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Passenger Amenities & Services
- Shops & Dining: Despite its moderate size, FAT offers several convenient dining and shopping options. There are three Hudson News shops (pre- and post-security) for books, snacks, and travel essentials. For dining, you’ll find Starbucks in the pre-security lobby (open 7:00am–12:00am) and another Starbucks kiosk past security (open early at 5:00am). After clearing security, the main eatery is Tap & Pour Gastropub, a sit-down restaurant and bar open roughly 5:00am until 2:00am daily. This is the airport’s primary restaurant offering meals, local beers, and cocktails. In the same post-security area, there are grab-and-go food shelves and a Peet’s Coffee station for quick bites and beverages. These amenities are centrally located near the gates, so you won’t have to walk far for food or last-minute items.
- Restrooms & Family Facilities: Restrooms are available in both the pre-security lobby and throughout the concourse, including accessible stalls. A private Mother’s Room is provided airside for nursing parents, equipped with comfortable seating, a sink, and outlets. For travelers with pets or service animals, an indoor pet relief area is located post-security in the concourse. This pet relief area is clearly marked and includes supplies to clean up.
- Other Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the terminal, so you can stay connected while waiting for your flight. Plenty of seating with charging stations is available in the gate areas – look for charging outlets in seating clusters and at the base of the central escalator in the post-security Arts Lounge area. The Arts Lounge features a distinctive life-size sequoia forest artwork, which makes for a relaxing spot to work or unwind. A staffed Information Desk is located in the main lobby (pre-security) where volunteers can assist passengers. Additionally, ATMs are available, including one behind the Starbucks in the lobby, and a Ready Credit kiosk can convert cash to prepaid cards if needed. FAT’s amenities are easy to find due to the compact layout – everything (food, restrooms, shops) is close to the central atrium and gates, making it convenient for travelers. Families will appreciate the child-friendly facilities, and everyone can enjoy the clean, modern terminal with local artwork and ample lighting.
Ground Transportation Options
Getting to or from FAT is straightforward, with multiple transportation options available:
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): App-based ride services are authorized and widely used. Pick-up and drop-off for Uber and Lyft are at the designated rideshare zone just outside the departure doors of the terminal. Simply request a ride once you’ve collected baggage, and follow the signs to the rideshare pickup area (marked on the sidewalk). This is often a quick and convenient option, taking about 15 minutes to downtown Fresno under normal traffic.
Taxis: Metered taxis are available curbside at the terminal on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll find the taxi stand right outside baggage claim. Several companies serve the airport (e.g. Yellow Cab, A+ Taxi), and an attendant may assist in hailing the next taxi in line.
Public Bus: Fresno Area Express (FAX) operates city bus service to the airport. Route 39 stops at the terminal and connects to downtown via Clinton Avenue. This is the most budget-friendly option with fares of just a couple of dollars.
Regional Shuttles: V-Line connects the airport with Visalia, and seasonal YARTS buses operate summer service to Yosemite National Park. These services are convenient for travelers heading to national parks or nearby valleys.
Hotel Shuttles: Many local hotels offer free airport shuttle services. Check with your hotel and call from the arrivals curb if needed. Private shuttle and limousine services can also be pre-booked for pickup.
Car Rentals: Major rental car companies are located directly inside the terminal, just steps from baggage claim. On-site counters include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and more. No shuttle is needed, and the rental car lot is walkable from the terminal.
Lounge Access & Quiet Areas
FAT does not offer airline-branded lounges, but a comfortable public “Arts Lounge” near the gates serves as a quiet space to work or relax. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available throughout the terminal. The space is ideal for reading, working, or catching up on emails before your flight.
Parking Options & Tips
Hourly/Daily Parking: Main terminal parking and the garage charge $3 per hour or a daily maximum of $15. Covered garage parking is especially useful in hot or rainy weather. Cash and card options are accepted at various locations.
Economy Lot: Located just beyond the garage, this uncovered lot costs $10 per day and is a good choice for longer trips. A short walk brings you directly to the terminal.
Cell Phone Waiting Area: A free lot near the terminal entrance lets drivers wait up to 60 minutes for arriving passengers to call for pickup. You must remain with your vehicle in this zone.
Accessibility & Tips: All lots are within walking distance. The airport offers accessible parking and 2 free hours for cars with a disabled placard. Pay stations accept major credit cards and are located at exits or inside the terminal. During holidays, lots can fill quickly, so arrive early.
Parking Options & Tips
FAT offers several on-site parking choices, all within a short walk of the terminal. Short-term parking and the multi-level parking garage (directly in front of the terminal) are best for hourly or daily parking, while an Economy Lot offers a cheaper rate for long-term stays. Key options include:
Hourly/Daily Lot & Garage (Main Parking): The rates are $3 per hour (for the first day) with a daily maximum of $15 per day in the main terminal parking areas. This rate applies in both the garage and the adjacent short-term lot. If you’re parking just to meet an arriving passenger or for a day trip, you’ll pay $3 per hour up to that $15 cap on the first day. After the first 24 hours, the charge is a flat $15 for each additional day. The garage provides covered parking (useful in hot summer or winter weather) and has elevators for easy terminal access. Note: One of the lots is credit-card only (no cash accepted), but there is another lot and the garage where cash is accepted at the kiosks or exit booth. All the main parking is right in front of the terminal – it’s a 2-3 minute walk from the furthest end of the garage to the entrance.
Economy Lot: For longer trips, the Economy Lot offers a lower flat rate of $10 per day. This uncovered lot is slightly farther but still within walking distance (just past the garage). It’s a good budget-friendly choice if you’ll be gone multiple days. Do allow a few extra minutes to walk from the economy area to the terminal. During peak holiday travel, the economy lot can fill up, so arriving early is wise – the airport has been expanding parking, but construction can temporarily reduce available spaces. All payments in the economy lot are via credit card at the exit.
Cell Phone Waiting Area: If you are picking up arriving passengers, take advantage of the free Cell Phone Waiting Area located along the airport entrance road. This is a small parking area where you can wait up to 60 minutes for free until your arriving party calls you for pickup. It’s far more convenient (and courteous) than circling the terminal. Note that you must remain with your vehicle in this area, and once your passengers are ready, you can drive to the arrivals curb for active loading. Curbside parking at arrivals is not allowed, so the cell phone lot is the best way to avoid parking charges when picking someone up.
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Brian Mitchell