Redding Municipal Airport

Overview

Redding Regional Airport (RDD) serves as the primary commercial aviation gateway for California’s far northern Sacramento Valley and the southern Cascade Range. Operating as a regional airport, it connects the Redding metropolitan area – home to roughly 90,000 residents – with major hub airports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The airport is used primarily by leisure travellers heading to the region’s renowned outdoor destinations, as well as business travellers and government personnel visiting Shasta County. While not a large hub, Redding Regional sees daily flights from major carriers and seasonal service during peak tourist months. Its single-terminal design keeps things simple and stress-free for passengers.

Location & Access

Redding Regional Airport is situated approximately 6 miles southeast of downtown Redding, California, at 6751 Woodrum Circle. The airport is easily reached via Interstate 5, the main north-south artery through the state. From downtown, drivers can take Highway 44 east to the Airport Road exit, then follow signs directly to the terminal. The surrounding area is largely suburban and rural, with ample parking options.

By Car: The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking lots adjacent to the terminal. Wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are clearly marked. Rental car agencies – including national chains like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise – operate counters in the terminal lobby. For ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft), designated pick-up and drop-off zones are located just outside baggage claim. Taxis and hotel shuttles also serve the airport regularly.

Nearby Cities: Redding is the largest city within a 100-mile radius. The airport serves travellers from surrounding communities such as Anderson, Cottonwood, and Shasta Lake City. For passengers coming from further afield, the drive times are: to Mount Shasta (about 60 miles north) – 1 hour; to Chico (about 85 miles south) – 1.5 hours; to the Oregon border (about 150 miles north) – 2.5 hours. Despite its regional designation, the airport’s location off I-5 makes it convenient for travellers across the northern Sacramento Valley.

Facilities

Redding Regional Airport provides a compact but functional set of amenities designed to meet the needs of its passengers. All facilities are located within the single terminal building, making navigation straightforward.

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the terminal. Passengers can connect without a password, though bandwidth may be limited during peak hours.
• Accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible car parks are available close to the terminal entrance, and both the main entrance and restrooms are designed for ease of use. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are clearly marked.
• Toilets & Changing Tables: Restrooms are located near the gate area and in the lobby. Family restrooms with changing tables are available for passengers travelling with infants.
• On-site Services: A small café or snack bar (varies by time of day) offers drinks, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items. There is also a newsstand selling magazines, travel essentials, and local souvenirs. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
• Other: Charging stations for electronic devices are available at several seating areas. The airport does not have a dedicated lounge, but the main waiting area is comfortable and equipped with ample seating.

Passengers should note that peak hours, based on flight schedules, are typically around 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. During these times, the terminal can become moderately busy, and lines at security and concessions may be longer.

About the Region

Redding serves as the urban hub for the Shasta Cascade region, an area defined by dramatic volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and pristine lakes. The city itself sits on the Sacramento River at the northern end of the Central Valley. The most iconic natural landmark is Mount Shasta, a 14,179-foot stratovolcano visible from Redding on clear days. Just west of the city lies Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, offering hiking, boating, and waterfalls.

To the east, Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases hydrothermal features and volcanic peaks, while the McCloud River and Pit River offer world-class fly fishing. The Sacramento River Trail, a popular multi-use path, runs through Redding and provides easy access to the Sundial Bridge – a pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. The region is also famous for Shasta Lake, a massive reservoir created by Shasta Dam, where houseboating and water sports draw visitors year-round.

Travellers flying into Redding often come for outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing at Mount Shasta Ski Park), but the area also has a growing wine and craft beer scene. The airport is a convenient entry point for those exploring the southern Cascades, the Trinity Alps, or even the Oregon border.

Practical Information

Hours of Operation: Redding Regional Airport is not open 24 hours. The terminal building typically opens approximately 90 minutes before the first scheduled departure and closes after the last arrival. Passengers should plan to arrive no earlier than two hours before their flight and no later than the last posted departure. Security checkpoint hours are aligned with flight schedules.

Contact Information: For general inquiries, passengers can call the airport at +1 530-224-4321. The official website is https://www.cityofredding.gov/government/departments/airports/index.php, which provides real-time flight status, parking rates, and a list of airlines serving Redding. Administrative offices are located on-site but are not open to the public outside of business hours.

Parking: Short-term parking costs $1.00 per hour (with a daily maximum of $10), while long-term parking is $8 per day. Payment is accepted via credit card or cash at the pay stations. Oversized vehicles and RVs can park in designated spaces. There is a free cell phone waiting lot for picking up arriving passengers.

Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates a single screening lane. Wait times are generally short, rarely exceeding 15 minutes except during peak hours. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck may use a dedicated lane when available. All standard carry-on restrictions apply. For the most current information, travellers should check with their airline or visit the TSA website.