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How to Get to Oklahoma City

How to Get to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) serves as the main airport for Oklahoma City, located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of downtown.

Major Carriers & Routes

  • Airlines: American, Southwest, Delta, United, Alaska, Frontier, Allegiant Air.
  • Routes: Direct flights to main U.S..S. Hubs (DFW, ATL, DEN, ORD, HOU, PHX, LAS, MCO, CLT, LAX, WAS).
  • International Flights: No direct international flights; connect through major U.S. Hubs.

Flight Availability & Prices

Flight prices vary seasonally. Consider using flight comparison tools for best rates.

Booking Tips

  • Prices: Higher during peak travel seasons (spring, fall holidays, major events). Lower in winter (excluding major holidays) and late summer.
  • Booking: Book in advance for peak periods. Use Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.
  • Comparison: Check platforms like Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Airport Facilities

OKC offers restaurants, shops, car rental, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and animal relief areas.

Airport Services

ATMs, baggage claim, information desk, and ground transportation options.

Transfer Options

Uber/Lyft, taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and EMBARK Bus Route 011 to downtown.

Airport to City Transfers

Convenient Options

  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft available from designated pickup areas.
  • Taxis: Readily available at the terminal curb.
  • Rental Cars: All major agencies have counters and vehicle pickup at the airport. Visit DiscoverCars.com.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. Inquire when booking.

Budget-Friendly Option

  • EMBARK Bus: Route 011 provides public bus service from the airport to downtown Oklahoma City.
  • This is an economical choice for transportation.
  • Check the EMBARK schedule for routes and timings.
  • Allow ample travel time when using mass transit from the airport.

Airport Check-in & Security

Domestic Flights

Arrive at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.

International Connections

For international layover flights, allow 2-3 hours due to additional procedures.

Online Check-in

Check in online when possible to save time at the airport and expedite your travel process.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Services

Oklahoma City is served by Amtrak for rail and major bus routes for intercity travel.

Rail & Bus Options

  • Amtrak: The Heartland Flyer offers daily passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. Connect to the national network from Fort Worth.
  • Amtrak Station: Conveniently located downtown at 100 S. E. 4th Street.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer intercity bus service for cities across the U.S.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring Oklahoma City and its surroundings. Major rental car agencies operate at OKC airport and city locations.

Requirements & Companies

  • Valid US.S. Driver's license for citizens; valid foreign driver's license for non-citizens. IDP recommended if license not in English.
  • Minimum age (typically 21-25) and a major credit card in renter's name.
  • Companies: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, Alamo, Thrifty.

Road Conditions & Driving

Major highways (I-35, I-40, I-44) are well-maintained. City roads are also in good condition. Be aware of ongoing construction zones. Oklahoma features various turnpikes (toll roads).

Driving Information

  • Tolls: PikePass for electronic collection, or pay with cash/via "plate pay" system.
  • Traffic: Commute traffic can be heavy on major highways during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM weekdays).
  • Road Safety: Watch for sudden weather changes (heavy rain/hail in spring). On rural roads, watch for wildlife.

Driving Laws & Parking

Understand local driving laws and parking options for an easy experience.

Regulations & Options

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Everyone must wear a seatbelt.
  • Speed limits are posted (25-35 mph city, 65-75 mph highways).
  • Parking: Ample parking downtown (metered street parking via kiosks/apps like ParkMobile, parking structures, surface lots).

Border Crossing Information N/A

  • This information is not applicable for domestic travel within the United States.
  • Oklahoma City is an inland city, a long way from international borders.
  • No land border crossings apply to a trip solely to Oklahoma City.
  • International travelers entering the U.S. Do so at designated ports of entry, typically airports.
  • This section can be disregarded for travel to Oklahoma City.
  • Focus on air travel or domestic land routes for arrival.

Sea/River Arrivals N/A

Water Transportation

Oklahoma City is a landlocked city, so sea or river arrivals for intercity travel are not applicable.

Local River Use

  • The Oklahoma River is used for recreational activities, not long-distance transportation.
  • No sea ports or significant river transport for passengers.
  • Focus on air and land travel when planning your journey to OKC.

Intercity Water Travel

There are no intercity boat taxis, ferries, or water-based commuter services connecting Oklahoma City to different locations.

Takeaway

  • Water travel is confined to recreational activities on local lakes and the Oklahoma River.
  • This section does not apply to arrival or departure approaches for Oklahoma City.
  • The Bricktown Water Taxi provides tours, not commuter service.

Landlocked City

Oklahoma City is an inland urban zone with no access to oceans or major navigable rivers for transport.

No Sea Ports

There are no commercial sea ports in or near Oklahoma City for passenger travel.

River Recreation

The Oklahoma River and local lakes are solely for leisure use like kayaking and boating.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from U.S. Airports beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Tips

  • No extra fees beyond airfare.
  • Arrival at OKC: 1.5-2 hours before domestic, 2-3 hours before international connecting flights.
  • Online Check-in: Use it to save time at the airport.

Departure Facilities

Will Rogers World Airport and the Amtrak/Greyhound stations offer amenities for departing travelers, making waiting time comfortable.

Available Amenities

  • Waiting areas and restrooms.
  • Dining options and retail shops.
  • Charging stations and free Wi-Fi.

Security Screening

TSA Procedures

Standard TSA (Transportation Security Administration) procedures apply at OKC.

Documents Ready

Have your ID and boarding pass ready for security checkpoints.

Baggage Limits

Check your airline's baggage allowance and limitations beforehand.

Pro Tip: Baggage Check

For a smoother departure, check your airline's baggage allowance and restrictions before heading to the airport.