Benton Field Parking Guide
Finding Benton Field parking is simple and straightforward once you know where to look. Benton Field, officially operating as Benton Airpark (FAA identifier: O85), is a city-owned general aviation airfield in Redding, California. Unlike major commercial terminals, ground vehicle parking here is open, unmetered, and free for all visitors, diners, flight students, and private pilots. Drivers should park in the paved surface lot directly in front of the main terminal building and the Airpark Cafe off Airpark Drive. Advance reservations are not offered or necessary for standard passenger vehicles. If you plan to leave your car parked for several days during a cross-country private flight, notify airport staff or the local flight facility upon arrival. Most importantly, if you are searching for a scheduled commercial airline flight, you are at the wrong field and must reroute immediately to Redding Regional Airport (RDD), located roughly 11 miles southeast across town.
Parking Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Ground vehicle parking at Benton Field is free, open to the public, and located steps from the main administration building and cafe. No permits, reservations, or parking fees apply to standard cars.
Official Source Verification
Parking information can change by event, date, traffic control, construction, operator, or season. VenueGuideHQ checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check Parking Information
VenueGuideHQ verifies airport and attraction details through a strict research process. We consult public municipal data, official airfield operating manuals, City of Redding code records, and federal airfield data files.
We clearly separate confirmed facts from operational guidelines:
- Confirmed Facts: Landside vehicle parking is completely free; parking spaces sit directly off Airpark Drive; no passenger airline service operates from this runway; ADA-accessible stalls are located in front of the terminal.
- Operational Rules to Confirm: City guidelines for leaving an automobile unattended for more than 72 hours without reporting it to airport management.
- Helpful Recommendations: Peak morning hours to avoid during weekend breakfast at the Airpark Cafe, and check-in procedures for pilots departing on multi-day flights.
If you ever need parking advice for major sports arenas across the country, explore our guides such as the Wrigley Field parking guide, the Yankee Stadium parking guide, or the MetLife Stadium parking guide.
Commercial Airport Warning: Benton Airpark vs. Redding Regional Airport
One of the most common mistakes travelers make in Shasta County is confusing Benton Field (Benton Airpark) with Redding Regional Airport.
Benton Field (O85) is located at 2600 Airpark Drive on the west side of Redding. It is an un-towered general aviation airpark built for private aircraft, scenic flights, corporate charters, flight lessons, and dining. It does not have commercial airline gates, TSA security checkpoints, or airline baggage carousels.
Redding Regional Airport (RDD) is located at 6751 Woodrum Circle, roughly 11 to 12 miles southeast of downtown Redding. RDD is the city's commercial airport offering scheduled passenger flights on airlines such as United, Alaska, and Avelo.
If you have an airline ticket with a commercial flight number, do not park at Benton Field. Enter Redding Regional Airport into your navigation device right away and travel south via CA-273 or Interstate 5. Driving between the two airports takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Official Parking Overview
The parking setup at Benton Field is designed for easy community access. The paved landside parking lot runs directly in front of the airfield administration building, flight school operations, and the Airpark Cafe patio.
Because the airpark is managed as a public municipal property by the City of Redding, the ground lot does not utilize entry gates, parking attendants, validation machines, or meters. You can pull in and park in any open stall without a ticket.
A clear physical boundary separates passenger cars from the airfield. A security fence surrounds the flight line, maintenance hangars, taxiways, and runway. Ground vehicles are never allowed past the security gates onto the aircraft apron without airfield clearance and badging. Visitors, restaurant patrons, and student pilots must leave their cars in the front surface lot and walk through pedestrian gates when accompanied by authorized airfield personnel.
Best Parking Options for Most Visitors
Select the parking choice that matches your purpose for visiting Benton Field.
Main Terminal & Cafe Surface Lot
Best for: Airpark Cafe diners, flight students, and daytime visitors
- Free, unmetered parking in all standard marked stalls
- Direct, step-free access to the cafe patio and administration doors
- Open access with no gate codes or tickets required
Overnight Pilot & Traveler Parking
Best for: Pilots and charter passengers departing on multi-day flights
- Free parking along the perimeter of the primary surface lot
- No permit machine, but checking in with the FBO or airport staff is advised
- Convenient pedestrian access directly to the apron security gates
Curbside Drop-Off Loop
Best for: Taxis, rideshares, and quick passenger drop-offs
- Located directly along the driveway in front of the main terminal
- Immediate passenger loading and unloading at curbside
- Waiting drivers can park freely in any standard space
Airside Transient Aircraft Tie-Downs
Best for: Visiting pilots landing at Benton Airpark (O85)
- Ramp spaces located on the main paved tarmac near the fuel station
- Transient parking fees managed by City of Redding fee schedules
- Pilots should carry their own ropes and wheel chocks
Parking Prices and Payment
Ground vehicle parking at Benton Field is free for all motorists. Unlike commercial hub airports, there are no hourly fees, daily maximum rates, or lost-ticket charges for passenger vehicles.
