Orange County John Wayne Airport |SNA| in California

John Wayne Airport information

John Wayne Airport (code IATA: SNA) is the gateway to Southern California and the closest airport to Laguna Beach. It is the primary international airport which serves the Orange County and Greater Los Angeles zone in California, USA. John Wayne Airport operated by Orange County is currently second in the ranking of the largest airports in North America. It is the only commercial aviation airport in the county. SNA is situated 7 miles away from the city of Santa Ana and 30 minutes' drive from Los Angeles.

How busy is John Wayne Airport?

Among the busiest-rated airports (considering total passenger traffic) in the area, John Wayne Airport ("‎SNA"‎ Airport code) is ranked second, after Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).The airport serves 34 cities and municipal areas with a population of 3 million people. Thus, in 2019, the total number of passengers served by SNA Airport amounted to approximately 10.7 million. The monthly number of travelers in 2022 increased by 24-27% compared to 2021. John Wayne International Airport hosts nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 68% of total operations at SNA. The territory of the Airport covers 206 hectares and operates two runways. One of them serves general aviation (880-meter runway), and the other provides service for both commercial and general aviation aircraft (1740-meter runway).

Is John Wayne Airport (SNA) also called the Santa Ana Airport or Orange County Airport?

So it is. If you look at travel or airline websites, many of them refer to SNA as Orange County Airport or Santa Ana Airport. SNA is owned by the County of Orange and is located in Santa Ana city. Originally named Orange County Airport (code IATA: ‎SNA‎), it was renamed at the end of the 1970s in honor of actor John Wayne who lived next to the county.

What airlines fly out of SNA Airport?

John Wayne Airport gets bigger profits from general aviation (private planes) where the main traffic is concentrated. There are 11 passenger and 2 cargo airlines. Most operate local destinations, with a few direct flights to Mexico and Canada. The top airlines (based on passenger numbers) are Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

• Air Canada offers flights to such popular destinations as Vancouver and Toronto.

• American Airlines operates air routes to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Phoenix.

• Delta Airlines provides flights to Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

• WestJet serves air routes to Vancouver and Canada from the Airport in Orange County.

• Alaska Airlines offers air routes to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Everett, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Seattle.

• United Airlines operates flights to Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and San Francisco.

• Frontier Airlines provides flights to Austin and Denver.

• Southwest Airlines serves popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento, and San Jose.

You can find more information about the SNA Airport's airlines on our website.

Directions to John Wayne Airport

If you are wondering “where is John Wayne Airport?”, here are the routes that can take you to SNA:

• The Interstate 405 route (San Diego (I-405) Freeway).
• The State Route 55 (Costa Mesa (SR-55) Freeway).
• The State Route 73 (Corona Del Mar (SR-73) Freeway).

SNA Airport contacts

For more info on flights, facilities, accessibility, etc., you can contact the airport staff directly by calling (949) 252-5200 or by sending an email to [email protected]. The John Wayne Airport address is Thomas F. Riley Terminal 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707.

Customer service at Airport John Wayne

If you need to get any info regarding SNA flights or the airport’s policy, refer to the Information Kiosks. You can find them in the Baggage Claim area (lower level). Customer relations assistants will be delighted to help you with any tourism-related questions. A Customer Relations Assistant is available by dialing "0" from any White Courtesy Phone or by calling (949) 252-5200. You can easily identify customer service professionals by their red coats/vests. They are always available to assist Airport guests.

COVID-19 information

When planning your flight from/to Airport SNA, please note that face masks and temperature checking are no longer mandatory at the terminal. Nevertheless, passengers and employees can wear a mask during travel or while working.

COVID-19 rapid testing is available in Terminal B (Departure area). Testing is accessible to all passengers. The cost per test is $139 and the results are ready within 15-30 minutes. Certain airlines and destinations do require a negative COVID-19 test (PCR). Therefore, travelers are asked to check the local rules with their airline.

John Wayne Airport Lost and Found

If you have lost an item in the public area of the airport, please ask for help from the Airport Police Service by calling (949) 252-5140. In case your item has been lost in the airplane or at the gate, you should contact your airline directly.

Flight alerts

Using our website, you can easily access all info on flight updates. If you want to check the status of your flight, and keep track of whether it was delayed or canceled, just type in your flight details and contact info (email) in the table below. This way, you will receive a flight status alert via email.

Terminals at Orange County John Wayne Airport

Orange County Santa Ana Airport consists of a single building with a main terminal known as Thomas F. Riley Terminal. It was named after the late county supervisor who contributed to the widening of SNA grounds in the 1980s. This change later led to a significant increase in passenger traffic.

The terminal is divided into 3 zones (Terminals A, B, C) which are connected and located in the same building. SNA Airport has 22 gates in total. You can check John Wayne Airport map to get more information about the terminal structure and amenities.

Transfer between the terminals at Orange County Airport

All travelers can move on the airside between terminal areas A, B, and C.

