Airport Guide to John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Orange County in California, 23km (14 miles) from Disneyland Resort. It was the first airport in the United States to be named after an entertainer – the film star John Wayne.

The airport has one main terminal, the Thomas F Riley Terminal, which houses both Terminal A and Terminal B. With two airline lounges, a fair amount of shopping opportunities and a range of food and drink options to suit all wallets, John Wayne Airport is a comfortable airport to use when travelling to California.

A number of airlines operate at John Wayne Airport. Some of the popular destinations served from the airport are Atlanta, Houston, Newark, Oakland and Honolulu. Terminal B’s concourse is currently under construction, but passengers using the airport will find that the airport offers convenience and a welcoming attitude.

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Terminal Transfer

The airport has two terminals (A and B) connected by a mezzanine area. Terminal transfers are easy as it’s a short walk from one to the other.

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Getting into Town

Train: The closest train stations to the airport are located in Tustin, Santa Ana and Irvine. All of them are roughly 16km (10 miles) from the airport. A taxi fare to the Irvine AmTrack station generally costs less than $30.

Taxis: Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) in between the two terminals just outside arrivals. The John Wayne Airport Yellow Cab Service is the official taxi company serving the airport. Meter rates start at $2.95 for the first quarter of a mile and go up by $0.65 per quarter mile thereafter. Taxis also charge a waiting fee of $30 per hour, which is calculated at $0.50 per minute. Taxis to Newport Beach generally cost about $23, while taxi fare to Irvine ranges from $25 to $30.

Bus: The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) runs the iShuttle. The shuttle stop is just south of the GTC next to the terminal. Alternatively, OCTA bus routes 76 and 212 service the airport. The bus stop is just outside Terminal B on the lower level. The buses run on weekdays only. There are two northbound 212 buses per day leaving at 6.55am and 7.30am. The two southbound 212 buses leave at 4pm and 5.14pm each day. The 76 buses are more frequent and there are 19 eastbound buses each day between 5.51am and 10.54pm. There are also 19 westbound 76 buses each day departing from the lower level between 5.14am and 9.26pm. Bus tickets start at $1.50 for local routes and the exact change is necessary. There is also a Disneyland Resort Express Shuttle that provides a regular service between Disneyland Resort and the airport, passengers should enquire at the Ground Transportation Centre.

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Car Parking

Parking options at John Wayne Airport include valet parking, three parking garages, a car park and Main Street parking. Valet parking is on the departures level between Terminals A and B. Parking garages A1, A2 and B2 are across the road from the terminals and allow for two hours of parking. They’re only accessible from the departures level. Car park C can be accessed via Campus Drive and is connected to the terminal via a shuttle service that leaves every 15 minutes. Main Street parking is at 1512 Main Street in Irvine and is also connected to the airport via a shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes. Parking options are available between 4.30am and midnight each day. Valet rates are $30 per day. Terminals A1, A2 and B2 cost $2 per hour up to $20 for 24 hours. Car park C costs $2 per hour and $17 per 24 hours. Main Street parking is $2 per hour or $14 per day.

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Information Desks

Information desk, booths and an interactive visitor’s centre are located on the lower level of the terminal, on either side of the John Wayne statue and close to the Ground Transportation Centre. The staff are friendly, always willing to help and easy to spot in their red coats.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs and payphones are available at the airport. Telecommunications devices for the deaf are available throughout the airport. However, mailboxes and currency exchange facilities are not available.

Luggage: Sky Caps and SmarteCarte luggage trolley rentals are available at John Wayne Airport. The airport police deal with lost-and-found items, but passengers can enquire at the information desks on the lower level near arrivals.

Conference and business: The American Airlines Admirals Club offers business conference services and is situated on the mezzanine level. The United Airlines Red Carpet Club lounge is accessible via the elevator near gate 9 and also has conference facilities. There are also power outlets within the terminal.

Other facilities: An art gallery, airline lounges, animal relief area, family restrooms and baby changing facilities, electrical power outlets and services for passengers with disabilities are all available at the airport.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers need to connect to the JWAFREEWIFI network and then open their browser.

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