Air ambulance flights to, from and within California
Air Ambulance Central arranges air ambulance flights for patients in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno and Palm Springs, and anywhere else in the state. Each transfer is bedside to bedside: a ground ambulance at the pickup, a medically equipped aircraft with a flight nurse and paramedic, and a ground ambulance waiting at the destination.
California is large enough that many transfers stay in the state, such as from the Central Valley or desert communities to major centers in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. It is also a frequent starting point for flights to Hawaii and Asia.
Common California transfers
- Within California: from a local hospital to a specialty or trauma center.
- Out of state: to specialty centers elsewhere in the U.S., or home to be near family.
- Into California: bringing a resident home after an illness or injury while traveling.
- International: repatriation to or from other countries.
Medical centers patients travel to in California
Nationally known hospitals in California that patients are often transferred to include:
- UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco)
- Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto)
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles)
- UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles)
- UC San Diego Health (San Diego)
We coordinate with the sending and receiving hospitals, including confirming a bed before departure.
Choosing the right transport
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Air ambulance | Patients who must lie flat or need ICU-level care, usually for trips over 200 to 300 miles |
| Medical escort | Stable patients who can sit upright on a commercial flight, often for much less |
| Ground ambulance | Shorter trips, usually under 200 miles |
Nearby states
All flights are operated by FAA-certified Part 135 air carriers, and patient care is provided by licensed, independent medical transport providers.
Common questions
How do I arrange an air ambulance in California?
Call 1-800-827-0745 or request a quote online. A flight coordinator confirms the patient's condition, the receiving bed and the travel date, then arranges the aircraft, medical crew and ground ambulances.
How much does an air ambulance from California cost?
It depends mostly on distance, then on the aircraft and medical crew needed. You get a free written quote before anything is booked. See air ambulance cost.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the Air Ambulance Central flight coordination team.