Sonoma County Airport

Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the famous Sonoma Valley. From the first minutes of your arrival, you will feel the relaxed California atmosphere: instead of endless queues and hustle, comfort and tranquility reign here. The airport is named after the creator of the Peanuts comics, so be prepared to meet figures of Snoopy and Charlie Brown, which add a special charm to this place and bring a smile to passengers of all ages.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The main "feature" of the airport is its thematic design. Bronze statues of Peanuts characters are installed on the territory, and the airport logo features Snoopy dressed as a World War I flying ace on his doghouse. This makes waiting for a flight feel like a mini-excursion to a museum.

For visitors interested in local produce, STS offers a unique benefit. Thanks to the "Wine Flies Free" programme (operated by Alaska Airlines), you can transport a box of bottles purchased from local producers as luggage free of charge. This is an ideal way to bring home a piece of California sunshine without extra costs.

The compact size of the terminal allows you to pass through security control in a matter of minutes, which distinguishes Santa Rosa favourably from the congested airports of San Francisco or Oakland. There is also an outdoor restaurant terrace where you can enjoy local cuisine and dishes made from farm products right before departure.

• Official Website: sonomacountyairport.org
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (707) 565-7243
• Address: 2200 Airport Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains social media pages where you can follow news and updates. You can find them by the official name Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport.
• Lost and Found Information: If you left personal items in the terminal building (excluding security checkpoints), contact the airport administration office at +1 (707) 565-7243. In case of lost luggage or items on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to the airport's operation, you can contact the information desk at +1 (707) 565-7243.

Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is conveniently located approximately 11 kilometres north of the city centre of Santa Rosa, making it easily accessible for travellers. Regardless of your budget and preferences, there are several convenient ways to get to the terminal.

Public Transport

For budget-conscious tourists, public transport is an excellent choice. The Sonoma County Transit (SCT) system offers bus routes connecting the airport with downtown Santa Rosa and other cities in the county. Additionally, right next to the airport is the SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) train station, which provides a convenient and scenic connection to settlements to the south, all the way to Marin County. A trip on public transport will take about 30-40 minutes, but it is the most budget-friendly option.

Taxi and Ridesharing Services

The fastest and most direct way to get to the airport is by taxi or car via Uber and Lyft apps, which are widely available in the region. The trip from downtown Santa Rosa will take just 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is the ideal option if you are travelling with luggage or value comfort and speed. The cost of the trip is generally higher than public transport.

Car Rental and Parking

Car rental is a popular choice among tourists wishing to explore the Sonoma region. Offices of all major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) are represented at the airport. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is at your service. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Tips for Travellers

The choice of transport depends on your priorities: for maximum savings, choose the bus or SMART train; for speed, choose a taxi; and for freedom of movement around the region, rent a car. When planning a trip to the USA, it is worth considering that although Sonoma County Airport serves many destinations, some international flights arrive at larger hubs. If your destination is Santa Rosa, but you arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), allow an additional 1.5-2 hours for the drive to the Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma County Airport (STS) is a compact and modern airport that is notable for its simplicity and convenience for passengers. Its key feature is the presence of just one terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitive, and the risk of getting lost is minimised.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The building is divided into several functional zones. Immediately at the entrance are airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After checking in, passengers proceed to the single security checkpoint, beyond which lies a small but cosy waiting hall with boarding gates. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, but passenger flows are cleverly separated. Arriving guests immediately enter the baggage claim area, where car rental counters are also located.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between them — everything is within walking distance. This makes connecting flights or simply moving around the airport maximally fast and comfortable. All infrastructure, including cafes, restrooms, and the waiting lounge, is located very compactly.

Passing through registration and security procedures at Sonoma Airport typically takes significantly less time than at major hubs. On average, this takes from 20 to 40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight to check luggage, pass through control, and reach your boarding gate without rushing. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful logistics, STS airport offers passengers a calm and predictable starting point for travelling through the California region.

The history of Sonoma County Airport (STS), located in the city of Santa Rosa, dates back to World War II. It was built in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers and originally served as an army airfield for pilot training and coastal patrolling. This military past laid the foundation for the region's future aviation hub.

After the end of the war, in 1946, the airfield was transferred to Sonoma County for civilian use. In the following decades, the airport went through various stages: periods of commercial flights alternated with lulls. The first scheduled passenger flights appeared in the 1950s, but stable connections were not established immediately.