Aircraft parking on the flight ramp operates under separate municipal rules. Visiting pilots parking on the main apron are subject to City of Redding transient tie-down fees based on the aircraft size and weight class. Aircraft fees are typically settled directly with the on-field fixed-base operator (FBO) or airport management office.
| Option | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Main Visitor Lot | Diners and day visitors | Free unmetered parking with no ticket needed |
| Overnight Car Parking | Pilots on multi-day trips | Free; notify FBO or airport staff of vehicle details |
| ADA Accessible Stalls | Visitors with mobility needs | Free with valid state-issued placard or plate |
| Transient Aircraft Ramp | Visiting private pilots | City tie-down fees apply; pay at office or FBO |
Accessible Parking
Benton Field provides dedicated accessible parking stalls for drivers with valid disability credentials.
The accessible spaces are positioned directly in front of the main terminal building entrance and the Airpark Cafe outdoor patio. These stalls feature painted access aisles that provide ample space for wheelchair ramps and passenger mobility equipment.
The path from the accessible stalls into the terminal building, flight briefing area, and restaurant is level, paved, and free of steps or curb obstructions. Anyone parking in these marked bays must display a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles disabled person placard or a specialized license plate.
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or hiring a local taxi to Benton Field is convenient.
The driveway in front of 2600 Airpark Drive functions as an open passenger loading area. Drivers can pull directly to the curb to let passengers out with luggage or flight bags. Because parking in the general lot is completely free, companion drivers meeting arriving pilots do not need to circle the road. You can simply park in an open bay and wait for the aircraft to shut down and passengers to exit the ramp.
Rideshare response times in West Redding can vary depending on the time of day. If you are landing on an evening private flight, request your ride approximately 15 minutes before touchdown or while securing your aircraft on the ramp to minimize waiting curbside.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options
Public transportation directly onto the Benton Field apron is limited, but local bus access is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) operates fixed bus lines across Redding. While buses do not turn onto Airpark Drive itself, nearby stops along the Placer Street corridor are located within 0.3 to 0.5 miles of the terminal. The walk from Placer Street to Benton Field takes roughly 8 to 12 minutes through a quiet residential neighborhood with sidewalks.
Benton Field does not offer complimentary airport shuttle buses or dedicated hotel vans. Visiting pilots requiring local ground transportation should arrange a rental car ahead of time through local providers, contact an FBO representative, or rely on rideshare services.
What to Do if Parking Is Full
Because Benton Field is a community airpark, the main surface lot rarely fills to capacity for aviation activities. However, congestion can occur during:
- Peak weekend breakfast and brunch hours at the Airpark Cafe (typically Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM).
- Occasional local aviation community events or pilot safety seminars.
If you arrive and find all marked bays in front of the main terminal occupied, take these practical steps:
- Check the Lot Perimeter: Drive along the outer edges of the paved parking area, where open spaces frequently remain open away from the cafe front door.
- Use Curbside Street Parking: Unmetered, legal street parking is available along sections of Airpark Drive and Gold Street. Always ensure your vehicle is parked parallel to the curb, clear of fire hydrants, and fully outside of red-painted zones.
- Keep Security Gates Clear: Never block the sliding motorized gates or emergency access driveways leading onto the airfield. Airport emergency vehicles and fueling trucks require 24-hour clearance.
- Adjust Your Cafe Visit Time: If you are visiting strictly to eat at the restaurant, arriving before 9:00 AM or after 1:15 PM will allow you to park easily in the closest rows.
Day-of Parking Tips From VenueGuideHQ
Make your arrival at Benton Field smooth and stress-free by following these local recommendations.
- Confirm your destination airport before driving. Check your itinerary code for O85 versus RDD to avoid missing a commercial airline flight across town.
- Park only on the street side of the security fence. Keep your car in marked surface stalls to avoid trespassing into federal aviation operations areas.
- Notify airport staff if leaving your car for multiple days. Giving your license plate number to the FBO prevents your vehicle from being questioned under municipal storage rules.
- Arrive early for weekend cafe dining. Getting there before 9:30 AM avoids the local breakfast crowd and secures parking directly by the walkway.
- Bring your own aircraft tie-down gear. Visiting pilots should pack ropes and chocks in case transient ramp anchors are in high demand during summer fire season.
