Airport
Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport (VBG)
Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport serves California's Central Coast and is a restricted-access gateway for Lompoc, Vandenberg Village and the surrounding Santa Barbara County area. Transfer options connect authorized travelers to Lompoc, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara.
Passengers
Luggage
About Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport
Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport (VBG) is a military airfield located about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Lompoc on California's Central Coast. The site began as Camp Cooke in 1941, later became an Air Force missile and space launch base, and was redesignated Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2021.
The airfield supports space launch and missile test operations for the base, one of the country's primary West Coast space launch facilities. Aviation activity is restricted to military and approved mission-related aircraft, and the airfield does not operate commercial passenger terminals.
The airport has a single main runway, Runway 12/30, approximately 15,000 feet (4,572 m) long, capable of handling large military transport aircraft. Operations are managed by military air traffic control and require prior permission for transient aircraft.
Road access is available via California Highway 1 and local routes, with Lompoc about a 15–20 minute drive away. Because VBG is not a public airport, most civilian travelers use nearby public airports such as Santa Maria Public Airport or Santa Barbara Airport for commercial flights.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport is a military airfield and does not operate separate commercial passenger terminals. Airfield activity is organized around military operations, mission support and base facilities rather than domestic or international passenger terminals.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport
Transfers
Arrange pre-authorized private transfers from Vandenberg Space Force Base Airport to Lompoc, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and other Central Coast locations.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from VBG to business meetings, launch-site visits and destinations across California's Central Coast.
Car Rental
Pick up a rental car in Lompoc or nearby cities for independent travel after authorized arrivals at Vandenberg Space Force Base, with access coordinated in advance.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for mission teams, contractors and official groups travelling between VBG, hotels, event venues and other Central Coast destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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