Uber / Lyft · ~15–25 min to leftover downtown Santa Rosa (AirNav leftover 6 miles NW)
Where they are
One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
SMF7.8
STS8.5+0.7
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
SMF7.0
STS7.7+0.7
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
SMF8.2+0.6
STS7.6
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
SMF7.5
STS7.5
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
SMF6.8
STS7.7+0.9
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
SMF7.6+5.6
STS2.0
Best for
SMF
Local California dining before flightsQuick domestic hops with PreCheckEasy downtown access via cheap bus or short rideshareFamilies and straightforward navigation
STS
Wine Country travelers who would otherwise drive SFO or OAKAlaska, American PHX/DFW, and Southwest BUR/LAS/SAN banks without a second terminalTravelers who can use $22 long-term parking instead of a Bay Area garage
Watch out for
SMF
Small Escape Lounges hitting capacity with linesParking garage/Daily filling and closing without noticeEarly-morning security and lounge readiness gapsNo airside terminal connection—re-clear for transfers
STS
Official Security: TSA Precheck is not currently offered at STSAmerican.com clubs Not Available; live Priority Pass /en/airport/santa-rosa-sts is 404Official About still reprints Avelo; official FAQ also names Delta SLC versus the live Tuesday boardOfficial SMART station is one mile from the terminal, not at the curb
Amenities and tips
SMF
Local farm-to-fork diningEscape Lounges (A & B)Free WiFi throughoutNursing rooms & family facilitiesEV charging & accessible parkingConsolidated ground transport
Hit security before 5 a.m. or after 9 a.m.
Busiest TSA windows are 4–6 a.m. and midday peaks—PreCheck/CLEAR usually cuts waits to under 5–10 minutes.
Walk the garage between A and B
Pedestrian bridges through the parking garage beat the shuttle for most connections—about 10 minutes door-to-door.
Skip chains for local farm-to-fork
Prioritize Cafe Bernardo, Nixtaco, Magpie Café, Temple Coffee, or BAWK! over Wendy’s or Starbucks when you have time.
STS
Flying Ace restaurant and barLong-term parking $22 / dayNo commercial loungeComplimentary Wi-FiAira Access and two pet-relief areasCafe Costeaux and Concourse A food
Official Check-In 120 minutes
Official Check-In prints arrive 120 minutes prior to departure to finish check-in and TSA.
One hall — Concourse A and Concourse B
Official Amenities print Concourse A (Apple Spice, Crush) and pet relief between A and B.
Flying Ace is the named sit-down kitchen
Official Flying Ace is a full-service restaurant and bar just off the main terminal during operational flight times.
SMF · Efficient mid-size airport with excellent local food and straightforward layout, traded against small crowded lounges and occasional parking/security peaks during growth.
STS · A one-hall Wine Country field with Alaska, American, and Southwest on the live 15 Sep 2026 board, $22 long-term parking, no TSA PreCheck, and no commercial lounge.
