Arcata-Eureka Airport

Arcata-Eureka Airport is not just a transit point, but a true gateway to a realm of eternal mists and giant sequoias. Located on the picturesque coast of Northern California, this airport immerses travelers from the very first minutes into the unique atmosphere of the Humboldt region, where the ocean breeze mixes with the scent of ancient coniferous forests. Despite its modest size, the air harbor possesses a rich history and a special provincial charm, allowing you to begin your acquaintance with the wonders of nature without the hustle and stress typical of large metropolises.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of Arcata-Eureka Airport is its strategic location. It is located just a few minutes' drive from the world-famous Redwood National Park, making it an ideal starting point for eco-tourists. Upon landing, passengers can often observe stunning views of the rocky Pacific coast and endless green expanses, turning the flight itself into an unforgettable excursion.

The second important plus is the speed and comfort of service. Thanks to the compact terminal, passing through security and claiming baggage takes mere minutes. There are practically no long queues here, and the staff is known for their friendliness and readiness to help. This creates a relaxed atmosphere that is highly valued by travelers tired of the noise of large hubs.

In addition, the airport is interesting for its historical significance. Built during World War II, it became a testing ground for fog dispersal systems, making it a landmark for aviation history enthusiasts. Frequent morning mists are still a hallmark of this place, giving the airport a mystical and romantic aura.

Below you will find current contact information for Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), also known as California Redwood Coast – Humboldt County Airport.

• Official website: flyacv.com.
• Help desk phone: +1 707-839-5401.
• Airport address: 3561 Boeing Ave, McKinleyville, California 95519, USA.
• Email: aviation@co.humboldt.ca.us.
• Lost and Found information: For items lost in the terminal or parking lot, you can contact the airport administration at +1 707-839-5401, extension 5. If your items were lost during the flight, please contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions, the main phone number can be used. For assistance to passengers with disabilities or special needs, the TSA Cares service is available at (855) 787-2227 if your flight is within 72 hours.

Currently, the airport does not have official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook or Instagram. It is recommended to check all current information on the official website.

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) serves Humboldt County and is the main air gateway to the famous Redwood Coast in the USA. You can get to it from the city of Arcata, located approximately 15 kilometers to the south, in several ways. A car trip usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but time may vary depending on the traffic situation.

Public transport is the most economical option. The Redwood Transit System (RTS) bus system connects the airport with Arcata, Eureka, and other settlements in the county. This is an excellent choice for travelers on a limited budget with light luggage. However, it is worth checking the schedule in advance, as buses run at certain intervals, especially on weekends.

Taxis and ridesharing (for example, Uber or Lyft) offer a faster and more convenient way to get to the terminal. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. The cost will be higher than the bus, but you get comfort and a "door-to-door" trip. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a car upon your arrival.

Car rental is the best choice for those planning to actively explore the picturesque region of Northern California. Several rental companies have counters right at the airport. By renting a car, you get complete freedom of movement and can easily reach national parks, secluded beaches, and other attractions. If you arrive at the airport in your own vehicle, convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term parking is at your service, located a few steps from the terminal.

When planning a route around the region, it is also worth considering other airports that may be convenient depending on your final destination. Among them are Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) in Crescent City, Redding Airport (RDD), and Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), located in the state of Oregon.

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and understandable for travelers. You will not have to worry about complex navigation or long transfers.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to its compact size, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entry, you will see airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. To the left and right of them are waiting areas and car rental offices.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. After check-in, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint, which leads to the sterile area with boarding gates. The arrival zone with the baggage claim belt is located in another part of the terminal, next to the main exit. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required, which significantly saves time and energy.

Passing all procedures at Arcata-Eureka Airport usually takes little time. Check-in and security screening are rarely accompanied by long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and go through all formalities without rushing. Navigation through the terminal is intuitive, there are clear signs everywhere, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), officially known as California Redwood Coast – Humboldt County Airport, is closely linked to the events of World War II. It was built by the US Navy and commissioned in 1943 as the Arcata Naval Auxiliary Air Station. Its main task was training pilots for flights in difficult weather conditions, especially in the dense fog characteristic of this coastal region.