- Lock your vehicle and stow all luggage out of sight. The municipal lot is open to public streets, so standard property security precautions should always be taken.
Category-Specific Arrival Tips: General Aviation Airfield
Operating around a general aviation airpark requires awareness of airfield rules and daily activity cycles.
- Flight Training Schedules: Benton Field is home to active flight training operations. Early morning hours (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and late afternoons often see higher ground activity as instructors and students meet, conduct pre-flight inspections, and load aircraft.
- Tarmac Safety Boundaries: Non-pilots and family members should stay landside of the main fence unless escorted by airport staff or a certified pilot. Propeller wash and moving aircraft create serious safety hazards near open hangars.
- Afternoon Mesa Winds: The elevated western mesa of Redding often experiences gusty winds during summer afternoons. Pilots leaving an aircraft parked outside should secure control locks and double-check transient tie-down lines.
- Wildfire Aviation Season: During Northern California wildfire seasons, regional airparks sometimes experience temporary traffic spikes from observation planes or agency personnel. Parking lot traffic may increase accordingly during regional emergency operations.
Before You Go Checklist
Review this quick checklist before heading out to Benton Field:
- Confirmed whether your flight is general aviation (Benton Field - O85) or commercial airline (Redding Regional - RDD).
- Set your navigation GPS directly to 2600 Airpark Drive, Redding, CA 96001.
- Noted that vehicle parking is free and does not require reservations.
- Checked operating hours for the Airpark Cafe if visiting for a meal.
- Recorded your license plate number to leave with the flight desk if parking overnight.
- Brought a valid DMV disability placard if utilizing designated accessible parking stalls.
- Requested taxi or rideshare pickup in advance if landing late in the evening.
- Verified current aviation notices and fuel availability if flying an aircraft to the field.
- Secured all valuables out of view inside your locked vehicle trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vehicle parking free at Benton Field?
Yes, ground vehicle parking in the main paved surface lot along Airpark Drive is free. There are no parking meters, validation machines, or daily parking charges for visitors and pilots.
Can I leave my car parked overnight at Benton Field?
Yes, overnight parking is permitted for pilots and passengers departing on flights from Benton Airpark. For trips lasting more than a couple of days, it is wise to leave your vehicle details and contact number with the FBO or airport administration office.
Do commercial airlines fly out of Benton Field?
No. Benton Field is strictly a general aviation airpark for private planes, charters, and flight training. All commercial airline passenger flights in Redding operate out of Redding Regional Airport (RDD), located about 11 miles southeast.
Where do I park when visiting the Airpark Cafe?
Airpark Cafe patrons can park in the main surface lot directly in front of the building entrance off Airpark Drive. There is no charge to park while dining.
Are there accessible parking spaces at Benton Field?
Yes, marked accessible parking spaces with striped access aisles are located immediately adjacent to the main terminal building and the outdoor cafe ramp. A valid disability placard or license plate is required.
Can I book a parking space in advance?
No, vehicle parking cannot be reserved in advance. The surface parking lot operates on an open, first-come, first-served basis, and spots are almost always available.
What should I do if the main parking lot is full?
If the primary lot is congested during weekend breakfast hours or a community event, you can park in legal curbside spaces along Airpark Drive or Gold Street. Never block security gates or residential driveways.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations at Benton Field?
Official airfield records do not list public EV charging stations in the main lot. EV drivers should plan to charge at nearby fast-charging stations located in downtown Redding.
How do transient aircraft parking fees work?
Visiting pilots who park on the airport apron must pay transient aircraft tie-down fees set by the City of Redding municipal fee schedule. Fees vary by aircraft weight and can be settled through airport administration or the on-site FBO.
How far is Benton Field from Downtown Redding?
Benton Field is located approximately 1.5 to 2 miles west of Downtown Redding. The drive takes about five minutes via Placer Street or Buena Ventura Boulevard.
Conclusion
Parking at Benton Field is refreshingly straightforward compared to major commercial hubs. With free surface parking right at the terminal doorstep, visitors can easily access the Airpark Cafe, flight training facilities, and aircraft apron without paying parking fees or navigating complicated garages.
Just remember the most critical rule: double-check your airport destination before driving. As long as you are arriving for general aviation or dining rather than a commercial airline gate, you can pull straight into 2600 Airpark Drive, park in any open bay, and enjoy your time at the airfield.
Parking information can change by event, date, season, traffic control, construction, and parking operator. Always confirm the latest parking details on the official venue, airport, park, attraction, city, transportation, parking operator, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.
