What Is the Closest Airport to Gaston Oregon?
Learn about What is the closest airport to Gaston Oregon?
If you’re wondering “What is the closest airport to Gaston Oregon?”, here’s the short version: the nearest airfield is Hillsboro Airport (HIO) for private and charter flights. For regular airline service, the closest major option is Portland International Airport (PDX). This guide explains distances, drive times, and what to expect.
Quick Answer
The closest airport to Gaston is Hillsboro Airport (HIO), about 15–20 miles northeast (25–35 minutes) for private/charter flights. The closest major commercial airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), roughly 38–45 miles away (60–75 minutes, traffic depending). Most travelers to Gaston use PDX for domestic and international flights.
What What is the closest airport to Gaston Oregon? Means
People ask this to figure out the best way to fly to or from Gaston. “Closest” can mean two things:
- Closest by distance: small or general aviation airports (no airline service).
- Closest with regular commercial flights: a larger hub like PDX.
Here are your realistic options:
Hillsboro Airport (HIO) — closest by distance
- About 15–20 miles NE of Gaston (25–35 minutes)
- Private, corporate, and charter flights only (no airlines)
Portland International Airport (PDX) — closest with airline service
- About 38–45 miles NE (typically 60–75 minutes)
- Full-service airport with car rentals, rideshares, and public transit
Other nearby general aviation fields (no airline service):
- Stark’s Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3) near Scholls: ~12–15 miles E
- Sportsman Airpark (2S6) in Newberg: ~14–18 miles SE
- McMinnville Municipal (MMV): ~18–22 miles S; near Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
- Aurora State (UAO): ~30–35 miles SE; popular for charters
Additional commercial options (farther away):
- Salem (SLE): ~40–50 miles S; check current airline service status
- Eugene (EUG): ~110 miles S; regional flights
Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon
- Planning a wine-country weekend near Hagg Lake, Elk Cove Vineyards, or Montinore Estate
- Visiting family in Gaston, Forest Grove, or Hillsboro
- Moving to the area and scoping out commute and travel times
- Booking charters into Hillsboro for business in the Silicon Forest
What to Expect
Drive routes:
- To PDX: Usually OR‑47 to US‑26 east, then freeway connections to the airport.
- To HIO: OR‑47 north through Forest Grove/Cornelius into Hillsboro.
Traffic patterns:
- Weekday mornings: heavier eastbound toward Portland.
- Weekday late afternoons: heavier westbound toward Hillsboro/Forest Grove.
- Weekend afternoons can be busy in summer (Hagg Lake, winery traffic).
Weather:
- Fall–spring can bring rain, fog, and occasional slick roads.
- Summer is dry and clear; watch for heat and weekend crowds.
- Winter storms are rare but can slow travel over the West Hills.
Rental cars and rideshare:
- Easiest from PDX; most visitors rent a car.
- Rideshare and taxis serve PDX and Hillsboro; availability drops late night in rural areas.
Transit:
- MAX light rail serves PDX and Hillsboro, but Gaston has limited rural transit.
- Expect at least one transfer and a final rideshare or taxi from Forest Grove/Hillsboro.
Tips for Visitors / Residents
Choose the right airport:
- Flying commercial? Use PDX.
- Flying private/charter? HIO or UAO are convenient.
Pad your schedule:
- Add 15–30 minutes during rush hour or bad weather.
- Wine-harvest season (Sept–Oct) and summer weekends bring extra traffic.
Parking and pickups at PDX:
- Economy and long-term lots with frequent shuttles.
- Signed rideshare zones; follow airport signage.
If you’re winery-hopping:
- Many wineries near Gaston recommend reservations on weekends.
- Consider a designated driver or local tour service.
- Ship wine from the winery or pack in checked luggage per airline rules.
Heading to Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park):
- Day-use fee required; summer weekends fill up by midday.
- Bring layers—lake breezes can feel cooler than in town.
Best Local Resources
- Portland International Airport (PDX): flypdx.com
- Hillsboro Airport (HIO): Port of Portland — portofportland.com
- Washington County Roads & travel alerts: wc-roads.com
- TriMet (MAX/bus in the metro area): trimet.org
- Ride Connection (rural/connector services): rideconnection.org
- Scoggins Valley Park / Hagg Lake info: co.washington.or.us/Support_Services/Facilities/HaggLake
Frequently Asked Questions About What is the closest airport to Gaston Oregon?
Does Hillsboro Airport have commercial flights?
- No. HIO is general aviation only. Use PDX for regular airlines.
How far is Gaston from Portland and PDX?
- Downtown Portland: about 30–35 miles.
- PDX: roughly 38–45 miles; 60–75 minutes in typical traffic.
Is there public transit from PDX to Gaston?
- Partly. You can take MAX from PDX toward Hillsboro, then a bus to Forest Grove. For the final leg to Gaston, you’ll likely need a rideshare, taxi, or pre-arranged rural service.
When is the best time to drive from PDX to Gaston?
- Midday, late evening, or early morning. Avoid weekday rush hours and sunny summer weekend afternoons if you can.
Is Gaston family-friendly for visitors?
- Yes. Hagg Lake offers picnics, trails, and boating; many wineries are kid-welcoming with outdoor space. Always check individual policies.
Summary
- The nearest airport to Gaston by distance is Hillsboro Airport (HIO) for private/charter flights.
- The closest airport with regular commercial service is PDX, about 60–75 minutes away by car.
- Plan for traffic, consider weather, and expect to rent a car or arrange a rideshare for the last leg.
Related Guides
- Getting from PDX to Gaston: routes, timing, and rideshare tips
- Best things to do near Hagg Lake (trails, boating, picnic spots)
- Top wineries around Gaston and Forest Grove (and how to plan a day)