Transfer between Santa Ana John Wayne Airport terminals on the landside is also possible, so you can easily switch between the terminals before security control. Connecting walkways are available for passengers in check-in counter areas, to provide access to all parts of the main terminal.

Terminal A

Terminal A hosts three airlines: American Airlines, Delta Connection, and WestJet Airlines. The lower floor of the Terminal possesses two baggage claim carousels for the airlines between Columns 1-5. Near the eastern part of this level, you can find an Airport Operation/Security Office. The upper floor of the terminal has check-in counters and ticketing areas for three hosted airlines.

Terminal B

Terminal B is served by Alaska and United Airlines. It has a similar structure to Terminal A of Orange County Airport in California. The lower floor has two baggage claim carousels for the airlines between Columns 6-10. There is one baggage claim office placed on the east of the lower floor. The upper level of Terminal B has a ticketing zone and check-in counters for Terminal airlines.

Terminal C

Terminal C currently hosts Southwest and Frontier Airlines. The lower level of the building has three baggage claim belts for the airlines between Columns 11-15. The terminal's lower floor serves International Arrivals, and Carousel 7 is reserved for the baggage of international passengers only. Near the belt (in the western part), arriving travelers will find US Customs and Border Protection services, and the TSA Pre Application Check area. The upper level of Terminal C holds a ticketing zone and check-in counters for hosted airlines.

Arrivals level

The Arrival area is located on the lower floor of the Airport in Orange County, CA. It has seven baggage claim belts: two of them are placed in Terminal A, two are in Terminal B, and three belts are found in the Terminal C area. Baggage claim carousel 7 operates exclusively for international passengers arriving at SNA.

Weather in Santa Ana, California

In Santa Ana, as in most cities of California, the Mediterranean climate prevails. It is marked by two seasons — wet winters and dry summers. Santa Ana is a sunny and hot center of Orange County, so do not forget to pack sunscreen in your suitcase.

Services at John Wayne International Airport

Upon arrival at Orange County (SNA) Airport, you can draw on the following services provided by the Airport:

• ATMs for transactions and withdrawals processing
• Cafes and restaurants for a quick snack
• Shopping areas offering beauty and hygiene products, gifts, etc.
• Baggage carts
• Phone and TDD Phone
• Information counter
• Helping Hands Personalized Assistance for travelers with disabilities
• Lounges where mothers can pump or nurse their babies
• Pet relief area for the convenience of travelers with pets
• Lost and Found Service.

Leisure facilities at SNA John Wayne Airport

Cafes and restaurants

The Thomas F. Riley Terminal of Orange County Airport (SNA) offers various food venues. They include restaurants where you can have a full meal, quick sit-down dining to get a bite, and "grab-and-go" food places. There are several lounge areas for passengers to relax over a cup of coffee before departure at Santa Ana Airport. While you are at SNA Airport, don't miss the opportunity to explore the public art collection and rotating exhibits. You can also enjoy live music and find trained therapy dogs.

Shopping

Shopping options at the Airport in Orange County, CA, are limited, as there are two major shopping meccas in the area (South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Fashion Island in Newport Beach). These malls can be found a few miles away from the Airport. However, passengers can pick up any basic items needed while traveling in all terminal areas.

Parking at Santa Ana California Airport

John Wayne Airport provides its customers with a few parking options: Terminal Parking Area (A1, A2, B2, C), Valet Parking, and Main Street parking that is located outside the airport's territory. You can park your vehicle for several hours or days, or for a longer period of time.

Ground transportation at Orange County California Airport

Upon arrival at the Airport near Orange County, passengers can use ground transportation options which include buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing. You can travel to the nearest train stations using the airport's transfer. However, if you are looking for the most convenient and fast way to travel, the best option to consider is car rental. If you rent a car, you will be independent of public transportation and taxis, and therefore save money!

• Bus route 76 of Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is accessible at John Wayne Airport. To get to the bus stop, you have to move to the lower level (Arrivals area, in front of Terminal B).

• A shuttle service is available for passengers with reservations (made 24 hours in advance). Shuttles can be found in the Ground Transportation Center (Arrival Level).

• A taxi stand is located in the Ground Transportation Center and Terminal C (Lower level).

• Train stations are located in Irvine, Santa Ana, and Tustin which are approximately 10 miles from the Airport near Orange County in California.

• Ride-sharing with Lyft, Uber, and Wingz provides drop-off and pick-up services.

Car Rental at Orange County Santa Ana Airport

There are a lot of rental agencies providing their services at John Wayne International Airport. If you are searching for a suitable car for an affordable price, our service will help you to find it, saving you time and money. Using our search engine, you can easily compare prices of different deals from reliable vendors to find your perfect car!

Hotels near Orange County CA Airport

Santa Ana Airport provides a large choice of cozy hotels to choose from, all located within a mile of the airport. Book a room in advance to ensure you have satisfactory accommodation during your trip to California. Be aware that finding housing in the high season may not be easy, so plan your trip carefully.

