Lewiston, Idaho: Your Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Airport
Lewiston, Idaho, sits at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers and is served by the Lewiston‑Nez Perce County Airport (IATA: LWS), commonly called the Lewiston airport. Located just a few minutes north of downtown, this “airport in Lewiston” handles general aviation, cargo, and occasional charter flights, supporting the city’s 34,000 residents and the bustling Port of Lewiston. Recent upgrades to the terminal, runway lighting, and safety systems make it a reliable gateway for business travelers, medical transport, and flight‑training students.
Lewiston Airport Locations and Nearby Neighborhoods
The airport’s address is 1110 West 3rd Street, Lewiston, ID 83501, bordering the Riverfront Park trail and running parallel to State Highway 128. It sits within a 2‑mile radius of the South Hill, West Central, and East End neighborhoods, giving most residents a 5‑ to 10‑minute drive. Lewis‑Clark State College is only 3 miles away, and the intersection of 3rd Street and Pine Avenue serves as the primary “airport near Lewiston” landmark for taxis and rideshares.
Primary Terminal and FBO Facilities
The 2022‑renovated terminal includes a waiting lounge, a small café, and a ticket desk managed by the Lewiston Airport Authority. Avflight, the on‑site fixed‑base operator, provides Jet‑A and 100LL fuel, aircraft maintenance, and a crew lounge. Rental‑car desks for Avis, Budget, and Enterprise sit opposite the main entrance, offering quick access for departing passengers.
Runways, Statistics, and Airport Services
LWS features two paved runways: Runway 15/33 is 5,500 feet long for larger business jets, while Runway 8/26 is 2,500 feet for light aircraft. In 2023 the airport logged 28,600 operations—71 % general aviation, 18 % air taxi, and 11 % military—and hosts 42 based aircraft (28 single‑engine, 9 multi‑engine, 5 helicopters). Annual cargo throughput exceeds 1,200 tons, primarily agricultural products from the Palouse region.
How to Reach the Airport in Lewiston: Roads, Transit, and Parking
Access to the airport is straightforward via US‑12 and Highway 128. From downtown, travel north on West 3rd Street for 1.8 miles; the entrance appears on the right past Pine Avenue. Drivers from South Hill take Highway 128 north for 1.5 miles, then turn west onto 3rd Street. The airport offers a short‑term garage with 150 spaces and a long‑term lot for 300 vehicles, both clearly signed at the “airport near me” exit.
Driving Directions from Downtown Lewiston and South Hill
From downtown, head north on W 3rd Street for 1.8 miles; the airport entrance is just after Pine Avenue. South Hill residents travel north on Highway 128 for 1.5 miles, then turn west onto W 3rd Street. The drive typically takes 5‑7 minutes and passes the Riverfront Park footbridge, a useful landmark.
Public Transportation Options and Ride‑Share Pick‑up Zones
Valley Transit Route 4 runs along 3rd Street with a stop directly in front of the terminal. Ride‑share services (Uber, Lyft) use a designated blue “R” sign near the parking garage entrance, providing an easy “airport near Lewiston” solution for those without a car.
Airport Services in Lewiston: FBOs, Car Rentals, and Business Amenities
Car‑rental counters for Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are located in the east wing of the terminal, allowing travelers to secure a vehicle within minutes. A conference room with high‑speed Wi‑Fi, a projector, and catering options is available for business meetings. Free Wi‑Fi, a 24‑hour vending area, and a pet‑friendly lounge serve passengers, while Avflight’s hangar offers line‑maintenance, avionics upgrades, and annual inspections for aircraft.
Lewiston Airport Office Hours and Contact Information
The Airport Authority office is open Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.‑5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Call (208) 743‑4700 for hangar rentals, flight‑training inquiries, or event coordination. After hours, an automated voicemail forwards urgent matters to the on‑call FBO manager.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Idaho Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Lewiston, Idaho.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Lewiston, Idaho.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Lewiston, Idaho.
Nez Perce Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Lewiston, Idaho.
Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport - Lws
Airports near El Dorado
Below are the most frequently asked questions about the Lewiston airport, compiled from local travelers and business users.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lewiston Airport Services
Where is the airport in Lewiston and how far is it from downtown?
The Lewiston‑Nez Perce County Airport is located at 1110 West 3rd Street, Lewiston, ID 83501. It sits approximately 1.8 miles north of the downtown core, a 5‑minute drive via West 3rd Street. The airport is also adjacent to Riverfront Park and just east of the intersection of 3rd Street and Pine Avenue, making it a clear “airport in Lewiston” landmark for visitors.
What are the Lewiston airport office hours and phone number for the Lewiston‑Nez Perce County Airport?
The Airport Authority office operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on weekends and state holidays. For inquiries, call (208) 743‑4700. The office handles hangar rentals, flight‑training schedules, and event coordination, and after‑hours calls are routed to the on‑call FBO manager via an automated voicemail system.
Which neighborhoods in Lewiston are closest to the airport near the Riverfront Park?
The South Hill residential area is about 1.5 miles south of the terminal, while West Central lies roughly 2 miles west. The East End is approximately 2.5 miles east, and the downtown district is just under 2 miles away. All of these neighborhoods can reach the airport in under 10 minutes by car, offering convenient access for residents and visitors alike.
Is there a “closest airport to Lewiston” that offers commercial flights, and how does it compare to the Lewiston airport?
The nearest commercial service airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Washington, about 70 miles north‑northeast of Lewiston, a 1‑hour‑15‑minute drive via I‑90. While GEG provides scheduled airline service, the Lewiston airport focuses on general aviation, cargo, and charter operations. Travelers needing airline flights typically drive to Spokane, whereas local pilots and business travelers use the Lewiston airport for quicker, on‑demand access.
How can I find airport parking near the Lewiston airport office on West 3rd Street?
Short‑term parking (150 spaces) and long‑term parking (300 spaces) are located directly adjacent to the terminal building on the west side of West 3rd Street. The short‑term lot is marked “Parking A” and is a two‑minute walk to the airport office. The long‑term lot, labeled “Parking B,” is situated behind the rental‑car area and is about a three‑minute walk to the office desk.