Tulsa is a city on the Arkansas River considered by many the cultural and arts center of the state of Oklahoma in the US. Already known for its fascinating art deco architecture, numerous museums and opera and ballet shows, it will inaugurate its Greenwood Rising history center in the fall of 2021, thus expecting to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors. As a matter of fact, National Geographic recently included Tulsa amongst their world’s favorite cities to travel to in the coming months. Although it is located less than two hours by car from Oklahoma City, the capital of the state, it has its own airport, while travelers touring the United States or coming from other destinations may alternatively choose to land in one of the relatively nearby airports listed below, then continuing your journey towards Tulsa by road.
Which airports are nearest to Tulsa?
Whether you want to take a direct flight to Tulsa from other US airports, or you don’t mind flying to a nearby airport and taking a short road trip to reach the downtown afterwards, you might be about to discover the most suitable way to plan your journey according to the specific requirements of your trip.
Flying to Tulsa airport (TUL)
Tulsa airport handles domestic flights to and from Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (McCarran International), Orlando, Charlotte, Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago O’hare, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Denver and Houston-Hobby.
Northwest Arkansas National airport (XNA)
You may take a domestic or connecting flight to Northwest Arkansas airport from Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, New York La Guardia, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Minneapolis St Paul, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Newark Liberty and San Francisco.
Flights to Will Rogers World airport (OKC)
OKC connects Oklahoma City with Seattle Tacoma airport, Las Vegas, Orlando, LAX, Charlotte, ORD, Washington Dulles, Miami, Baltimore, Houston Intercontinental, New York La Guardia, Chicago Midway, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Philadelphia and, from March 2021 onwards, also with Detroit.
How do I get to Tulsa from each airport?
From Tulsa airport to the city center
Conveniently located just 8 kilometers from the downtown, TUL boasts good connections to the centre from its facilities. Taxi cabs located on the curbside outside the arrivals hall are a convenient way to reach the center in just 15 minutes. If you travel for work or in a group you may as well hire a shuttle van from the Pelivan company or check with your hotel whether they offer private pick-up services upon arrival.
From Northwest Arkansas airport (XNA) to Tulsa
XNA airport lies 105 kilometers away from Tulsa city, which means it will take you roughly 2 hours to get to the center by car. The airport is located in the town of Highfill in the state of Arkansas, so tolls might be charged. If you want to hire a vehicle for your road trip to Tulsa after landing in Northwest Arkansas, note that rental car offices are found in the non-public area of the arrivals zone.
From Will Rogers World airport to Tulsa
Will Rogers World airport (OKC) is the main air travel terminal serving Oklahoma City, and a distance of 186 kilometers separates it from Tulsa. In order to rent a car to drive to your final destination, take one of the shuttle buses departing from the Arrivals Plaza outside the terminal and hop off at the rental car facility. Companies like Avis, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Advantage and Thrifty have offices in this US airport. As was the case with the road trip suggested above, tolls might also apply in this one.
Airports and Hotels 