Quick Answer to Which Airport is Best for Bend: Most residents in Central Oregon fly in and out of Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). Whether you’re flying in to explore neighborhoods, tour rental homes, interview for a new job, or prepare for your move, here’s what you should know before booking your flight.
Redmond is the airport nearly every Central Oregon resident uses and the one we recommend to our clients relocating to the area. Located about 20 minutes from Bend on the highway, Redmond Airport offers the easiest arrival, convenient rental cars, short security lines, and quick access to neighborhoods throughout Central Oregon.
Why We Recommend Redmond Municipal Airport, Roberts Field (RDM)
If you’re visiting Bend before a move, convenience matters and here’s why RDM is the best option for flying in.
Close to Bend: Redmond Airport is only about a 20 to 25-minute drive from downtown Bend, so you’ll spend less time traveling and more time exploring neighborhoods and homes.
Easy to Navigate: Unlike major metropolitan airports, RDM is compact, efficient, and easy to get through. Security lines are typically shorter, baggage claim is quick, and you’ll be on the road shortly after landing.
Transportation Is Simple: Rental car check-in counters are in the same terminal as arrival and steps from baggage claim. You can count on several mainstream rental car services, along with rideshare services and airport shuttles serving Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, Redmond, and other Central Oregon communities.
Built for Central Oregon Travelers: Whether you’re visiting for work, recreation, or relocation, Redmond Airport is designed to get travelers into Central Oregon quickly and efficiently. It’s small but mighty!
Airlines Serving Redmond Airport
Redmond Airport offers year-round and seasonal service through several major airlines, including:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
Depending on the season, nonstop flights are commonly available from cities such as:
- Burbank
- Seattle
- Portland
- Salt Lake City
- Denver
- Phoenix
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Dallas/Fort Worth
If you’re relocating from outside the Pacific Northwest, connecting through one of these cities often provides the easiest route into Central Oregon. For most relocation visits, Redmond saves time and eliminates unnecessary travel.
How to Get from Redmond Airport to Bend
Redmond is 20+ miles from Bend depending on where your final destination is located. However, transportation from the airport is straightforward. Most visitors choose one of these options:
- Rental car
- Uber or Lyft
- Airport shuttle service
- Hotel shuttle (where available)
- Pickup by friends or family
If you’re spending several days exploring Bend, renting a car is usually the best option. It gives you the flexibility to compare neighborhoods, tour rental homes, and experience different parts of Central Oregon at your own pace.
Make the Most of Your Bend Visit by Flying into Redmond
Most people only have two or three days to decide whether Bend feels like home. With a little planning before you arrive, you can fly into Redmond and quickly start figuring out where to go and what communities fit your lifestyle.
At Bend Relocation Services, we help you make the most of your visit by creating a personalized relocation plan before your flight. Instead of simply driving around town, you’ll have a focused itinerary that may include:
- Touring neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget
- Viewing available rental homes
- Comparing commute times
- Visiting grocery stores, parks, and local businesses
- Exploring schools and community amenities
- Experiencing Bend beyond the typical tourist attractions
Working with Molly at Bend Relocation Services before your trip can save days of searching once you’re here, find exactly what you’re looking for, and your trip will give you the confidence to move forward with your decision.
Oregon Winter Travel Tips
If you’re visiting Central Oregon between late fall and early spring, keep weather in mind.
Flying into Redmond helps you avoid driving across Oregon’s mountain passes from Portland, where winter storms can require chains or traction tires.
However, once you’re here, check local road conditions before driving into higher elevations such as Mt. Bachelor or other mountain destinations. Don’t assume a January trip will have clear roads in the city of Bend.
The weather from December through March is variable and Central Oregon can have ice and snow at any time. All the more reason to have a local, seasoned pro to help direct your trip and pick you up from the airport if needed.
What About Portland International Airport as an Option for Flying into Bend?
For cross country or international trips, residents of Central Oregon often check flights through Portland International Airport (PDX) for more scheduling options, affordable fares, and flexible flight connections.
Portland is a 3.5 hour drive from Bend if there are no stops or delays. When leaving from PDX, plan to be in the terminal 2 hours before scheduled departure. For arrivals, plan 1.5 hours to depart the plane, claim baggage, get a rental car, and leave the airport.
Many people choosing to fly through PDX spend one night at an airport hotel (approx $200 plus fees) either before departure to grab an early flight, or upon return if they arrive late. There are plenty of airport hotels to choose with park and ride amenities. For a multi-passenger airline itinerary, the extra cost of a hotel near the Portland airport can save hundreds or thousands in airfare.
Can You Drive to Bend from Portland in Winter?
The drive from Portland to Bend is over the mountains and can be beautiful, but during winter it may involve snow, chain requirements, or changing road conditions. Depending on the weather, that option could be a hard NO. And definitely do not plan on driving from Portland to Bend in winter without a 4-wheel drive car with traction tires.
When the Portland airport makes sense for your trip:
- Combining your trip with a Portland visit
- Finding significantly lower airfare
- Have multi-party itineraries for easier connections and cost
- Taking an extended Oregon vacation
- Comfortable driving over the mountains in any weather
- Summertime is the best option for driving to Bend from PDX
Eugene Airport (EUG)
Around 130 miles west of Bend, the Eugene Airport sports scenic valley views and an array of nonstop-friendly options from airlines including Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, United, and more. Car rental services include major players like Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, and others, plus bus and shuttle options to Bend.