One of the most iconic and touching moments in the airport's history occurred in 2000, when it was officially renamed Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport in honour of the famous cartoonist and creator of the "Peanuts" comics, who lived in Santa Rosa for a long time. Since then, the airport has been imbued with the spirit of his creations: passengers are greeted by statues of Snoopy and Charlie Brown, and the airport logo features an image of Snoopy in a pilot's helmet flying on his doghouse.

A real breakthrough in the modern history of the airport happened in 2007 with the resumption of commercial flights by Horizon Air (part of Alaska Airlines). This event became a catalyst for significant growth and modernisation. In subsequent years, work was carried out to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, and to renovate the terminal. Today, Sonoma County Airport serves as an important and convenient gateway to the famous California region, offering flights to several key destinations.

Sonoma County Airport (STS), despite its compact size, offers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight. You can have a snack or a full meal at the Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, which offers a view of the runway. For those in a hurry, the Costeaux on the Go cafe is open, offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Of course, being in the heart of the region, you will find a beverage bar here where you can sample local drinks. The terminal also has a small shop where you can buy souvenirs and travel goods.

Staying connected at the airport is very simple: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. For charging electronic devices, there are numerous power outlets and USB ports located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates. Although the airport does not have dedicated VIP lounges or airline lounges, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable and allow you to relax before your flight.

For financial transactions, ATMs are installed in the terminal. It is worth noting that there are no currency exchange points at the airport, so it is better to take care of exchanging money in advance. The airport is fully equipped for passengers with disabilities in accordance with ADA standards, including ramps and accessible restrooms. Wheelchair assistance can be requested through your airline. For travellers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. In case first aid is needed, please contact airport staff.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, however, in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Santa Rosa and its surroundings, there are many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Some of the nearby hotels offer guests a free shuttle service. There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms for holding business meetings on the airport territory.

Despite its compact size, Sonoma County Airport (STS) offers passengers quality dining options reflecting the gastronomic culture of the region. Here you can find both a place for a quick snack and a restaurant for a full lunch while waiting for a flight.

In the public area (before security control), Costeaux on the Go cafe is located. This is a branch of a famous local bakery where you can enjoy fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and aromatic coffee. This is an ideal place if you want to have a quick bite before check-in or meet arriving passengers. Prices here are moderate, and opening hours usually cover the time from early morning until the last flights. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast and tasty option.

After passing security control, in the departure zone, the airport's main restaurant awaits passengers — Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. Here you can have a leisurely lunch or dinner in a comfortable setting. The menu features steaks, sushi, burgers, and salads. The beverage list deserves special attention, featuring a wide selection from the famous Sonoma County. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore local produce before departure. The restaurant is oriented towards a full meal, and prices here are above average.

Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian dishes, such as salads and some sandwiches, are available in both establishments. Options for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be more limited, however, at the Sky Lounge restaurant, it is worth checking with the staff — they may offer adapted dishes. Specialised Halal dishes are likely not available at the airport due to the limited selection of establishments. For a quick snack, Costeaux on the Go is the best option, and for a relaxed lunch, Sky Lounge offers seafood options.

Planning a trip through Sonoma County Airport (STS) can be pleasant and easy, especially if you know a few useful tips. This small and convenient airport serves the California region, offering a calmer alternative to major hubs. To ensure your journey from the city of Santa Rosa goes smoothly, use our recommendations.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is generally sufficient to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. Sonoma County Airport is not large, and queues here are usually shorter than in metropolises. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to head straight to the security checkpoint.

Passing Security Control. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint here operates according to standard rules. Prepare your documents (passport or ID) and boarding pass in advance. Electronic devices, such as laptops, must be placed in a separate tray. Remember the "3-1-1 rule" for liquids in hand luggage: all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If it is possible to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A window seat will give you scenic views of the Sonoma landscapes during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat will provide greater convenience if you need to get up during the flight. In hand luggage, besides liquids according to the rules, you can take food (except liquid food), books, portable chargers, and other personal items. Sharp and piercing-cutting objects are prohibited.

Transfers and Customs. Sonoma County Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so customs and border control are absent here. If you have a connecting flight at another, larger airport, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Typically, on domestic flights in the USA, luggage is checked through to the final destination.

Tips for Saving Money and Dealing with Delays. To save money, book parking at the airport online if possible, or use taxi or shuttle services. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Most airlines have mobile apps where updates appear fastest. The terminal has cafes and rest areas where you can comfortably spend time waiting for departure.