Transportation in California
Area served IATA Airport name Airport type Enpl
Los Angeles LAX Los Angeles International Airport Large hub 32,427,115
San Francisco SFO San Francisco International Airport Large hub 21,706,567
San Diego SAN San Diego International Airport Large hub 8,876,777
Oakland OAK Oakland International Airport Medium hub 4,771,830
Orange County SNA John Wayne Airport Medium hub 4,542,376
San Jose SJC San Jose International Airport Medium hub 4,317,896
Sacramento SMF Sacramento International Airport Medium hub 4,255,145
Air travel
See also : List of airports in California The airports of Los Angeles ( l ) and San Francisco ( r ) are two of the major air hubs in the United States Los Angeles International Airport ( LAX ) and San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) are major hubs for both international and transcontinental traffic . In 2011 , LAX and SFO were the sixth and 22nd busiest airports in the world by passenger count , respectively . [ 13 ] San Diego , Oakland , John Wayne/Orange County , Sacramento , and San Jose are also among the 50 busiest airports in the United States . In total , there are about a dozen important commercial airports and many more general aviation airports throughout the state 's 58 counties . The following table shows all California airports designated by the FAA as large hubs and medium hubs that have more than 3,000 enplanements annually :
California's transportation system is complex and dynamic. Although known for its car culture and extensive network of freeways and roads, the state also has a vast array of rail, sea, and air transport. Several subway, light rail, and commuter rail networks are found in many of the state's largest population centers. In addition, with the state's location on the West Coast of the United States, several important ports in California handle freight shipments from the Pacific Rim and beyond. A number of airports are also spread out across the state, ranging from small general aviation airports to large international hubs like Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. However, in a state with over 39 million people, rapid population expansion, and diverse terrain and weather, that system is under pressure to stay ahead of population growth and transportation needs.