It’s about a three-hour drive from Eugene to Bend over Santiam Pass, which will take you through Sisters and past Tumalo so you can experience the charm of Central Oregon towns (and take a pleasant break after navigating the mountains). If you’re spending time at EUG, there’s plenty of University of Oregon activities to check out – or take a moment to visit the Gallery, or even the Oregon Air and Space Museum. The historic Belknap Hot Springs is one overnight stopping point on from Eugene to Bend to make that trip worth the effort. Black Butte Ranch, north of Bend and outside of Sisters offers world class golfing. For these reasons and more, it could make sense to fly into Eugene.
Boise Airport (BOI)
Boise Airport (BOI) is another airport focused on making the travel experience as pleasant as possible: If you have time to eat, make sure you stop by the 13th Street Pub & Grill, or Parrilla Grill if you prefer Mexican fusion food (there’s also a Smashburger for Smashburger fans – you know who you are). The airport supports eight airlines, including Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Spirit, United, Southwest, and American Airlines, with a variety of non-stop flight options throughout the Northwest. There are also six rental agencies, shuttle options, and ride share support for Lyft and Uber.
Boise, Idaho is, of course, much farther from Bend than other airport options, a roughly six-hour drive, equivalent to traveling from Seattle (which makes SEA a potential alternative if you’re already planning for a long drive). Boise offers a robust downtown area, gorgeous outdoor recreation options just two hours outside of town. And, if Sun Valley/Ketchum, Idaho is part of your itinerary, this is the way to go.
Tips for Flying In and Out of Bend
- Northwest airports generally have good wait times, although the airline industry has been through a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you aren’t checking any luggage, you shouldn’t experience significant wait times unless you’re flying out at a busy time of day. If you are checking luggage, it’s a very good idea to get there an hour or two beforehand (the official guidance is two hours) so you make your flight out without any problems. For smaller airports like RDM, you can even give them a call and ask how long wait times may be.
- If you aren’t landing in RDM and aren’t traveling from Idaho, you’ll have to cross the mountains to get to Bend, typically either via Mt. Hood or Santiam Pass. That’s a longer drive than it appears on paper. In the warmer months it shouldn’t be a problem as long as you don’t mind a lot of curvy roads. In the winter months, snow can be an issue, especially soon after a snowstorm. Chains or traction tires may be required and are advisable either way. If you don’t like the sound of that, there are a number of shuttle services that transport people back and forth across the mountains, from Shuttle Oregon to CoBreeze, along with more private services.
- If your flight connections allow for a flight directly from PDX to RDM, it’s well worth considering. It’s a very short flight, usually 30 minutes, tends to be affordable, and you don’t have to worry about driving over the mountains. However, these flights aren’t always easy to book and have become more difficult and expensive n recent years, so plan accordingly.
- Northwest airports can be hospitable places, especially if you’re in no rush to find your gate. You won’t have to look far to find airline pubs serving up local craft beer, the best coffee in the country, distillery selections, boutique shopping, and many other specialties. PDX is known for its live music, RDM has art showcases, and so on. If you have to spend some time waiting for your next flight, take a look around!
- RDM’s parking situation is much more casual and very accessible compared to larger airports. There may be fees involved if you or a friend have to park there for a significant period of time (more than thirty minutes, increasingly significant for overnight stays).
- A lot of people wonder about the TSA’s stance on flying with cannabis. Let’s go right to the source and quote what they have to say: “TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
Get Airport Recommendations with Bend Relocation Services
You have enough on your plate scheduling flight times: To make things easier, contact Bend Relocation Services for advice on flying in and out of Bend. We can offer consultations to answer specific questions and give advice about the area, help you find a rental, and provide guides on everything from learning local school zones to the latest hot spots to try. Let us know how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport should I fly into when moving to Bend, Oregon?
Fly into Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). It’s the closest commercial airport to Bend and the one most residents and visitors use.
Does Bend have a commercial airport?
No. Bend Municipal Airport serves private aviation. Commercial airline service for Bend operates through Redmond Airport.
How far is Redmond Airport from downtown Bend?
The drive is typically 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination within Bend.
Is Redmond Airport easy to navigate?
Yes. Redmond is one of the easiest regional airports in the Northwest, with shorter security lines, convenient parking, and quick access to rental cars.
Should I rent a car when visiting Bend?
For most relocation trips, yes. Having a car makes it much easier to tour neighborhoods, visit rental properties, and explore nearby communities. Central Oregon doesn’t have a highly networked public transportation option for folks touring properties and neighborhoods.
Is the Portland or Redmond airport better for visiting Bend?
For most people relocating to Bend, Redmond is the better choice because it’s much closer and avoids driving across the Cascade Mountains. For those with more days to tour Oregon and multiple people in their party, it might make sense to travel through Portland.
How long should I plan for a relocation visit to Bend?
Two to three days is usually enough to tour neighborhoods, view rental homes, and get a feel for the community. Planning your appointments before you arrive helps you make the most of your time. Work with Bend Relocation Services to maximize your time and find the right property for the best fit.
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