After the war, in 1947, the airfield was transferred to Humboldt County for civil use. It was during the post-war period that the airport became a center for major aviation innovations. Tests were conducted here, and the world's first automated fog dispersal system (FIDO - Fog, Intensive Dispersal of) was developed, as well as pioneering work on creating Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). For this contribution to flight safety, the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the airport as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Over the decades, the airport has constantly developed to meet the growing needs of the region. In 1983, a new, more modern terminal building was built, which serves passengers today. In 2013, the airport received its current, longer name to better reflect its geographical location and role as the main air gateway to the famous Redwood National Parks.

Today, Arcata-Eureka Airport is not just a transport hub, but also part of the rich aviation history of the USA. It continues to play a key role in ensuring the connection of the remote coast of Northern California with the rest of the world, serving both locals and numerous tourists coming to admire giant sequoias and picturesque landscapes.

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is a compact regional air hub that provides passengers with all basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal features a café where you can order sandwiches, pastries, and drinks, as well as a small shop with souvenirs, press, and essential goods.

For the convenience of travelers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. In the waiting hall, you can find power outlets and stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. It is worth noting that there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport, however, ATMs are installed for cash withdrawals.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and assistance is provided when boarding the aircraft (it is recommended to book the service in advance through the airline). For travelers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. Due to the small size of the terminal, there are no VIP halls, lounges, or specialized play areas for children.

Although there is no hotel on the territory of the airport itself, many accommodation options, from motels to hotels, are located just a few minutes' drive away in nearby towns, including Arcata. Specialized business centers or conference rooms are also not provided at the airport, which corresponds to its status as a small transport hub.

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

The main and, as a rule, the only place to eat is the Runway Cafe, located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the public area (before passing security control), making it convenient for both departing passengers and those meeting them.

What you can try:

• Menu: The café offers classic American dishes. Here you will find hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. It is a great place for a full lunch or a quick snack.
• Quick snack: For those short on time, coffee, pastries, snacks, and drinks to go are available.
• Local offerings: Sometimes the assortment includes local beverages, allowing you to experience the produce of Northern California.

Features and prices:

• Dietary options: The selection for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal dishes) is extremely small. It is recommended to take care of meals in advance or check for suitable options on-site. Vegetarians can usually find meat-free salads or sandwiches on the menu.
• Price range: Prices in the café are average, typical for small airports in the USA.
• Opening hours: The establishment usually opens before the first morning flight and operates until the departure of the last evening plane. The schedule may change depending on the flight schedule.

Since options are limited, if you have special dietary needs or prefer a more varied menu, it is better to eat before traveling to the airport.

Planning a trip through Arcata-Eureka Airport? This is a small and convenient regional airport serving the city of Arcata and its surroundings in Northern California, USA. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use our tips to save time, stress, and money.

Arrival time and check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. Although Arcata-Eureka Airport is not as large as international hubs, it is better to have a buffer of time. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone. Check-in and baggage drop counters usually close 45 minutes before departure.

Security screening and seat selection. There is only one security checkpoint here, and queues are generally short. However, be prepared: remove laptops and other large electronics from bags, take off outerwear and belts in advance. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the windows offer stunning views of the Pacific coast and redwood forests — choose a window seat if you want to enjoy the scenery.

Hand luggage. Security standards in the USA are uniform. Remember the liquid rule: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, such as knives or scissors with long blades, are prohibited. It is always better to clarify the full list of restrictions on the official website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and with your airline.

Connecting passengers and customs. Arcata-Eureka Airport serves only domestic flights, so there is no customs or passport control here. If you are flying from abroad, you will go through these procedures at your first airport of arrival in the USA. If you have a connecting flight from Arcata, ensure you have enough time at the next, larger airport (for example, in San Francisco or Los Angeles) to transfer between terminals.

Savings and flight delays. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider traveling light with only hand luggage to avoid baggage fees. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative at the airport or via the hotline. Learn about your rights: you may be offered an alternative flight, a voucher for meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the reason and duration of the delay.