Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV)
Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport is a state-owned public-use airport located near Cordova, Alaska.
- Distance to downtown
- 16.4 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 12 min
- Terminals
- 1
Flights to Cordova, Alaska
A scenic coastal fishing port between Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta.
AlaskaAlaska Daylight TimeCDV
- Best round-trip fare
- $264.00
- Nonstop from
- 2
- Best time to visit
- Jul, Aug
- Updated
- 2026-10-28
Cordova travel overview
Cordova Located on Orca Inlet at the eastern edge of Prince William Sound near the mouth of the Copper River. Famous for prized Copper River sockeye and king salmon, Sheridan and Childs glaciers, and the May Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival. Its primary aviation gateway is Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV).
- State
- Alaska
- Population
- 2,609 (2020)
- Time zone
- Alaska Daylight Time
- Average stay
- 3–4 days
- Nearest airport
- Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV)
- Straight-line distance
- 16.4 km
Popular flights to Cordova
Find the most popular routes to Cordova, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage (ANC) | 51 min | Alaska Airlines | 7 | $264.00 | View route |
Airports serving Cordova
Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) is the primary air gateway serving Cordova. Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV, 13 miles from town) has daily Alaska Airlines jet service to Anchorage (ANC) and Juneau/Seattle. Confirm baggage weight limits and check-in times with your carrier before departure.
Best time to visit Cordova
Mild and drier in summer
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
July – August
Mild and drier in summer
Seasons
WinterDec – Feb
Cold wet
SpringMar – May
Cool rainy
SummerJun – Aug
Mild drier
AutumnSep – Nov
Cool rainy
Top things to do in Cordova
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Cordova itinerary.
Copper River Highway, Sheridan Glacier, and Copper River Delta
Follow the Copper River Highway east of Cordova across the Copper River Delta to the Sheridan Glacier trail and Alaganik Slough boardwalk.
Ilanka Cultural Center, Cordova Museum, and Eyak Lake
In downtown Cordova, explore Eyak and Sugpiaq heritage, Copper River railway history, and commercial fishing traditions.
Cordova city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) to Cordova Center One-Way Transfer | Travelers arriving at CDV for Cordova | 5–30 min | USD 0–40 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): USD 0 on foot or courtesy shuttle, USD 2 for municipal bus where available, or USD 10–40 per vehicle for local pickup/taxi. Original charging basis: one-way airport-to-town transfer (walk/shuttle 0 to local ride/taxi). |
Where to stay in Cordova
Downtown Cordova First Street and Small Boat Harbor Area: Lodging is concentrated along First Street and the Small Boat Harbor within walking distance of museums and dining.
Downtown Cordova First Street and Small Boat Harbor Area
Lodging is concentrated along First Street and the Small Boat Harbor within walking distance of museums and dining.
Cordova trip planning
When planning a trip to Cordova, pair 'Copper River Highway, Sheridan Glacier, and Copper River Delta' with 'Ilanka Cultural Center, Cordova Museum, and Eyak Lake'. Confirm lodging, local guides, and charters well in advance and keep flexible buffer days for weather.
- Daily budget
- USD 180–330 · estimated per person/day; local stay, meals & ground transfer · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about USD 180–330 per person/day for local lodging, meals, and basic local transfers in Cordova. Regional bush airfare and private charters are excluded.
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In the United States, tipping 15–20% is customary for sit-down dining, licensed guides, and taxis; tipping is not required at grocery stores.
- Power outlets
- The United States uses 120 V, 60 Hz electricity with Type A and Type B outlets.
- Accessibility
- Small aircraft boarding at Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) and unpaved village roads or boardwalks may limit wheelchair access (while major hubs like ANC and FAI offer full ADA accessibility); confirm assistance ahead.
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
Explore more destinations
From Cordova, consider extending your Alaska itinerary: Anchorage connects to Cordova via daily nonstop flights or via Whittier ferry links. Chisana: Chisana lies in the upper Copper River and Wrangell Mountains basin to the north.
Anchorage
ChisanaPopular routes from Cordova
Departures from Cordova use Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) connecting via Anchorage (ANC) and Seattle (SEA); arrive early for passenger and baggage weigh-in.
Frequently asked questions about Cordova
How do I get to Cordova, and what is the primary mode of access?
Cordova is served primarily via Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) with connections through Anchorage (ANC) and Seattle (SEA). Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV, 13 miles from town) has daily Alaska Airlines jet service to Anchorage (ANC) and Juneau/Seattle. Check baggage weight limits and allow buffer time for weather.