Airports In Southern California: A Comprehensive Guide

Southern California is home to several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is one of the busiest airports in the world. LAX is located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles and is known for being a major international gateway to the United States. Other notable airports in the region include the Hollywood Burbank Airport, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, and Ontario International Airport. These airports offer convenient transportation options, easy access to popular destinations, and a range of amenities for travellers. Southern California also has a major cargo airport, military airfields, and general aviation airports, catering to a wide range of aviation needs.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne Airport is the second-busiest airport in the region, serving 10.7 million passengers in 2019 and 783,496 passengers in February 2025. The airport has two runways, with the main runway being the shortest in the United States that handles regularly scheduled international flights. The airport offers many transportation options, including bus services, light rail, taxis, rental cars, shuttles, limousines, and ride-sharing apps.

John Wayne Airport is highly convenient for travellers heading to Anaheim, California, as it is just 13-20 minutes or 13 miles away. It is also the closest airport to Disneyland Resort, with Southwest Airlines being the top carrier for flights to and from the resort. The airport is also near to Garden Grove, Irvine, and the rest of Orange County, making it a great gateway to the region's popular tourist attractions.

John Wayne Airport offers a range of amenities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, a nursing mother's lounge, art exhibits, retail shops, and over 20 dining options. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal includes Terminals A, B, and C, each with its own ticket counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. The airport also features four adjacent parking structures, valet parking, and self-service ticketing kiosks.

Hollywood Burbank Airport

Southern California is served by five airports with commercial air service, which together served 114 million passengers in 2019. The primary international airport serving the region is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

One of the airports in Southern California is the Hollywood Burbank Airport, which is located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown Burbank, in Los Angeles County. The airport serves Burbank, Hollywood, and the northern Greater Los Angeles area, including Glendale, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and the Santa Clarita Valley. It is the closest airport to the central and northeastern parts of L.A., including Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles.

Compared to LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport is a smaller airport with fewer airlines. However, it is much easier to navigate, and its convenient location makes it a great option for travellers visiting Universal Studios or Six Flags Magic Mountain. The airport offers direct, easy access to Hollywood and Downtown L.A., making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Southern California.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Southern California is served by five airports with commercial air service, with an additional major cargo airport, four military airfields, and two dozen general aviation airports.

Long Beach Airport is located in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles. It is one of the smaller airports in the area, serving 3.6 million passengers in 2019. LGB only offers domestic flights, making it a good option for those seeking short, straightforward journeys. The airport is served by American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest.

From LGB, travellers can access public transportation through Long Beach Transit, as well as taxis, limos, and shuttles. Ridesharing is also an option and may be cheaper than a standard taxi. The airport is close to Orange County and is a good choice for those visiting theme parks, as it offers quick and easy access to many of the area's attractions, including California's famous beaches.

Long Beach Airport is easily accessible from the surrounding areas of Long Beach, DTLA, and northern Orange County. The closest hotels to the airport include Staybridge Suites Long Beach Airport, Extended Stay America Long Beach Airport, and Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport.

Compared to LA's other airports, Long Beach Airport is the least busy, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter airport experience.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to as LAX, is the primary international airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area. Located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, it is 18 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles and close to the Pacific Ocean. LAX is a major international gateway to the United States and serves as a connection point for passengers travelling internationally. It is the world's eighth busiest airport, serving 114 million passengers in 2019.

LAX is Los Angeles' largest and most popular airport, serving travellers both domestically and internationally. It is a safe bet for travellers due to its convenient location and wide range of flight options. However, it can be hard to navigate or get out of, especially compared to smaller airports in the region, such as Hollywood Burbank Airport.

LAX offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travellers to enjoy before their flights. The airport also provides disability services tailored to the comfort of its passengers. While LAX is a great option for many travellers, those visiting Disneyland may prefer John Wayne Airport (SNA) as it is closer to the theme park and offers lower rates for airport shuttles. Additionally, getting from LAX to Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, can cost upwards of $100, excluding tips and potential additional costs due to traffic.

For travellers looking for a more convenient and cost-effective option, Ontario International Airport (ONT) in San Bernardino County might be a better choice. It offers shorter security wait times and provides real-time updates for arrivals and departures. Ontario International Airport also has nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations, including New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is located in the city of Ontario, San Bernardino County, California, about 38 miles (61 km) east of downtown Los Angeles and 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown San Bernardino. The airport is owned and operated by the city of Ontario and San Bernardino County under a joint-powers agreement. Covering 1,741 acres (705 ha), it has two parallel runways, one of which is longer than three of the four runways at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it an alternate landing site for large aircraft destined for LAX.

Ontario International Airport offers nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations, including major US cities and international locations such as New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico. It is a full-service airport with commercial jet service and serves as a significant hub for cargo operations. In 2019, the airport served 5.6 million passengers, and in 2020, it handled 924,160 tons of cargo for UPS Airlines, making it their West Coast cargo hub.

The airport provides convenient amenities such as dining and shopping options, disability services, and easy navigation with terminal maps. It also boasts shorter security wait times compared to other Southern California airports, with fast-moving security lanes getting passengers from curb to gate in minutes.

For transportation to and from the airport, Route 380, also known as ONT Connect, provides non-stop daily service between the airport and Rancho Cucamonga station, connecting passengers to Metrolink's San Bernardino Line. Route 61 operates daily between Pomona–Downtown station, Ontario station, the airport, and Fontana station. Additionally, Route 81 operates Monday through Saturday on Haven Avenue, connecting Chaffey College to Ontario–East station, where passengers can access Metrolink's Riverside Line during weekday peak periods.

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