When you think of flying, you probably picture long airport waits, layovers, and hours in the sky. But not every trip requires crossing hundreds of miles. In fact, some flights in the United States are so short that by the time you fasten your seatbelt, it’s already time to land.
Here’s a look at the shortest commercial flights in the U.S., why they exist, and what makes them unique.
Kalaupapa to Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i – 9 miles
- Airline: Mokulele Airlines
- Often considered the shortest scheduled commercial flight in the U.S.
- Connects the isolated Kalaupapa community with Ho‘olehua on the same island.
- Alternatives are a demanding hike or a boat ride—making this short flight both practical and scenic.
Saipan to Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands – 10 miles
- Airline: Star Marianas Air
- Lasts about 10 minutes.
- With limited ferry service, it’s a vital lifeline between the islands.
San Francisco to Oakland – just over 10 miles
- Airline: Sometimes part of multi-leg flights
- One of the shortest distances between two major airports in the U.S.
- Rare as a standalone flight, but it occasionally happens during repositioning operations.
Kahului to Hana, Maui – 33 miles
- Airline: Mokulele Airlines
- Driving the Road to Hana takes over two hours with sharp curves and one-lane bridges.
- By air: only 15 minutes with stunning views of waterfalls, cliffs, and rainforest.
Wrangell to Petersburg, Alaska – 35 miles
- Airline: Alaska Airlines
- Part of the famous “Milk Run” route.
- A 15-minute hop connecting towns without road access, offering rugged views of mountains and waterways.
St. Thomas to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – 40 miles
- Airline: Seabourn Airways
- A 20-minute seaplane ride linking the islands.
- Known for breathtaking Caribbean views.
Juneau to Haines or Skagway, Alaska – 45 miles
- Airline: Alaska Seaplanes
- Routes fly over glaciers, fjords, and towering peaks.
- Driving would take all day plus a ferry—flying takes under 20 minutes.
Hyannis to Nantucket, Massachusetts – 30 miles
- Airline: Cape Air
- A 15-minute summer favorite between Cape Cod and Nantucket.
- Ferries are available, but flying saves time and provides great views.
Key West to Miami, Florida – 125 miles
- Airline: American Airlines
- Flight time: under one hour.
- Driving the scenic Overseas Highway takes four hours, so the flight often makes sense.
Los Angeles to San Diego, California – 109 miles
- Airlines: United and American
- Flight time: about 40 minutes.
- Driving can be quicker in light traffic, but for connections or rush-hour trips, the flight wins.
Bonus: Manhattan to JFK/Newark by Helicopter – 17 miles
- Operators: Blade, Uber Copter, others
- Flight time: under 10 minutes.
- Pricey, but eliminates NYC traffic and offers stunning skyline views.
Why These Flights Exist ✈️
- Many of these routes serve isolated communities with no road or ferry access.
- Others save hours of travel time and provide spectacular aerial scenery.
- In short, these flights exist not just for convenience but often out of necessity.
