An important thing to decide when you planning a trip to Death Valley National Park is where to fly into.
In order to help you choose the best airport for Death Valley National Park, in this guide we will look at all the airports near Death Valley National Park, so you can make the right decision.
If you just want to know the nearest airport, read my guide to the Airport Nearest Death Valley National Park.
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
📱TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now
No time right now to learn about the airports you can fly into for your trip to Death Valley National Park? Pin It and save it for later
Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full Disclosure for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me.
This guide outlines a range of convenient airports that you could be the best for your trip. However, the nearest airport with commercial flights to Death Valley National Park is Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.
What Are The best Airports Near Death Valley National Park?
There are two airports located inside the park, Furnace Creek Airport, and Stovepipe Wells Airport, but no commercial flights are available at both airports. These airstrips only accommodate private aircraft, also public transportation and car rentals are not offered at either airport.
The commercial airports near Death Valley National Park are:
- Harry Reid International Airport Las Vegas (LAS)
- Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Flying to Harry Reid International Airport is one of your best options for convenient travel and flight availability. Most of the major US airline companies fly into this airport. With so many flights available, you can also get cheaper rates and get points for your airline’s frequent flyer program.
Aside from the Death Valley – Vegas route, you can also access and visit other parks like Zion National Park, Page, and Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim from this airport.
You shouldn’t have a problem with car rental options here because the airport has plenty of vehicle rental companies onsite and offsite.
The nearest park entrance is on the east side via the Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park Junction on CA 190. The driving distance from Death Valley to Las Vegas is approximately 88 miles, so it will only take you around an hour and a half to get from Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas and vice versa.
Location:
Harry Reid International Airport is in Paradise, Nevada. It gives you easy access from Las Vegas, NV to Death Valley National Park East Side entrance (CA 190).
Distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park Junction on CA 190: 88 miles
- Distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley, California Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 133 miles
West Side:
- Distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 186 miles
- Distance Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 172 miles
Travel time Death Valley – Las Vegas:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Junction on CA 190, Death Valley from Las Vegas: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Travel Time from Las Vegas, Nevada to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 2 hours and 10 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time from Las Vegas NV to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 3 hours and 25 minutes
- Travel Time to Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA, Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas: 3 hours and 5 minutes
What airlines fly out of Harry Reid International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
Several major airlines both domestic and international fly to and from this airport.
Rental car options:
- Onsite (Rent-A-Car Center): Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, Payless, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, National
- Other offsite car rentals are available
Getting from Harry Reid International Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Car rentals
- Bus Tours
Pros
- Less than two hours’ drive via Death Valley Junction on CA 190
- Plenty of flight and airline options
- Plenty of car rental services are available
- Competitive flight rates
- Visit other destinations like Las Vegas, Zion, Page, and Grand Canyon from this airport
Cons
- None for this particular airport.
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you want the most flight options and convenient connections
- If you want the closest airport to Death Valley
- If you’re planning to visit other destinations in the area
Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
Burbank Bob Hope Airport the second largest commercial airport within a feasible driving distance to Death Valley. There are direct flights to several cities throughout the US on major US airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United.
If you plan to visit Burbank on the way, buses at the airport include BurbankBus and Metro Bus. You can also find the Amtrak and Metrolink stops at the airport’s Train Station on Empire Avenue just across the airport.
You can choose from ten car rental companies available onsite at RITC facilities. Flying to this airport gives you an alternative to the more common Death Valley National Park – Vegas route, though it does take longer to drive there.
The West side of the park is the nearest entrance – if you take the CA 190 from Olancha, it takes about 3 hours, while it will take you an additional 30 minutes to reach the entrance via Panamint Valley Road on SR 178 from Trona.
Location:
Burbank Bob Hope Airport is located in Burbank, California about 12 miles north of Los Angeles.
Distance Burbank Bob Hope Airport, California – Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 266 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 283 miles
West Side:
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 206 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 203 miles
Travel time to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 4 hours and 5 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 5 hours and 5 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 3 hours and 30 minutes
What airlines fly out of Burbank Bob Hope Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- American Airlines: Dallas (DFW), Phoenix
- JetBlue: New York (JFK)
- Delta Air Lines: Salt Lake City
- Flair Airlines: Vancouver, British Columbia, Edmonton and Alberta, Canada
- Alaska Airlines: Boise, Portland, Seattle, Santa Rosa
- United Airlines: Denver, San Francisco
- Spirit Airlines: Las Vegas
- Avelo Airlines: Arcata-Eureka, Bend-Redmond, Boise, Eugene, Medford, Pasco, Redding, Santa Rosa
- Frontier Airlines: Las Vegas
Rental car options:
Car rental services are available at the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC) facilities, approximately a seven-minute walk from the airport.
