Rental Cars: Several major rental car agencies operate at the airport, providing the most flexibility for exploring the region. This is ideal if you plan to venture beyond Ashland and explore Southern Oregon’s natural beauty.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available at Medford Airport, offering a convenient and relatively affordable option for reaching Ashland. This is a good choice if you don’t plan on driving much once you arrive.
• Shuttle Services: Some shuttle services provide direct transportation between the airport and Ashland hotels. This is a comfortable and hassle-free option, especially if you’re traveling with luggage.
• Public Transportation: While less direct, public transportation is available. You can take a local bus from the airport to Medford and then transfer to another bus that goes to Ashland. This is the most budget-friendly option, but it requires more planning and travel time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify your travel planning to Ashland:

FAQ 1: Is there a direct shuttle from Medford Airport to Ashland?

Yes, several shuttle services offer direct transportation from Medford Airport to Ashland hotels and other destinations. Research and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

FAQ 2: How far is Medford Airport from Ashland?

Medford Airport (MFR) is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Ashland. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

FAQ 3: What is the best way to get from Medford Airport to Ashland without a car?

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient. Shuttle services also offer direct transportation. Public transportation is an option, but requires more planning and transfers.

FAQ 4: Are there hotels near Medford Airport?

Yes, there are several hotels located near Medford Airport, offering convenient accommodation options for travelers with early morning or late-night flights.

FAQ 5: What are the main hubs that connect to Medford Airport?

The main hubs connecting to Medford Airport are Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Denver (DEN), Salt Lake City (SLC), Phoenix (PHX), and San Francisco (SFO).

FAQ 6: When is the busiest time to fly into Medford Airport?

The busiest times to fly into Medford Airport are during the summer months (June-August) and during the Oregon Shakespeare Festival season. Booking in advance is crucial during these periods.

FAQ 7: Are there any regional airports closer to Ashland than Medford?

No, Medford Airport (MFR) is the closest commercial airport to Ashland. Other regional airports exist, but they typically cater to smaller, private aircraft.

FAQ 8: What car rental companies are available at Medford Airport?

Major rental car companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National operate at Medford Airport. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

FAQ 9: Are there any international flights to Medford Airport?

No, Medford Airport primarily handles domestic flights. For international travel, you will need to connect through a major hub like Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco.

FAQ 10: How much does an Uber or Lyft cost from Medford Airport to Ashland?

The cost of an Uber or Lyft from Medford Airport to Ashland varies depending on demand and time of day, but typically ranges from $30 to $50.

FAQ 11: Can I take a taxi from Medford Airport to Ashland?

Yes, taxi services are available at Medford Airport, but they are generally more expensive than ride-sharing services or shuttle options.

FAQ 12: Is there a Greyhound bus station in Ashland?

Yes, there is a Greyhound bus station in Ashland, providing an alternative transportation option for reaching the city from other locations. However, you would still need to get from Medford Airport to the Greyhound station, usually in Medford itself, using one of the methods described earlier.

By understanding the available airlines, planning your ground transportation, and taking advantage of these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the magic of Ashland, Oregon. Happy travels!