Airport Overview
McClellan–Palomar Airport is named for Gerald McClellan, an aviator and civic leader in San Diego's North County area. It is a public airport located 2.6 nautical miles (5 km; 3 mi) southeast of Carlsbad in San Diego County, California.
CRQ Airport is owned and operated by the County of San Diego. It covers an area of 466 acres (189 ha).
Airport Stats & Facts
- CRQ, in March 2013, reached the fourth-busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
- In December 1946, the County of San Diego leased Gillespie Field and converted it to a public airport.
Airport Traveling Tips
- The airport terminal is open based on departing and arriving flight schedules and is always open at least 120 minutes prior to the first departing flight each day.
- Passengers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
- Please take a look at the CRQ Airport Map before visiting the airport for a flight.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- The terminal loading zone is for active picking up and dropping off ticketed passengers.
- However, Federal regulations do not allow vehicles to wait for long periods at the terminal curbs, so drivers/guests can wait for arrivals in the free Cell Phone Lot, located just moments from the airport terminal on the entrance drive.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arriving flight status provides McClellan–Palomar Airport arrival times, gate information, time to land, and delays.
- For departing flights: Departing flights status shows actual vs scheduled departure, map tracking, departure times, flight delays, and gate information.
- To get the best fares book a flight at CRQ Airport here.
Airport Terminals
McClellan–Palomar Airport has a main terminal with 13 gates on one concourse.
For more information, please refer to the CRQ Terminal Map here.
Airlines Served
The various airlines served at McClellan–Palomar Airport include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and many more
View the full list of airlines served at CRQ here.
Airport Parking
2 Hour Parking
When entering the airport, make an immediate left turn then right, to the small 2-Hour lot immediately in front of the terminal. Handicapped parking is also available in this area. The 2 hour parking is absolutely free.
30 day parking
The 30-day parking lots may be accessed directly from the front of the terminal via the access road, or from Camino Vida Robles (one junction west of current airport main entrance) to Owens Avenue. Turn right onto Owens and the entrance to the parking area is at the top of the road.
Rate:
$5 per day payable by cash or credit card.
Additional parking:
Alongside the airport's access road there is additional free 2-Hour, 4-Hour, and All Day (no overnight) parking that is available to the public.
Ground Transportation
For ground transportation, passengers have a variety of options to choose from, after arriving at the airport. The various options include buses, car rentals, airport shuttles, etc. Many passengers also opt for ride services such as Uber, Lyft, and Taxis.
Car Rentals
The rental car agencies serving the McClellan–Palomar Airport include Avis, Alamo, Hertz, etc.
Taxis
Taxis at CRQ Airport have to be booked before the arrival.
Buses & Trains
You can get to Mcclellan-Palomar Airport by Bus or Light Rail. You have to check the bus page for line-ups, arrivals and other information.
Amenities & Services
To help you have an amazing stay, Mcclellan-Palomar Airport provides visitors with different amenities and upgraded services including:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Stores, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
Contact Information
Address: 2192 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA
Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/airports/palomar.html
Phone: (760) 431 4646
McClellan-Palomar Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- 1963 – Land deeded to the County of San Diego by the United States government to develop for public aviation use.
- 1968 – Additional land deeded to the County of San Diego by the United States government for non-aviation development, co-located with aviation property.
- 1969 to 1997 – Operated by Fallbrook Community Airpark, Inc.
- 1997 – County assumed management in November.
- 1952 – County granted ownership of the facility by the federal government.
- 1971 – San Diego County Sheriff stationed ASTREA, the law enforcement aviation section, at the airport.
- 1993 – San Diego Aerospace museum located its restoration operations and a special exhibit at the field.