Bellingham International Airport (BLI) – The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
Introduction: Why Choose Bellingham International Airport?
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is a key travel hub in the Pacific Northwest, providing an efficient, convenient, and affordable option for both domestic and international travelers. Located just three miles northwest of downtown Bellingham, Washington, and only 23 miles south of the Canadian border, BLI is a preferred airport for passengers from both the U.S. and Canada.
Whether you're flying for business or leisure, BLI offers a stress-free experience, with shorter lines, lower fares, and easy access to major cities. The airport is particularly popular among Canadian travelers from Vancouver, thanks to its low-cost flights and hassle-free border crossing.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of everything you need to know about Bellingham International Airport—from terminal amenities and airlines to ground transportation, parking, flight information, and local attractions.
1. General Information About Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
- Airport Code: BLI
- Location: 4255 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA 98226
- Owned By: Port of Bellingham
- Elevation: 170 feet (52 meters)
- Total Area: 2,190 acres
- Passenger Traffic: Over 700,000 passengers annually
BLI is the third-largest commercial airport in Washington State, after Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)and Spokane International Airport (GEG). Despite its smaller size, Bellingham International Airport boasts modern facilities, a spacious terminal, and a well-organized layout, making it one of the most efficient airports in the region.
2. Airlines and Destinations at BLI
Bellingham International Airport hosts multiple airlines providing nonstop and connecting flights to popular destinations across North America.
Airlines Operating at BLI:
- Alaska Airlines – Flights to Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage
- Allegiant Air – Nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Hawaii
- San Juan Airlines – Regional flights to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia
Popular Domestic Destinations from BLI:
- Seattle, WA
- Portland, OR
- Las Vegas, NV
- Phoenix, AZ
- Los Angeles, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Honolulu, HI
Popular International Destinations from BLI:
- Victoria, British Columbia (Canada)
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada)
- San Juan Islands (via San Juan Airlines)
BLI’s proximity to Canada makes it an attractive alternative to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), particularly for Canadian travelers seeking low-cost flights to U.S. destinations.
3. Terminal Facilities and Services
BLI has one main terminal, designed for ease of navigation and efficiency. The terminal is modern, well-equipped, and passenger-friendly, featuring a single-level design that simplifies the check-in, security, and boarding process.
Key Terminal Features:
✔ Check-In Counters – Located near the entrance for quick access.
✔ TSA Security Checkpoint – Streamlined screening for fast processing.
✔ Departure Gates – Easy access to multiple gates within walking distance.
✔ Arrivals & Baggage Claim – Fast baggage retrieval for a smooth exit.
✔ Rental Car Counters – Conveniently located near baggage claim.
Passenger Amenities:
- Restaurants & Dining Options – Cafés and snack bars offering food and beverages.
- Duty-Free & Retail Shops – Local souvenirs, travel essentials, and duty-free shopping.
- Free Wi-Fi – High-speed internet access available throughout the terminal.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange – Convenient banking services for travelers.
- Lost & Found – A dedicated help desk for misplaced items.
- Pet Relief Area – A designated space for traveling pets.
- Nursing Rooms – Private areas for parents with infants.
4. Ground Transportation Options
Bellingham International Airport provides multiple transportation options for travelers heading to downtown Bellingham, Seattle, or the Canadian border.
4.1 Car Rentals at BLI
Car rental services are available on-site, offering a variety of vehicles for both short and long-term rentals. Major rental agencies at BLI include:
✔ Enterprise Rent-A-Car
✔ Hertz
✔ Budget
✔ Avis
4.2 Taxi & Rideshare Services
✔ Uber & Lyft – Available outside baggage claim for fast pickups.
✔ Local Taxi Services – Bellingham Yellow Cab and Green Cab offer 24/7 service.
4.3 Shuttle Services
✔ Bellair Airporter Shuttle – Provides transportation to Seattle, Vancouver, and major cities in Washington State.
✔ Private Hotel Shuttles – Many hotels in Bellingham offer complimentary shuttle services for guests.
4.4 Public Transit Options
✔ Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Buses – Affordable bus service connecting BLI to downtown Bellingham.
5. Parking at Bellingham International Airport
BLI offers convenient and affordable parking options, including:
✔ Short-Term Parking – Located near the terminal for quick access.
✔ Long-Term Parking – Secure parking for extended trips.
✔ Economy Parking – Budget-friendly rates for travelers.
✔ Cell Phone Lot – Free waiting area for passenger pickups.
💰 Parking Rates:
| Parking Type | Rate per Hour | Daily Max | Weekly Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | $1 | $12 | $70 |
| Long-Term | $1 | $10 | $60 |
| Economy | $1 | $8 | $50 |
6. Travel Tips for Bellingham International Airport
✔ Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights to allow enough time for check-in and security screening.
✔ Check your flight status online before leaving for the airport.
✔ Use TSA PreCheck for a faster security process.
✔ Take advantage of duty-free shopping when flying internationally.
✔ Download the airline’s mobile app for mobile boarding passes and updates.
✔ Reserve parking online for the best rates and availability.
7. Things to Do Near Bellingham International Airport
If you have a long layover or extra time before your flight, explore some top attractions near BLI:
✔ Fairhaven Historic District – Stroll through this charming area filled with boutiques, cafés, and galleries.
✔ Western Washington University – Visit the scenic campus and explore outdoor sculptures.
✔ Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway – Take a picturesque drive along the Washington coastline.
✔ San Juan Islands – Take a short flight to one of the most beautiful island destinations in the U.S.
Conclusion: Why Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is the Best Choice
BLI is a traveler-friendly, low-cost alternative to Seattle and Vancouver airports. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, Bellingham International Airport offers a stress-free experience, with affordable flights, fast security lines, and excellent amenities.
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