Walla Walla Regional Airport
Walla Walla, US · 3 miles (5 km) northeast of central Walla Walla
Getting to the city
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| A Plus Taxi Taxi |
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| Al's Taxi Taxi |
| Avis Budget Other |
Insider notes
Treat ALW as a gateway to wine country rather than just an airport. Landing here feels more like stepping into a private experience than arriving at a transport hub.
Don't rely on finding food the moment you land. The terminal offers minimal fare – plan to eat in town prior or immediately after your flight.
Arriving 45-60 minutes before your flight should be adequate if you're familiar with the airport, but give extra time if you're checking bags or new to ALW.
Welcome
Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is not your typical airport experience; it feels more like a small-town wine-country airstrip with commercial flights. Located just 3 miles northeast of downtown Walla Walla, the airport lacks the bustling amenities of larger hubs, but its simplicity is part of the charm. Step off the plane, and within 15 minutes, you can be sipping Chardonnay at a local winery or settling into a charming historic inn. Travelers appreciate ALW for this quick access to the attractions that draw visitors to the area.
At a glance
With about 250,000 passengers annually, Walla Walla Regional Airport operates a single terminal supporting primarily Alaska Airlines flights, specifically two daily roundtrips to Seattle. The facility is compact, housing just one gate and offering limited dining with four local spots: Local Café, Skyline Bar, Gourmet Grab, and The Bistro. There are no shops, but downtown Walla Walla is your go-to for shopping and local souvenirs.
Terminals & layout
The Airport Terminal Building at ALW is straightforward with a single gate serving travelers. Be prepared for minimal amenities; frequent visitors describe the airport as nearly amenity-free, which simplifies the process but may surprise those used to the variety at bigger airports. Everything you need, from check-in to boarding, happens in one room, streamlining the experience.
Getting to and from the city
Located a mere five minutes from downtown, ALW offers various transport options. For quick access, consider a taxi like Walla Walla Taxi or use rideshares such as Uber and Lyft. If budget is a priority, Valley Transit provides bus service, or you can utilize one of the taxi services like Blaine's Taxi. For those looking to explore further out, rental options include Avis Budget and Enterprise, and for a bit more luxury, D'Lux Limousine is available.
Traveller essentials
Even with its proximity to town, ALW's basic amenities mean you should plan ahead. There’s no need to arrive hours early due to minimal security lines, but if you’re new to the airport or checking bags, give yourself 1.5–2 hours. Parking is a breeze; short stay is $5 per day while long stay is free for up to two weeks, making it a competitive option compared to rideshares for extended stays.
Dining & shopping highlights
The dining options at ALW are modest, but local. Grab a bite at Local Café or enjoy a drink at Skyline Bar. If you’re looking for snacks, Gourmet Grab or The Bistro might suffice. However, eating before arriving at the airport is wise. For shopping, head to downtown Walla Walla where winery tasting rooms and boutiques offer local snacks and last-minute gifts.
Lounges
Currently, there are no lounges at Walla Walla Regional Airport. With the airport’s single-room setup, options are limited, which is something to be aware of if you’re valuing lounge access as part of your travel plan.
Insider tips
- Insider: Treat ALW as a gateway to wine country rather than just an airport. Landing here feels more like stepping into a private experience than arriving at a transport hub.
- Avoid: Don't rely on finding food the moment you land. The terminal offers minimal fare – plan to eat in town prior or immediately after your flight.
- Time: Arriving 45-60 minutes before your flight should be adequate if you're familiar with the airport, but give extra time if you're checking bags or new to ALW.
- Local: Consider timing your flight arrival during daylight to enjoy the scenic routes through Walla Walla's vineyards and fields. It’s an added experience of your visit.
- Money: Compare the costs between parking at the airport and using rideshares or taxis, especially if your stay is short – it could save you significant dollars.
- Quiet: With limited seating and amenities, pack your own entertainment and power to keep occupied while waiting in the basic gate area.
- Avoid: Avoid arriving without snacks or an empty water bottle; the terminal may not satisfy last-minute needs.
- Local: Downtown acts as the real marketplace – hit the tasting rooms and boutiques before heading back to the airport to round out your Walla Walla experience.