When you think about air travel, you probably imagine long lines, lengthy layovers and hours in the sky. But not all flights are cross-country hauls. Some are so short you’ll barely have time to buckle your seatbelt before landing. Here are some of the shortest commercial flights in the United States, why they exist and why they’re worth knowing about.
Kalaupapa to Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i – About 9 Miles
Airline: Mokulele Airlines
This is often called the shortest scheduled commercial flight in the U.S. at just around nine miles. It connects the remote Kalaupapa settlement with Ho‘olehua on the same island. The alternative is a long and rugged hike or a boat ride, making this short flight a practical and scenic solution. I’ve never done it but my buddy Cranky did. Here’s his trip report.
Saipan to Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands – About 10 Miles
Airline: Star Marianas Air
This inter-island flight in the Pacific territory of the Northern Mariana Islands takes just 10 minutes. It’s a vital connection between two small islands with limited ferry access. Here’s a trip report.
San Francisco to Oakland – Just Over 10 Miles
Airline: Occasionally operated as part of a multi-leg route
This is one of the shortest distances between two major airports in the country. While not a regularly scheduled standalone flight, it does happen on rare occasions for repositioning or connecting flights. I know it’s a stretch including it but it does happen.
Kahului to Hana, Maui – Around 33 Miles
Airline: Mokulele Airlines
Driving the Road to Hana takes over two hours with narrow curves and one-lane bridges. The flight takes about 15 minutes and gives you incredible views of waterfalls, coastline and lush rainforest that are hard to see by car. Trip report.
Wrangell to Petersburg, Alaska – About 35 Miles
Airline: Alaska Airlines
This leg of Alaska’s famous “Milk Run” connects two Southeast Alaskan towns. There are no connecting roads, so flying is often the only choice. It takes roughly 15 minutes and gives you a glimpse of rugged Alaskan beauty. Here’s a video of the entire flight.
St. Thomas to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – About 40 Miles
Airline: Seabourn Airways
This hop between U.S. Virgin Islands takes about 20 minutes and is a necessary link between the islands for locals and tourists alike. It offers beautiful views of turquoise Caribbean waters. Here’s what it’s like being on the seaplane.
Juneau to Haines or Skagway, Alaska – About 45 Miles
Airline: Alaska Seaplanes
These quick flights hop over glaciers, fjords and mountains. Driving could take a full day and involve a ferry. Flying gets you there in under 20 minutes and the views are stunning.
Hyannis to Nantucket, Massachusetts – About 30 Miles
Airline: Cape Air
This popular summer route connects Cape Cod to the island of Nantucket in about 15 minutes. Ferries are available but the flight is often faster and scenic especially for day trippers. I’ve done this flight before on Cape Air. Here’s my trip report.
Key West to Miami, Florida – About 125 Miles
Key West to Miami, Florida – About 125 MilesAirline: American Airlines
While slightly longer than others on this list the Key West to Miami route clocks in at under an hour. It’s often faster than driving the Overseas Highway which can take up to four hours. I did this trip back when US Airways was flying — here’s my trip report.
Los Angeles to San Diego, California – About 109 Miles
Airline: United and American
Flights between LAX and SAN take about 40 minutes. While it might not always be faster than driving it’s often a good option during high-traffic times or for connecting passengers.
Bonus: Helicopter Flights from Manhattan to JFK or Newark – About 17 Miles
Operators: Blade, Uber Copter and others
These helicopters can get you from Manhattan to the airport in under 10 minutes. It’s not cheap but it’s fast and skips traffic. It’s also an unforgettable way to see the skyline. I made this trip a couple times and I had funny story which you can read about here.
Why These Flights Exist
Most of these short routes exist out of necessity. Many of the communities they serve are isolated or separated by terrain that makes driving difficult or impossible. Others save travelers hours on the road and offer unforgettable aerial views along the way.
The shortest flight I’ve taken is probably Papeete to Moorea or somewhere in Kenya when we made 7 stops (it was like taking a bus) to fly to Tanzania.
Have you taken one of these quick flights? Share your story in the comments.
I’ve flown from SFO to Sacramento (about 125 miles) when I flew directly from Europe to San Francisco. The alternatives ways to get from San Francisco to Sacramento are renting a car or Uber. There are only a couple of flights from SFO to SMF but if you can make the connection, it’s a lot easier than driving or trying to get an Uber to go that distance.