Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Loveland, CO

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Northern Colorado Regional Airport, (FAA: FNL, ICAO: KFNL) is located in the heart of Northern Colorado, and serves as a key transportation hub for the region. Although jointly owned by the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, CO it is actually located in Loveland. It sits in Larimer County at an elevation of 5,020.3 ft. The address is 4900 Earhart Rd, Loveland, CO. This is the closest airport to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

It features a grooved asphalt runway, 15/33, measuring 8500 x 100 with a full parallel taxiway and high intensity lighting. There is also a small asphalt crosswind runway 6/24 that measures 2,189 x 40 and is approved for daytime VFR only. This field is certified commercial but awaits an expansion of the runway 15/33 width at present. Both 100LL and Jet-A fuel are available on the field.

This field receives air traffic control through a certified Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower, generally known as the “horse trailer”. The FAA will continue to to provide service until the Remote Tower is certified, which doesn’t seem likely, or a conventional tower is built, of which $25 million has been approved by the Loveland City Council. Also approved is the building of a new terminal. Construction on that project started July 17, 2023 with an estimated completion time sometime in the fall of 2024.

The airport supports a range of businesses. Among them is the jetCenters of Colorado, offering comprehensive services for general aviation including fueling, hangar space, WiFi, oxygen, and concierge services. In addition, all important in Colorado, deicers!

Charter services are available here and there are a couple of vacation charters. One is for Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, NV or Caesars Entertainment in Laughlin or Reno NV. (2024)

There are three flight schools here: The Flying School, Leading Edge Flight Training, and Front Range Helicopters. Other businesses located here are: Professional Aircraft Services, Avionics Specialists, and The New Firewall Forward.

TRANSPORTATION

In terms of transportation, the Northern Colorado region is fairly well-connected. The airport itself is easily accessible, located adjacent to I-25 and US Hwy 34, and within minutes from the historic downtown areas of Loveland and Fort Collins. The region benefits from a robust network of transportation services, including buses and shuttles that facilitate movement around Northern Colorado. There is a nice airport shuttle bus, Landline offered by United, that you can take to Denver, (DEN) airport or Greeley, CO. United calls it their “wingless” flight..

Also offered are smaller shuttles by Groome Transportation. A nice perk at this airport is free parking for up to three weeks if you are a charter or United customer and two free weeks for Groome customers. However, no RVs, trailers or Campers are allowed.

As for courtesy cars, jetCenters of Colorado advertises both crew cars and car rentals. Supposedly, when the new terminal is complete there will be car rentals available inside. If you would just prefer to do it online so your car is ready when you get there you can go to AirportRentalCars.com.

Where To Stay!

The closest and easiest access places to stay are right across Interstate 25. Woodspring Hotel, My Place Hotel, Candlewood Suites, Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites are just south of E. Crossroads Blvd. and the Embassy Suites by Hilton with conference rooms and a spa is just north of the same road. The following link will take you to the Loveland, Colorado hotel page on Expedia.com

Traveling south to the crossing of I-25 and Hwy 34 you will find the Hampton Inn, Best Western, Marriott’s Residence Inn, and many more. I only mention all of these because I know many travelers use points for extra night stays at certain chains. So keep in mind, I haven’t personally checked all of these out. Expedia.com or Hotels.com can help you compare. If you need help with any part of your journey Travelocity.com is also a great website. (affiliate links)

Where to Eat!

Doug’s Day Diner: Known for its American diner fare.
Nordy’s Bar-B-Que & Grill: American standard BBQ fare, ribs and brisket and all the fixin’s, what else could you want? It’s right across the highway from the airport. Perfect!
Henry’s Pub: A little farther from the airport with American fare, first come first serve bar and they have a Walleye Fry on Sundays.
Door 222 Food & Drink: Downtown Loveland decorated with big rustic posts. You can sit inside or out weather permitting. They’ve got a great wine list.
Urban Egg: Daytime eatery not far from the airport and they say it’s always great food.

Things To Do

The best resource for things to do, if you don’t already have plans when you get there, is the Loveland Visitor’s Center. There’s lots of info here about places to explore and things to see. If you’re looking for a little faster pace stay in Fort Collins just to the North of Loveland or take the shuttle to Denver.

If you already know you came here to ski there are certainly options near here. Estes Park is world-wide famous but if you want to skip the crowds and expense, Loveland has it’s own Loveland Ski Area where you can ski along the Continental Divide. There are two base areas, Loveland Valley and Loveland Basin.

Water time or camping can be found at Flat Iron Reservoir with it’s gorgeous views. It’s just North of Carter Lake. Swimming and boating aren’t allowed here so this is a fishing haven. Note: You can boat or swim in Carter Lake. The reservoir is a popular spot for catching rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel cat. It’s also a great place for picnics and relaxing.

If you decide on traveling to Estes Park or just want to see the sights, rent a vehicle and take the the Old Fall River Road but not if you’re in a hurry. It’s not for the faint of heart or the impatient. The speed limit is 15 mph, it’s steep, and there are no guard rails. However, it’s only 11 miles long. You can do this! It’s so close to nature you can breathe it in. At the end of it you can choose to go east to Estes Park on the beautiful Trail Ridge Road or southwest to Grand Lake.

Just a long stretch your legs fuel stop or short stay? You can still enjoy Colorado. On the back side of the airport is Boyd Lake at Boyd Lake State Park. Vehicle fee is $10.00 with playgrounds for kids and leashed animals are allowed.

In Conclusion

Enjoy the mountains, the water, and all the natural beauty Northern Colorado has to offer! If you’ve been and we didn’t mention your favorites let us know. To sign up for future heads up e-mails about our next stress free adventure destination go to jettreks.com.

As always, we wish you safe flights and great adventures,

Jo@jettreks.com