Bellingham International Airport
Bellingham, United States
Bellingham International Airport
Pacific Northwest gateway serving Bellingham and the broader region.
- ›Located about 50 miles south of Vancouver, BC, BLI has long attracted Canadian travelers seeking cheaper U.S. airfares.
- ›The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Bellingham.
- ›BLI's primary runway is approximately 6,700 feet long, capable of handling narrowbody jets.
- ›The airport sits roughly three miles northwest of downtown Bellingham.
- ›Cross-border traveler demand has significantly influenced the airport's airline route offerings over the decades.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is a small regional airport serving Bellingham, Washington, situated roughly 90 miles north of Seattle and just 50 miles south of the Canadian border. Originally established as a military airfield during World War II, it has evolved into a convenient alternative gateway for travelers from both the US and Canada seeking to avoid Seattle-Tacoma's congestion. The airport handles a modest volume of domestic flights and has historically attracted Canadian cross-border travelers drawn by competitive fares.
- Main Terminal — A single compact terminal housing all passenger check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim in one accessible building.
- Rental cars available on-site from major agencies including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) available at the curb outside arrivals
- Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus routes connect the airport to downtown Bellingham
- Hotel shuttles offered by select nearby properties upon request
- Private car services and airport transfers bookable in advance
- Hampton Inn & Suites Bellingham
- Hilton Garden Inn Bellingham
- Best Western Plus Bellingham Airport Hotel
- Comfort Inn Bellingham
- Holiday Inn Express Bellingham
Inside the terminal, dining options are limited given the airport's small size, with a cafe and snack bar serving basic meals, beverages, and grab-and-go items. A wider variety of restaurants, including local Pacific Northwest eateries and chain dining, can be found within a short drive along Meridian Street in Bellingham. Travelers with time before their flight are encouraged to explore downtown Bellingham's vibrant food scene featuring local seafood and craft breweries.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as security lines can occasionally be slow during peak travel periods.
- Canadian travelers crossing the border should account for border wait times, which can exceed an hour during weekends and holidays.
- Parking is affordable and plentiful directly adjacent to the terminal, making it a stress-free option for drop-offs and pickups.
- Check flight availability carefully as the airport serves a limited number of routes, primarily to Western US destinations.
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Route map (9 destinations)
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Bellingham International Airport is three miles (5 km) northwest of Bellingham, in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. BLI covers 2,190 acres (886 ha) of land, and is the fourth-largest commercial airport in Washington.
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