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty
Getting from Burbank Bob Hope Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Car rental service
Pros
- Feasible driving distance to the West entrances of the park
- Plenty of ground transportation services are available
Cons
- Fewer flights are available
- Flights can be more expensive
- Further to the park
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you are also planning to visit the Burbank area
- If you’d rather avoid Vegas
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is a major air hub. With so many major US domestic airlines and international airlines flying there, so you’ll have plenty of options.
The airport isn’t the closest to Death Valley but it’s ideal to fly here if you are planning to see other southern California destinations such as Joshua Tree National Park.
If you’re traveling around Los Angeles and nearby areas, you have several options for taxi services, service buses, and public transport providers.
Car rental offices are located offsite but courtesy shuttles are provided. The West entrances of Death Valley National Park are closer to the airport – about four hours away.
Location:
Los Angeles International Airport sits in Los Angeles’ Westchester neighborhood, southwest of the downtown area.
Distance from Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance from LA to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 276 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 300 miles
West Side:
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 223 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 220 miles
Travel time to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 4 hours and 35 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 5 hours and 40 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 4 hours and 5 minutes
What airlines fly out of Los Angeles International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
Major US domestic flight services and plenty of international airlines fly to and from this airport.
Rental car options:
- Offsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty, Zipcar
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Car rental
Pros
- Plenty of options for both local and international flights
- Wide range of car rental services
- Budget flights and points for frequent flyer programs are mostly available
- Opportunities to see Los Angeles and attractions in the region
Cons
- Long drive going to the park entrances
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you have more time to travel
- If you’re also visiting Los Angeles or planning to see other national parks like Joshua Tree National Park
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport is a small airport in southern California offering direct flights to several major US and international cities.
Though this may not be the closest airport to Death Valley National Park, it’s convenient for travel to attractions in the Ontario and San Bernardino areas.
Bus and train services are available, as are car rental services. The airport has a free shuttle service from the terminal to the Rental Car Center. Other offsite rental companies also offer transport to their offices.
It takes about three and a half hours to Death Valley.
Location:
Ontario International Airport sits two miles east of Ontario in the County of San Bernardino.
Distance to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 221 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 283 miles
West Side:
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 206 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 184 miles
Travel time to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 3 hours and 25 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 4 hours and 35 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 3 hours and 19 minutes
What airlines fly out of Ontario International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Major airlines, both domestic and international, have connecting flights to major cities.
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty
Getting from Ontario International Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Car rentals
Pros
- Domestic and international flights are offered
- Several options for car rentals
- Cheaper flights are available
- Opportunity to see California
Cons
- Long travel time to Death Valley
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you have more time to travel
- If you’re going to see other parts of California / nearby areas
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport is another small Californian airport with several domestic flights as well as international flights to Canada and Mexico.
For vehicle rentals, you can choose from several onsite and offsite car rental agencies. The park entrances most accessible from the airport are the West areas in CA 190 from Olancha, SR 178 from Trona and the East Side’s Valley Junction via 190. It takes around four hours from Santa Ana to these entrances.
Location:
This airport is in Sta. Ana, in Orange County in California.
Distance to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 263 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 325 miles
West Side:
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 247 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 226 miles
Travel time to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 5 hours and 20 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 4 hours and 10 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 4 hours and 7 minutes
What airlines fly out of Santa Ana John Wayne Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Air Canada: Vancouver, Canada
- Alaska Airlines: Everett, WA, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa/Sonoma, Seattle
- Allegiant Air: Austin, Boise, Des Moines, Eugene, Idaho Falls, Las Vegas, Medford, Missoula, Phoenix (AZA), Provo, Sioux Falls
- American Airlines: Austin, Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York, Phoenix
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Frontier Airlines: Denver, Las Vegas
- JSX: Concord, Las Vegas, Mammoth (Seasonal), Monterey, Oakland, Reno
- Southwest Airlines: Austin, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Chicago (MDW), Dallas/Fort Worth (DAL), Denver, Houston (HOU), Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, Oakland, Phoenix, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Jose, St. Louis
- Spirit Airlines: Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix (PHX)
- United Airlines: Aspen (Seasonal), Chicago (ORD), Denver, Honolulu, Houston (IAH), Newark, San Francisco
- West Jet: Calgary, Vancouver, Canada
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National
- Offsite: Fox/Payless, Go Rentals, Los Angeles Van Rentals, Orange County Van Rental, SNA Auto Rental, Stop-N-Go Rent-A-Car, U-Save Car & Truck Rental, United Auto Rental, United Van Rentals
Getting from Santa Ana John Wayne Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Taxis service, shuttles, limo service, shuttle bus, etc. [list ones that are applicable]
Pros
- Wider range of domestic flight options
- Flights to Canada and Mexico
- Get to see other places of interest in Orange County and surrounding regions.
Cons
- Longer drive to the park
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you have longer time to travel
- If you’ll also visit the Orange County area
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Palm Springs International Airport gives you several nonstop domestic flight options to over 30 US cities and international flights to Canada. You can choose to fly on budget rates and get miles for frequent flyer programs on your favorite airlines.
