Hillsboro, Oregon: Your Guide to the Local Airport Hub
Hillsboro, the largest city in Washington County, Oregon, sits just 15 miles west of the Portland metropolitan core and is home to a thriving technology corridor anchored by Intel’s massive Ronler Acres campus. The city’s aviation needs are served primarily by Hillsboro Airport (IATA: HIO, ICAO: KHIO), a public‑use general‑aviation facility located at 11500 NW Airport Way, Hillsboro, OR 97124. With a 5,500‑foot asphalt runway, three Fixed‑Base Operators (FBOs), and more than 150 based aircraft, HIO is the most convenient airport in Hillsboro for private pilots, flight schools, corporate jets, and cargo operators.
In addition to the municipal airport, the region is within easy reach of Portland International Airport (PDX), the only commercial airline hub in the Pacific Northwest that offers nonstop service to over 120 domestic and international destinations. PDX lies approximately 14 miles north of downtown Hillsboro, reachable via Interstate 5 in 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. For residents of the Orenco, Witch Creek, and Cornelius neighborhoods, PDX remains the closest airport to Hillsboro that provides scheduled passenger service, while HIO handles all local general‑aviation traffic.
Hillsboro Airport Locations
The main terminal complex of Hillsboro Airport occupies the western edge of the city, directly adjacent to the Hillsboro Civic Center and just two miles west of the historic downtown district. The airport’s address, 11500 NW Airport Way, places it on the fringe of the Orenco Station transit hub, a key node for MAX Light Rail and TriMet bus routes. A secondary FBO is located near the north‑end of the runway, offering additional hangar space for corporate aircraft and a dedicated passenger lounge for charter flights.
HIO Fixed‑Base Operators and Terminal Services
Three prominent FBOs operate at HIO:
- Sheppard Air Services – provides 24‑hour fuel (100LL and Jet‑A), aircraft maintenance, and a pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi and flight planning stations.
- West Coast Aviation – specializes in corporate jet handling, offering concierge check‑in, ground transportation coordination, and a conference room for in‑flight briefings.
- Hillsboro Aviation – runs the airport’s flight‑training school, charter services, and a small aircraft rental fleet.
All three FBOs share a common office located at the main terminal building, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The office phone number for the Hillsboro airport is (503) 239‑8000.
Nearby Commercial Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)
Portland International Airport sits at 7800 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218, roughly 14 miles north of Hillsboro along I‑5. PDX features three parallel runways, a 2024‑square‑foot terminal expansion completed in 2022, and annual passenger traffic exceeding 20 million. For Hillsboro residents who need commercial flights, the airport near Hillsboro is a short drive or a direct MAX Light Rail ride from the Orenco Station to the Portland Transit Mall, followed by a 10‑minute shuttle to the airport.
How to Reach Airport in Hillsboro
Getting to HIO is straightforward whether you drive, bike, or use public transit. The airport is positioned at the intersection of Northwest Airport Way and Southwest 115th Avenue, offering easy access from the major arterial roads that criss‑cross Washington County.
Driving from Downtown Hillsboro
From the city center, take SE 1st Avenue west to NW 115th Avenue, then turn left onto NW Airport Way. The drive is about 2.3 miles and takes roughly 7 minutes under normal traffic conditions. If you are coming from the Intel Ronler Acres campus, follow the Intel‑Hillsboro Connector (a dedicated service road) that merges onto NW 115th Avenue, placing the airport just 3 miles east of the campus.
Public Transit Options from Orenco Station
TriMet’s MAX Light Rail Line Green reaches Orenco Station on the western edge of Hillsboro. From there, the 57 – Hillsboro/Orenco bus departs every 15 minutes on weekdays and provides a direct 5‑minute ride to the airport’s main terminal stop on Northwest Airport Way. The total transit time from downtown Portland to HIO is approximately 45 minutes, making it a viable alternative for pilots and passengers who prefer not to drive.
Bike and Pedestrian Access
HIO is connected to the Washington County Bike Trail Network. Cyclists can follow the Westside Trail from the Orenco Station to the airport parking lot, a 2.2‑mile ride that includes bike‑friendly signage and a secure bike rack near the FBO lobby.
Airport Services in Hillsboro
Beyond basic runway and fueling capabilities, Hillsboro Airport offers a full suite of aviation services tailored to the needs of a high‑tech community.
Flight Training and Pilot Schools
The Hillsboro Aviation Academy provides Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot courses using a fleet of Cessna 172s, Piper PA‑28s, and a recently added Tecnam P‑2002. In 2023, the academy graduated 45 new pilots, a 12 % increase over the previous year, reflecting the growing demand for skilled aviators in the Pacific Northwest.
Corporate and Charter Services
West Coast Aviation’s charter division operates a fleet of King Air 350 aircraft and light business jets, offering on‑demand flights to Seattle, San Francisco, and regional hubs such as Boise and Boise. Corporate clients, especially those from the Intel campus and nearby biotech firms, frequently use these services for rapid executive travel.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
Sheppard Air Services holds an FAA Part 147 certification and provides line maintenance, avionics upgrades, and airframe inspections. In 2022, the shop completed over 1,200 maintenance events, achieving a 98 % on‑time return rate for customer aircraft.
Ground Transportation and Parking
HIO offers short‑term parking (10‑minute free drop‑off) and long‑term parking at a rate of $5 per day. Car rental agencies such as Hertz and Enterprise maintain a kiosk in the terminal lobby, while rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are permitted to pick up passengers at the designated rideshare zone adjacent to the pilot lounge.
Airport Office Hours and Contact Information
The airport administration office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm. For inquiries about hangar rentals, flight‑training enrollment, or event space, call (503) 239‑8000 or email info@hillsboroairport.org. The office is located on the first floor of the main terminal, directly across from the pilot lounge and next to the Sheppard Air Services fuel island.
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 Oregon 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 Hillsboro, Oregon.
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 Hillsboro, Oregon.
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 0 Municipal Airport in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Olinger Airport - Or81
Cessna Aircraft & Robinson Helicopter
Portland Hillsboro Airport - Hio
Twin Oaks Airport
Hillsboro Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Hillsboro Airport Services
What is the phone number for the Hillsboro airport office?
The main contact number for the Hillsboro Airport administration office is (503) 239‑8000. Calls are answered during office hours, which are Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am–12:00 pm.
How far is the closest airport to Hillsboro city center?
The closest airport to downtown Hillsboro is the Hillsboro Airport (HIO) itself, located only about 2.3 miles west of the city center. For commercial airline service, Portland International Airport (PDX) is the nearest, approximately 14 miles north via I‑5.
Where is the airport in Hillsboro located relative to the Intel campus?
Hillsboro Airport sits at 11500 NW Airport Way, roughly 3 miles east of Intel’s Ronler Acres campus. A short drive along the Intel‑Hillsboro Connector brings you directly to the airport’s main terminal.
What are the airport office hours for Hillsboro airport?
The airport administration office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Which airport near Hillsboro offers commercial airline service?
The nearest airport that provides scheduled commercial airline service is Portland International Airport (PDX), located about 14 miles north of Hillsboro. Travelers can reach PDX via I‑5, a MAX Light Rail connection from Orenco Station, or a direct rideshare.