Travelodge by Wyndham Orange County Airport/ Costa Mesa

1.95 km from center

Hotel Room from USD81

★ 6.4

932

Motel 6-Santa Ana, CA - Irvine - Orange County Airport

5.10 km from center

Hotel Room from USD85

★ 6.6

712

Costa Mesa Inn - Newport Beach Area

1.70 km from center

Hotel Room from USD87

★ 7.5

1561

Vagabond Inn Costa Mesa

3.15 km from center

Hotel Room from USD88

★ 5.4

588

Airports close to Orange County SNA Airport

Orange County Santa Ana Airport is conveniently located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles where one of the closest airports (IATA code: LAX) is situated. There are six airports located within 50 miles of SNA which can be reached via car, bus, or train.

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport to Santa Ana Airport located 19 miles away.

• Ontario (ONT) is found 30 miles away from Orange County Airport.

• Burbank (BUR) is located 46 miles from SNA Airport and 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles.

• Van Nuys (VNY), placed in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, is 51 miles from SNA.

• Carlsbad (CRQ), a gateway to and from San Diego’s North County, is located 51 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport.

Travel targets from Orange County Airport, CA

Orange County has an incredible wealth of destinations to visit, from the rich oceanfront mansions in Newport Beach, to the magical Disneyland, and various authentic wineries. Everything you expect from a true California experience comes together when visiting Orange County. The golden shores and beaches bathed in sunlight, along with a few of the country's top museums and natural parklands, make this state a perfect travel destination.

By renting a car, you have the opportunity to get to know the region’s big-city side with the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to the north, as well as the touristic beachside San Diego to the south. Car rental is the best way to explore all tourist spots and surrounding districts. Check out the list of top destinations to explore from Orange County Santa Ana Airport below:

Santa Ana

Getting from the airport, closest to Orange County, to Santa Ana will take 6-10 minutes driving from SNA. It is both the most populous and the largest city in the county. Santa Ana is a unique travel destination in Southern California, offering plenty of attractions and activities. Travelers can visit The Bowers museum with its beautiful collections of Native American and Pre-Columbian art, or the interactive Discovery Cube science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits. Another great option for spending time is the Santa Ana Zoo, which highlights the plants and animals of Central and South America. Lovers of outdoor activities will appreciate Willowick Golf Course, located a few miles west of Disneyland.

Theme parks and attractions in Anaheim

Anaheim is home to world-famous theme parks where you can play with your favorite movie and comic book heroes. Take a chance to visit this legendary place located just 13 miles from the closest airport to Orange County in California. The highlight for the majority of travelers is Disneyland, the most iconic of all theme parks. The Disneyland Resort has plenty of adventures to offer its guests. Universal Studios Hollywood is the place where your favorite movies come to life. Hit the thrilling rides that immerse you in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and Transformers. Don't miss the opportunity to see entire cities made from millions of LEGO bricks with your own eyes, by visiting Legoland in Anaheim. The trip from John Wayne Airport to Disneyland will take around 10-12 minutes by car.

City of Laguna Beach

There is one more stunning destination available for travelers near Orange County International Airport. Laguna Beach has a long-standing history, and is a favorite holiday spot for Los Angeles and Orange County residents alike. The geography of the city is unique and distinctive, with its seven miles of coves and beaches where travelers can explore sea caves, oceanside cliffs, and natural tide pools. Beyond the large area of beaches, the city is home to more than 8000 hectares of protected wilderness, making it a perfect location for adventurous exploration. After enjoying relaxation and complete unity with nature, go on a trip along one of the world-famous mountain biking routes, or try hiking. The trip from John Wayne Airport to Laguna Beach takes 15 minutes.

Irvine Regional Park

Irvine Regional Park is situated 12.8 miles away from Santa Ana Airport close to Orange County, California. It is a stunning spot for family activities in Orange County. Parents will have a great time with their children and friends, renting bikes or paddle boats, visiting the Orange County Zoo, and riding horses. If you’re searching for fun and relaxation in the Orange County area, Irvine Park Railroad provides year-round activities and special events to celebrate Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. The drive from the airport to the park takes, on average, 15-20 minutes.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is rightfully considered the entertainment capital of the world. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Griffith Observatory to see the beauty of the city at night. Move to the iconic Santa Monica Beach and catch a dead-on glimpse of the Hollywood sign on Beachwood Drive. You can also see Walt Disney Concert Hall, plenty of landmark museums, world-famous theme parks, wineries, and much more. Los Angeles isa 30-minute drive from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, CA.

Cost of living

Santa Ana is in the top 3% of the most expensive cities in the world. The average cost of living without rent is approximately $740 per person. Lunch menu costs, on average, $15. A quick snack in a fast food restaurant will cost you $8-10. The average price of a pint of beer is $5.79, and a cup of cappuccino is $4.71.