Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) is the closest commercial airport to Camp Lejeune and the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina. For Marines, sailors, and their families, OAJ is the local gateway in and out of the Onslow County area, whether you are reporting for duty, heading home on leave, flying in family for a graduation, or moving on PCS orders. This guide covers the airlines that serve OAJ, parking, the terminal, and the easiest way to get from the airport to Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, or anywhere in Jacksonville.
Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) at a glance
OAJ is a small, easy to use airport owned by Onslow County and located on Albert Ellis Airport Road in Richlands, just northeast of Jacksonville. It has served the region for more than 50 years and handles close to 300,000 passengers a year, with the convenience of short lines, simple parking, and a quick walk from the curb to your gate. Here are the basics:
- Airport name: Albert J. Ellis Airport
- Airport code: OAJ (ICAO: KOAJ)
- Location: 264 Albert Ellis Airport Road, Richlands, North Carolina
- Distance to downtown Jacksonville: About 13 miles
- Serves: Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, Jacksonville, and Onslow County
- Website: flyoaj.com
Airlines and destinations at OAJ
OAJ keeps it simple with nonstop service to two major hubs, which puts most of the country one connection away:
- American Airlines (American Eagle) with nonstop service to Charlotte (CLT)
- Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection) with nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL)
From Charlotte and Atlanta you can connect to hundreds of destinations nationwide, so Marines and families traveling to or from duty stations and hometowns across the country can route through OAJ with a single stop. Flying local out of OAJ often saves time and parking costs compared to driving to a larger airport. Schedules and seat availability change throughout the year, so confirm current flights directly with the airline before you book.
Getting from OAJ to Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune sits on the far side of Jacksonville from the airport, so plan for about a 30 mile drive that typically takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on which gate or area of the installation you are heading to. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River is a bit closer. Because Camp Lejeune is large, with areas like Mainside, Tarawa Terrace, and Piney Green spread across the base, knowing your exact destination and gate access details before you land will save time once you arrive.
If you are flying through a different airport on your trip, you may also find our Wilmington International Airport (ILM) guide and Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) guide helpful for comparing routes and ground transportation across eastern North Carolina.
Parking and terminal amenities
OAJ offers short term and long term parking right next to the terminal, which is ideal for service members leaving a vehicle while deployed or traveling for TDY. Inside, you will find ticket counters, a TSA security checkpoint, rental car counters, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable waiting areas. Because the airport is compact, you do not need the long buffer times a major hub demands, though arriving early during peak holiday and PCS season is always a good idea.
Ground transportation options from OAJ
You have several ways to get from Albert J. Ellis Airport to Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, or the surrounding area:
- Rental car: Useful if you need a vehicle for your whole stay, though you take on parking, fuel, and returns around your flight times.
- Rideshare and taxi: Available, but surge pricing, wait times, and limited availability can be a problem during late arrivals or bad weather, especially this far from a major metro.
- Professional car service: A pre booked chauffeur is waiting when you land, tracks your flight, and drives you straight to base or your hotel with no surprises.
Why book a car service from OAJ to Camp Lejeune
After a long travel day, the last thing you want is to stand in a rideshare line or hunt for a rental counter. A professional Camp Lejeune car service from Krownkey Limo turns the trip from OAJ to base into the easiest part of your day. Your chauffeur monitors your flight for delays, meets you on arrival, helps with bags, and drives you directly to your destination in a clean, comfortable vehicle.
This is especially valuable for:
- Marines and sailors reporting in or returning who want a reliable, on time pickup after travel
- Families arriving for graduations, ceremonies, or visits who do not know the area
- PCS and TDY travelers who need a smooth handoff with luggage
- Groups who want to ride together instead of splitting across multiple cars
Krownkey Limo provides dependable, professional airport car service for Albert J. Ellis Airport, Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, and the surrounding Jacksonville and Onslow County communities. Reserve in advance so your ride is confirmed and waiting the moment you land.
Plan your ride from OAJ today
Flying into Albert J. Ellis Airport and need a reliable ride to Camp Lejeune or anywhere in the Jacksonville area? Contact Krownkey Limo to book your airport car service and travel with confidence from the moment you touch down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport is closest to Camp Lejeune? Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) is the closest commercial airport to Camp Lejeune, located near Jacksonville, North Carolina. The drive to base is about 30 miles and typically takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on which gate you use.
What airlines fly into Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)? OAJ is served by American Airlines (American Eagle) with nonstop service to Charlotte (CLT) and Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection) with nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), with connections nationwide.
How far is OAJ from downtown Jacksonville? Albert J. Ellis Airport is about 13 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, North Carolina, a short drive by road.
How do I get from OAJ to Camp Lejeune? You can take a rental car, rideshare, taxi, or a pre booked professional car service. A car service from Krownkey Limo offers a chauffeur who tracks your flight and meets you on arrival for a direct ride to base.