How to Get to Bend. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Main Airport

The main airport serving Bend is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). This airport is also known as Roberts Field. It is located approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of Bend. RDM is a regional airport that serves Central Oregon.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Alaska Airlines: Direct flights to Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN).
American Airlines: Direct service to Phoenix (PHX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX).
Delta Air Lines: Connects RDM to Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX).

Connectivity

Redmond Municipal Airport does not offer direct international flights. International travelers typically fly into a major U.S. Gateway airport, then connect to RDM via a domestic flight.

Connecting Hubs

United Airlines: Direct flights to Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD).
Southwest Airlines: Routes to Oakland (OAK), Burbank (BUR), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), San Diego (SAN), Sacramento (SMF).
Allegiant Air: Direct flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Mesa/Phoenix (AZA).

Flight Seasonality

Flight frequency and prices go up during Bend's peak tourist seasons (summer, winter holidays). Booking well in advance comes recommended for better prices.

Airport Facilities

RDM is a small but modern airport. It has a few dining options (cafes, snack bars). All major car rental counters are within the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Airport Transfers

Several options are available for reaching Bend (20-30 min drive): shuttle services, taxis, Uber/Lyft. Car rental is the most flexible option.

Transfer Options from RDM

Convenient Choices

Several private shuttle companies, like The Bend-Redmond Airport Shuttle.
Taxis are available outside the terminal building.
Uber and Lyft both operate at RDM.
All major car rental companies have counters directly at RDM.

Public Transit

Cascades East Transit (CET) offers limited bus service (Route 28) to Redmond.
This option is less direct and takes significantly longer than other options.
It might not be practical with luggage or a tight schedule.
From Redmond, connections to Bend are possible.

Flight Search & Rental Deals

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for budget-friendly fares.

Global Flights

Skyscanner for comparing prices across airlines.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com for comparing car rental deals.

Land Travel

Highways

Bend is easily accessible via major U.S. Highways. U.S. Route 97 runs north-south, connecting Bend to Northern Oregon (via connecting highways) and Southern Oregon. U.S. Route 20 runs east-west, linking Bend to the Oregon Coast and Eastern Oregon.

Routes & Requirements

U.S. Route 97 (north-south).
U.S. Route 20 (east-west).
A valid driver's license from your home state or country is needed.

Driving Conditions

Roads in Oregon are generally well-maintained. Within Bend, roads are in good condition. Roads leading into the Cascade Mountains can be winding and steep. In winter (typically November through April), mountain passes can experience heavy snow and ice.

Seasonal Challenges

Mountain passes like Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass have heavy snow/ice.
Traction devices, like chains or traction tires, may be required by law.
Watch for wildlife (deer and elk) at dawn, dusk, and nighttime on rural roads.

Train Service

There is no direct Amtrak passenger train service to Bend. The closest Amtrak stations are located in Chemult, approximately 60 miles south of Bend, and Portland, about 160 miles northwest.

Closest Stations & Connections

Chemult station (60 miles south).
Portland station (160 miles northwest).
Connections from these Amtrak stations to Bend typically need additional ground transportation.

Bus Services

Bus travel can be an economical option, but travel times can be long. Check schedules and routes in advance.

Providers & Routes

Greyhound: Limited bus service to Bend, mainly from Portland.
Oregon POINT: Intercity bus service connecting Bend to cities like Portland, Eugene, Klamath Falls.
The Greyhound station is located downtown.

Driving Regulations

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply in Oregon. Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Using a cell phone while driving is illegal without a hands-free device.

For international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Drivers must be at least 18 years old.
Most car rental companies need drivers to be 21 or 25 years old. Surcharges may apply.

Departure Insights

Airport Departure

There are no specific exit fees or taxes imposed by the U.S. Government for departing the country. Your airline ticket price generally includes all applicable federal taxes and fees.

RDM Departure Tips

For domestic flights from RDM, arrive at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure.
This allows sufficient time for baggage drop-off.
Clearing security (TSA checkpoints) and reaching your gate.

Bus Departure

If departing by bus, arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives time for boarding and luggage storage.

Station Facilities

Bus stations in Bend typically offer basic waiting areas and restrooms.
They may have vending machines but generally limited food services.
Confirm your flight or bus departure times at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Travel Tip

When booking flights, consider arriving at RDM directly to minimize ground travel time. If connecting through Portland (PDX), allow ample time between flights.

How to Get to Bend