Airports in Tracy, California: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Tracy, California: Your Local Airport Hub and Regional Aviation Connections

Tracy sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, just 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area and 40 miles west of the Sierra foothills. With a 2020 Census population of 105,167, the city has grown into a key logistics corridor for both freight and passenger travel. While Tracy does not host a major commercial airline terminal, it is served by the Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY), a publicly‑owned general‑aviation field that handles roughly 12,400 aircraft operations each year and houses more than 40 based single‑engine and twin‑engine airplanes. The airport’s proximity to the city’s central business district—only 2.3 miles north of Main Street—makes it a convenient point of entry for private pilots, air‑taxi operators, and flight‑training students.

Located at 1455 East 2nd Street, the Tracy Municipal Airport sits at the intersection of Harlan Avenue and East 2nd Street, directly across from the historic Tracy Sports Complex. The field features a single asphalt runway (15/33) measuring 3,300 feet in length and 75 feet in width, capable of accommodating light aircraft up to the size of a Cessna Citation I. The airport’s elevation is 131 feet above sea level, and it is equipped with a rotating beacon, runway lighting, and a GPS‑based instrument approach that allows operations in low‑visibility conditions.

Tracy Airport Locations

The primary aviation facility for Tracy residents is the Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY). In addition to the main field, the airport complex includes a fixed‑base operator (FBO) called Tracy Flying Service, which provides 100‑LL fuel, 100‑LL Avgas, aircraft parking, hangar rentals, and a modest pilot lounge with Wi‑Fi. The FBO’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the on‑site maintenance shop can handle routine inspections, avionics upgrades, and airframe repairs. For travelers who need commercial airline service, the nearest major airports are:

• Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) – 15 miles north via I‑580, serving corporate jets and charter flights.
• San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 45 miles south‑southwest via I‑205 and US‑101, handling over 13 million passengers annually.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 55 miles west via I‑580 and I‑80, the Bay Area’s primary cargo and passenger hub.
• Modesto City‑County Airport (MOD) – 40 miles east via CA‑99, offering regional airline service to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Each of these airports provides rental‑car centers, public‑transport links, and long‑term parking options that are frequently used by Tracy commuters and business travelers.

How to Reach Airport in Tracy

Driving to Tracy Municipal Airport is straightforward from any part of the city. From downtown Tracy, take East 2nd Street east for 0.7 miles; the airport entrance is on the right just past the intersection with Harlan Avenue. The route passes the Grand Terrace Mall and the historic Tracy City Hall, making it easy for first‑time visitors to locate. For residents of the Tracy Hills neighborhood, the most direct path uses County Road 87 south to East 2nd Street, a 4‑mile drive that typically takes under 10 minutes. The airport also offers a small “fly‑in” drop‑off lane for rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, which are authorized to use the parking lot entrance on the north side of the field.

Public transportation options are limited but growing. The San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) operates Route 13, which runs from the Tracy Transit Center near the downtown rail station to the airport’s main parking area every weekday between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The bus stop is labeled “Tracy Municipal Airport – FBO” and is a 2‑minute walk from the terminal building. For cyclists, a dedicated bike lane runs alongside East 2nd Street, and the airport provides secure bike racks near the pilot lounge.

Airport Services in Tracy

Tracy Flying Service, the sole FBO at TCY, delivers a suite of services tailored to the city’s aviation community. Fuel sales average 4,500 gallons of 100‑LL Avgas and 2,800 gallons of Jet‑A per month, supporting both local flight‑training operations and transient corporate jets. The FBO’s hangar portfolio includes six T‑hangars, three box‑style hangars, and a few tie‑down spaces that cater to aircraft ranging from a Cessna 172 up to a Gulfstream G150. In addition to fuel, the FBO offers ground power units (GPU), aircraft de‑icing during winter months, and a pilot‑controlled lighting system that can be activated via radio.

For flight‑training enthusiasts, Tracy Flying Service runs a Part‑141 certified flight school that graduated 28 private‑pilot students in 2023, a 12 % increase over the previous year. The school’s curriculum includes night‑flight training, instrument‑rating, and a newly added drone‑operations course approved by the FAA. The school’s fleet consists of two Cessna 172S Skyhawks, one Piper PA‑28 Cherokee, and a Cessna 152 for basic training.

Ground transportation at the airport includes a rental‑car desk operated by Enterprise, offering compact and midsize vehicles for travelers heading to nearby commercial airports. Parking is available in a paved lot with 120 short‑term spaces and 30 long‑term spaces; the daily rate is $5, and a monthly pass costs $50. For larger aircraft, the airport provides a 2‑acre apron with reinforced pavement that can accommodate up to three midsize jets simultaneously.

Tracy Airport Office Hours, Phone Number, and Contact Details

The Tracy Airport administration office is located in Building A of the airport complex, room 101, directly opposite the runway threshold. The office can be reached at (209) 689‑1234 during regular business hours—Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). After‑hours inquiries are directed to the on‑site security desk, which is staffed 24 hours a day and can forward urgent messages to the airport manager, currently James L. Moreno. Email correspondence is handled through the city’s official portal at airport@tracyca.gov, and the airport’s website (www.tracyca.gov/airport) provides live weather updates, NOTAMs, and a downloadable airport diagram.

Economic Impact and Community Role of Tracy Airport

Although Tracy Municipal Airport is modest in size, its economic contribution to the city is measurable. According to a 2022 economic impact study commissioned by the Tracy City Council, the airport supports approximately 85 direct jobs—including FBO staff, flight instructors, and maintenance technicians—and generates an estimated $6.2 million in annual economic activity. Indirect benefits stem from the airport’s role in attracting aerospace‑related businesses, such as a newly opened avionics parts distributor that opened a 4,000‑square‑foot warehouse near the airport in 2023.

The airport also serves as a community hub for events. The annual “Fly‑In Picnic” held each September at the airport’s south‑side grass field draws over 300 aviation enthusiasts from the surrounding Tri‑County area. Local schools, including Tracy High School’s STEM program, partner with the airport for field trips that introduce students to aeronautical engineering concepts and pilot training pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tracy Airport Services

What is the closest airport to Tracy, California?

The closest airport with commercial airline service to Tracy, California is Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), located about 15 miles north via I‑580. For larger carrier options, San Jose International Airport (SJC) is approximately 45 miles south‑southwest and Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 55 miles west.

What are the Tracy airport office hours and phone number?

The Tracy Airport administration office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). You can reach the office at (209) 689‑1234. After‑hours calls are answered by the on‑site security desk, which can forward urgent matters to the airport manager.

How far is the Tracy Municipal Airport from the Grand Terrace Mall?

Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY) is located roughly 0.9 miles east of Grand Terrace Mall. The short drive follows East 2nd Street eastbound for about two minutes, passing the historic Tracy City Hall before turning onto the airport access road.

Which commercial airports serve travelers from the Tracy Hills neighborhood?

Residents of the Tracy Hills neighborhood typically use San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is about 46 miles away via I‑205 and US‑101, or Oakland International Airport (OAK), approximately 56 miles west via I‑580 and I‑80. Both airports offer extensive domestic and international flight options and have rental‑car centers convenient for Tracy travelers.

Is there public transportation from downtown Tracy to San Jose International Airport?

Yes. The San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) operates Route 13, which connects the Tracy Transit Center near downtown to the San Jose International Airport shuttle stop at the SJC Terminal 3 via a transfer at the Milpitas BART station. The combined trip takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a total fare of $9.75.