Friedman Memorial Airport

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) sits just south of Hailey, Idaho, about 15 miles from the resort town of Sun Valley. It handles commercial flights from major US airlines, connecting the Wood River Valley to hubs like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Seattle. The airport is modest in size—single runway, single terminal—but during peak ski season, it sees a steady stream of travelers. Its location in the heart of central Idaho's mountainous landscape makes it a practical entry point for outdoor enthusiasts heading to Sun Valley, Ketchum, and the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Getting There

From the city center of Hailey, the airport is a five-minute drive via Airport Way, which runs directly to the terminal. The airport is about 1.5 miles north of Hailey's main street (Highway 75). From Ketchum and Sun Valley, it's a 20-minute drive south along Highway 75. No public bus service directly serves the airport, but rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) operate in the area, and taxis are available. Rental car companies—including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz—have desks inside the terminal. For those staying in Sun Valley or Ketchum, many hotels and lodges offer complimentary airport shuttles; it's worth arranging pickup in advance. Free parking is available at the airport with both short-term and long-term lots. The parking area is compact, and during busy holiday periods, spaces can fill up quickly. Walking or cycling to the airport is possible from Hailey but impractical for anyone with luggage, as the route lacks dedicated bike lanes.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Friedman Memorial is a single-story building with a clean, modern interior. The entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and the car park includes accessible spaces close to the door. Upon entering, passengers find a compact check-in area with airline counters for Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines. Security is efficient; typical wait times during non-peak hours are under 10 minutes. The busiest times are Monday and Tuesday at 1 pm, and Wednesday and Thursday at 2 pm, corresponding to afternoon flight departures. The post-security waiting area has seating, restrooms (including wheelchair-accessible toilets), and free Wi-Fi that works reliably. There are no restaurants or full-service bars, but vending machines offer snacks and drinks. A small shop sells travel essentials and souvenirs. The gate area is open and well-lit, with views of the runway and surrounding mountains. Baggage claim is on the ground floor, with two carousels that handle luggage quickly. The airport is not open 24/7; hours vary by flight schedule, so passengers should check with their airline for exact open times.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) and Hailey

Hailey serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the Wood River Valley, a region defined by its outdoor recreation and small-town character. With a population of around 8,000, it sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet in a valley shadowed by the Boulder and Pioneer Mountains. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a silver mining center, and remnants of that era remain in its historic downtown, where brick buildings house cafes, galleries, and independent shops. Today, Hailey is best known as the gateway to Sun Valley—America's first destination ski resort, opened in 1936—but it offers its own attractions. The area is a year-round playground: skiing and snowboarding at Sun Valley and nearby Bald Mountain in winter; hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting in summer. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a short drive north, provides endless trails and alpine lakes. Cultural draws include the Sun Valley Film Festival, the Wagon Days parade, and the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. The region also has a literary pedigree—Ernest Hemingway wrote much of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" at the Sun Valley Lodge and is buried in Ketchum. For travelers, Hailey offers more affordable accommodation than Sun Valley itself, and its restaurants and breweries are well-regarded. The airport's arrival brings visitors directly into this landscape, with mountain views visible from the tarmac.

Practical Information

Hours: The terminal opens approximately two hours before the first scheduled flight and closes after the last arrival. Hours vary by day; consult the airline or airport website (http://www.iflysun.com/) for current schedules. The airport is not open 24/7.

Contact: +1 208-788-4956

Parking: Free; short-term and long-term lots available.

Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz (desks inside terminal).

Wi-Fi: Free throughout the terminal.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, and restrooms.

Tips:

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights; 60 minutes during peak seasons.
• If skiing, pack skis and boots in luggage; the airline's ski bag policy applies.
• For shuttles to Sun Valley, book ahead with companies like Sun Valley Express or hotel shuttles.
• The airport has no food beyond vending machines, so bring snacks if you have a long wait.
• In winter, check weather conditions; flights may be affected by snow or fog.

One concrete piece of advice: If you're flying out on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon, expect the security line to be longest around 1 pm; plan to arrive by noon to clear security with time to spare.