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 otherwise 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: Non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), The City of angels (LAX), San Diego (SAN).
Aa: Direct service for Phoenix (PHX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), The City of angels (LAX).
Delta Air Lines: Connects RDM to Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX).

Connectivity

Redmond Municipal Airport does not provide 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), The The bay area region (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 small number of 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 buses, 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 Bus.
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 not as direct and takes significantly longer than different options.
It may be that 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 main U.S..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 such As 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 roads in rural areas.

Train Service

There is no direct Amtrak passenger train assistance to Bend. The closest Amtrak terminals 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 particular Amtrak stations to Bend typically need additional ground transportation.

Bus Services

Bus travel could be an budget-friendly choice, but travel times can be long. Check schedules and routes in advance.

Providers & Routes

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

Driving Regulations

Standard U.S. Driving regulations apply in Oregon. Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Everyone must wear a seatbelt.
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 from 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 a few 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 no-frills waiting areas and washrooms.
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

At the time of reservation 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