The airport offers plenty of ground transportation options like taxis to limousines and rideshare services if you plan to visit Palm Springs and areas nearby. You can take the Sunline Transit Agency bus transportation going to Coachella Valley or the Morongo Basin Transportation Authority to get to Yucca Valley and 29 Palms. Amtrak bus services also offer bus-to-train services to Los Angeles and Fullerton.
There are eight car rental services available on-site and two companies offsite. You can access the West Side entrances and the East Side Valley Junction entrance on a four-hour drive from this airport.
Location:
This airport is located two miles east of Palm Springs downtown area, in California.
Distance to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Distance to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 257 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 319 miles
West Side:
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 255 miles
- Distance to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 234 miles
Travel time to Death Valley National Park:
East Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley Junction on CA 190: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on SR 374 from Beatty, NV: 5 hours and 25 minutes
West Side:
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Travel Time to Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA: 4 hours and 15 minutes
What airlines fly out of Palm Springs International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Air Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- Alaska: Austin, Boise, Everett, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle
- Allegiant: Bellingham, Des Moines, Nashville
- American: Austin, Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Phoenix
- Avelo: Bend/Redmond, Eugene, Santa Rosa
- Delta: Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Flair: Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver
- JetBlue: Boston, New York JFK
- Southwest: Dallas Love, Denver, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Jose
- Sun Country: Minneapolis
- United: Chicago (ORD), Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco
- WestJet: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
- Offsite: Desert-Rent-a-Car, Go Rentals
Getting from Palm Springs International Airport to Death Valley National Park:
- Car rentals
Pros
- Plenty of options for domestic flights
- Easy-to-access ground transportation services
- Chance to visit Palm Springs and nearby Joshua Tree National Park
Cons
- Long travel to the park entrances
This is the best airport for Death Valley National Park …
- If you have ample time to travel
- If you plan to go around places in Palm Springs
- You’re also visiting Joshua Tree National Park
How to Decide the Best Airport for Death Valley
Maybe you’re asking, “Where’s the Death Valley nearest airport I can fly to?” or “How do you fly into Death Valley?” It will all depend on what you plan to do and your travel details. There are things you can consider in choosing an airport closest to Death Valley National Park so you’ll have fewer concerns on your trip.
You can drive to the park’s main east-west road at CA Highway 190. One of the east side entrances from this highway goes to Death Valley Junction, which is 20 miles into the park. The other east side entrance is at SR 374 from Beatty, NV, which is 19 miles into the Valley. The distances to here are measured to the Death Valley sign on SR 374.
You can also access the park on the west side via CA 190 from Olancha, taking SR 136 from Lone Pine (passing the Death Valley National Park Sign on CA 190 from Olancha, CA), or driving along Panamint Valley Road /SR 178 from Trona, passing the Death Valley National Park Welcome Sign on SR 178. Other options include driving to the park’s main north-south roads which include the North Highway and Badwater Road via CA 178.
There are things you can consider in choosing an airport closest to Death Valley National Park so you’ll have fewer concerns on your trip.
- Where else are you planning to go on your trip? Are you planning to visit other national parks like Zion or other parks in southern Utah? Some airports are closer to these attractions.
- When are you going? Climate conditions inside the park can be extreme, especially during summer. Make sure there are flights available for the time of your trip at the airport that you choose.
- Where are you staying? It makes sense to fly into an airport that has easy access to where you choose to stay.
- How much time do you have? Are you planning to have a short stay? If you have less time to travel, it’s ideal to choose an airport closer to the park.
- What’s your budget? Are you planning to go on budget flights? Smaller airports have fewer airline and flight services than major international airports.
- Do you have a frequent flyer program with a specific airline? Some airports have more limited flight options than other airports.
- Where are you flying from? Are you taking a domestic or international flight? Larger airports offer more flights and airline services connected to US cities and outside the country.
- What type of car do you want to rent when you arrive? Do you have a preferred rental vehicle service? There are airports with more car rental agencies available than other airports.
Map of Airports Near Death Valley National Park
Travel Insurance for Death Valley National Park
A final thought. When you’re flying to Death Valley National Park, consider getting travel insurance too. Make sure it includes trip cancellation, in case you need to cancel your flight before your travel, so that you can get a refund.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can swap this link for either choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Have a great trip to Death Valley! I hope this guide has helped you decide what airport to fly to Death Valley National Park.
Subscribe to regular updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
The Closest Airport to Death Valley National Park
You Might Also Like
Death Valley National Park Guide
Best Time to Go to Death Valley National Park
Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park
The Closest Airport to Death Valley National Park
How to Get to Death Valley National Park
10 Fun Facts About Death Valley National Park
7 Mistakes to Avoid in Death Valley National Park
Which of the flights to Death Valley National Park did you choose? I’d love to know. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Now you know all the Death Valley Airport options, Pin It to your Death Valley National Park board for easy reference!
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Death Valley National Park? Read my Guide to Death Valley National Park
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.