Walla Walla Regional Airport

Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) sits four miles northeast of downtown Walla Walla, Washington, on the site of a former World War II Army airfield. Today it functions as a small but capable regional airport, offering daily nonstop service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and serving as a gateway to one of Washington's premier wine regions. The terminal handles just a few flights per day, which means parking is free and plentiful, security lines are short, and the entire experience is refreshingly low-stress.

Getting There

Walla Walla Regional Airport is located at 310 A Street, about a ten-minute drive from downtown Walla Walla. From the city center, head east on Main Street, turn left onto 2nd Avenue, then right onto A Street. The airport entrance is clearly marked. There is no public transit route that directly serves the airport, so a taxi, rideshare, or private vehicle is necessary. Taxis from downtown cost approximately $15-20. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Walla Walla, though availability can be limited at off-peak hours. On-site car rental is available from Avis and Budget, with a counter inside the terminal. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when wine tourism peaks. For those driving, the airport offers a large free parking lot directly in front of the terminal, with ample spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. Electric vehicle charging stations are not currently available, but the lot is well-lit and monitored.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Walla Walla Regional Airport is a single-story building that blends check-in, security, and waiting areas into one compact space. Upon entering, passengers find a small check-in lobby with counters for Horizon Air (operating as Alaska Airlines) and a customer service desk. There are no jet bridges; boarding is done via stairs to the tarmac, so be prepared for weather exposure. The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking spots, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet in the restroom. A changing table is available in the family restroom. The seating area contains about 50 chairs, some with charging outlets, and free Wi-Fi is provided. Amenities are minimal: a few vending machines offer snacks and drinks, but there is no café or restaurant. A small kiosk sells news items and souvenirs during peak hours. The TSA security checkpoint has a single screening lane; typical wait times are under 10 minutes, though morning flights (around 6:30 AM) can see slightly longer queues. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, a relief for travelers used to larger hubs.

Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) and Walla Walla

Walla Walla Regional Airport is more than a transit point; it is the primary air link to a region that has become synonymous with world-class wine. The Walla Walla Valley AVA, which includes parts of Washington and Oregon, produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and other varietals. Over 100 wineries dot the landscape within a 30-minute drive of the airport, from sprawling estates to intimate tasting rooms. The city of Walla Walla itself is a destination with a historic downtown featuring brick-paved streets, independent boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants that source ingredients from the fertile surrounding farmland. Notable attractions include Fort Walla Walla Museum, which preserves the history of the region's military and settlement; Whitman College, a small liberal arts college with a beautiful campus; and the annual Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, celebrating the famous local crop. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Blue Mountains offer hiking, fishing, and camping. The airport's role in this context is crucial: it provides a direct connection to Seattle, allowing visitors to arrive from across the country via one connection. For locals, the daily flight to Seattle is a vital link for business, medical appointments, and onward travel. The airport's history as a former Army airfield is acknowledged with a small display in the terminal, a reminder of its origins. While small, ALW is efficient and friendly, embodying the pace of the region it serves.

Practical Information

The terminal at Walla Walla Regional Airport is not open 24 hours a day. It typically opens about one hour before the first scheduled departure (usually around 5:30 AM) and closes shortly after the last arrival (around 9:00 PM). For exact hours, call the airport office at +1 509-525-3100 or check the website at http://www.wallawallaairport.com/. Parking is free for all vehicles, and the lot is close to the terminal. No food or beverage outlets exist beyond vending machines, so consider eating before arrival or packing snacks. The airport has no ATM, but credit cards are accepted at the parking kiosk and the small gift kiosk when open. One concrete piece of advice: Arrive at least 60 minutes before your flight — the check-in and security process is quick, but there is no room for error on a small regional schedule, and missing your connection in Seattle can have cascading effects.