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McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD/KCRQ) is a county-owned general aviation and business airport in Carlsbad, about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego. It opened in the late 1950s and was later renamed to honor former San Diego County Supervisor Gerald McClellan, and it remains a key reliever for San Diego International. The field has a single runway, a control tower, and is popular for flight training, corporate jets, and coastal North County access.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors often time a meal or coffee at the on-field restaurant (The Landings) to watch runway operations; if you're flying out, ask for a westbound departure for sweeping Pacific coastline views when conditions allow.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is just off Palomar Airport Road, with quick access to I-5 and CA-78. Rideshare, taxis, and rental cars are the most practical options; public transit is limited and usually requires an NCTD Breeze bus or Coaster connection. Allow extra time during weekday commute hours and LEGOLAND/beach traffic.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to McClellan-Palomar Airport?
A: There is no regular scheduled airline service; CLD primarily handles general aviation, business jets, charter flights, and flight training.
Q: How far is CLD from San Diego International Airport (SAN)?
A: It is roughly 30–35 miles north of downtown San Diego and SAN, typically a 35–50 minute drive depending on traffic.
Q: What are the airport codes for McClellan-Palomar?
A: IATA: CLD, ICAO: KCRQ, FAA LID: CRQ.
Q: Is there parking and rental car service at the airport?
A: Yes, the airport has parking lots and on-site or nearby rental car options; rideshare and taxi pickups are also available.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 29, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash