Merced Regional Airport (MCE) — Merced, California

Merced Regional Airport (IATA: MCE, FAA: MCE) serves the Central Valley city of Merced, California, situated at an elevation of 155 feet above sea level approximately 3 miles northeast of downtown Merced. The airport occupies roughly 2,700 acres and operates as the primary commercial and general aviation facility for Merced County and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley region, including communities such as Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, and Turlock.

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Merced and has historically provided scheduled commercial service connecting the Central Valley to major hub airports. Merced Regional Airport handles a mix of commercial passenger flights, general aviation, cargo operations, and military activity related to its proximity to Castle Commerce Center, the former Castle Air Force Base located approximately 6 miles northwest. The airport's runway infrastructure includes a primary runway measuring 9,002 feet, capable of accommodating larger regional and narrow-body jet aircraft.

Travelers departing from or arriving at Merced Regional Airport benefit from its manageable scale — the terminal building offers check-in counters, baggage claim, and basic passenger amenities without the congestion typical of major metropolitan airports. Parking at MCE is straightforward, with short-term and long-term surface lots located adjacent to the terminal, offering convenient access for passengers and meeters-and-greeters alike.

Merced's geographic position along Highway 99 and near the intersection of State Route 140 — the primary western gateway to Yosemite National Park — makes MCE a strategically valuable airport for leisure travelers heading to one of California's most-visited national parks. The drive from Merced Regional Airport to the Arch Rock entrance of Yosemite is approximately 75 miles, taking roughly 1.5 hours under normal conditions. This Yosemite connection has historically influenced demand for commercial service at the airport.

The broader Merced metropolitan area has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven in part by the University of California, Merced campus — the newest UC campus, located approximately 7 miles northeast of downtown — and ongoing development tied to the California High-Speed Rail project, which designates Merced as a station city on the future Los Angeles–San Francisco corridor. These factors have amplified the importance of reliable air access in and out of the region.

From an aviation infrastructure standpoint, Merced Regional Airport is equipped with a fixed-base operator (FBO) providing fuel, aircraft maintenance, and general aviation services. Instrument approach procedures are available, including ILS approaches, enabling operations during reduced visibility conditions common in the Tule fog season that affects the Central Valley from late fall through early spring. This capability is critical for maintaining operational reliability during Merced's winter months, when dense fog can dramatically reduce visibility at valley-floor airports.

For travelers in the Merced area evaluating air travel options, alternative airports within driving distance include Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) approximately 60 miles to the south, and Modesto City–County Airport (MOD) about 30 miles to the north. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is roughly 90 miles to the northwest via Highway 152 over Pacheco Pass. However, for residents of Merced, Atwater, Livingston, and the immediate surrounding communities, MCE offers the most locally accessible option, eliminating lengthy drives on congested Central Valley highways.

The airport's facility ID 27531 is registered with the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), confirming its role in the national aviation network. Merced Regional Airport continues to work with regional transportation authorities and potential airline partners to maintain and expand commercial air service, recognizing that reliable connectivity is essential for economic development in a county that combines substantial agricultural output with a growing university and technology sector.

Merced Regional Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Merced, California.

Name Merced Regional Airport
Address 20 Macready Drive, Merced CA 95341 Map
Phone (209) 385-6873
Website
Hours

Map of Merced Regional Airport


Airports near Merced

Frequently Asked Questions — Merced Regional Airport (MCE)

Commercial airline service at Merced Regional Airport has varied over the years due to its small-market status. Travelers should check directly with regional carriers and the City of Merced's airport administration for the most current scheduled service information, as routes and airline partnerships at smaller Central Valley airports like MCE are subject to change. Nearby alternatives with more frequent scheduled departures include Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), roughly 60 miles south on Highway 99, and Modesto City–County Airport (MOD), approximately 30 miles north.

Merced Regional Airport is approximately 75 miles from the Arch Rock entrance (El Portal) of Yosemite National Park via State Route 140 — the All-Year Highway and the most direct western approach to Yosemite Valley. Under normal driving conditions, the trip takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and season. During peak summer months and holiday weekends, Yosemite's reservation system for vehicle entry should be checked in advance. Car rentals are available through the airport and nearby agencies in downtown Merced.

Merced Regional Airport offers surface-level parking lots directly adjacent to the terminal building, including both short-term and long-term options. Given the airport's relatively small scale compared to major metropolitan airports, parking is generally convenient and accessible without shuttle transfers. For current parking rates and any reservation requirements, travelers should contact the airport administration or check the City of Merced's official airport webpage, as pricing is subject to periodic updates.

Yes, Tule fog is a significant weather consideration at Merced Regional Airport, as it is throughout California's Central Valley from approximately November through February. This dense ground-level fog can reduce visibility to near-zero and may cause flight delays or diversions. Merced Regional Airport is equipped with instrument landing system (ILS) approaches that allow aircraft to operate in reduced visibility conditions, but flight operations are ultimately subject to FAA minimums and airline operational policies. Travelers with winter flights from MCE should monitor forecasts closely and build flexibility into their itineraries during Tule fog season.

Merced Regional Airport supports a robust general aviation community through its fixed-base operator (FBO), which provides aviation fuel (100LL and Jet-A), aircraft maintenance services, tie-down and hangar space, and pilot amenities including weather briefing facilities. The airport's 9,002-foot primary runway accommodates a wide range of general aviation aircraft from small single-engine planes to larger turboprops and business jets. Its central San Joaquin Valley location makes MCE a practical fuel and rest stop for pilots transiting between Northern and Southern California, or positioning for Yosemite-area flights.

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