Closest Airport to Disneyland California (+nearby options)
Looking for the closest airport to Disneyland in California?
I’ve got you covered with all the details! Being a Northern California local, I have been to Disneyland more times than I can count with my family and friends.
Sometimes, we fly to Disneyland instead of driving for 6 to 9 hours, especially when traffic is going to be crazy. Anyone who has driven in the San Francisco Bay Area and LA knows how bad the traffic can get here!
I have traveled to Disneyland via some of these airports and am here to help you pick the closest airport to Disneyland that meets your needs.
The Closest Airports to Disneyland– A Quick Overview
Below are the five main airports that can be used to travel to Disneyland. John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) covers the most domestic and international destinations:
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 14 miles from Disneyland – Closest airport!
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 18 miles from Disneyland
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 33 miles from Disneyland – Largest airport!
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 34 miles from Disneyland
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – 41 miles from Disneyland
Ultimately, which airport you pick will be mostly based on your starting city and which airports in this list serve your origin city.
It will also largely be dependent on flight prices, flight durations, number of stops, and flight timings, as everyone has different preferences.
I personally always go for nonstop or max one-stop flights that do not start super early in the day. I do not like to wake up at 2 AM to catch a flight!
⭐Anu’s Pro-Tip: Pick the airport that serves your starting city and offers the best price with shortest flight duration. Then book a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or private shuttle to your hotel in Disneyland. Stay in one of the hotels that are within walking distance to Disneyland and avoid renting a car. This is what I do!
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, John Wayne Airport serves as a quick gateway for many traveling to Disneyland. If you’re aiming to get that magical experience started as swiftly as possible, SNA might just be your best bet.
Distance & Travel Time from SNA to Disneyland
SNA is approximately 14 miles from Disneyland, making it the closest airport of the lot. On a good day, with traffic in your favor, you could find yourself at the theme park gates in a mere 20 minutes.
Uber estimate comes to around $35 to travel from SNA to Disneyland Park.
Pros of flying in SNA
- It’s the Closest airport to Disneyland – Its closeness to Disneyland is undoubtedly its strongest suit. After a long flight, the short commute to the magical world is often a relief.
- Serves a large number of destinations with non-stop flights – SNA serves a good number of domestic destinations with nonstop flights. Check SNA website for the full list.
- Ease of navigation due to its compact size – Unlike sprawling airports, SNA’s relatively compact size ensures a stress-free experience. Whether it’s security check-ins or baggage claims, processes are streamlined and efficient.
- Generally less crowded than LAX – As it serves fewer destinations than LAX, SNA is usually way less crowded than the international LAX airport.
Cons of flying in SNA
- Limited international flights – If you’re flying in from overseas, chances are you’ll need to catch a connecting flight to get here. This might be a deterrent for those looking for direct routes.
- Ticket Prices: Sometimes, due to its convenience and demand, flights to SNA can be a tad pricier than their counterparts.
Airlines & Services at SNA
While SNA is not the largest airport, it’s serviced by prominent airlines, including Southwest, United, and Delta. This provides a reasonable range of options if you’re flying domestically.
Additionally, for those looking to grab a quick bite or shop for last-minute essentials, the airport houses a variety of dining and retail outlets.
We’ve had a nice lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen – a must-try if you have some waiting time. You will also find beverage shops like Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Jamba Juice.
Ground Transportation Options at SNA
- Rental Cars – Multiple agencies operate on-site at the airport itself, making it straightforward for you to pick up and return vehicles. I recommend booking your rental car online at Discover Cars for the best rates.
- Taxis & Ride-shares – Designated zones exist for traditional taxi services as well as popular ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft.
- Shuttles & Buses – Various private shuttle services operate to and from the airport, and they require advance reservations. Additionally, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) offers bus routes connecting the airport to several locations in Orange County.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
When you think of Southern California’s airports, Long Beach Airport might not be the first name that pops up. However, its unique charm, combined with its relative proximity to Disneyland, makes it an option worth considering.
On our most recent visit to LA, we chose Long Beach as our base as it was quite easy to go to Disneyland and other parts of LA from Long Beach. It was also very convenient to visit Catalina Island from Long Beach, as it was just a ferry ride away! We also had a great time exploring Long Beach .
Distance & Travel Time from LGB to Disneyland
LGB is positioned about 18 miles from Disneyland. The trip is typically a short drive of around 25 minutes, though this can vary slightly based on traffic patterns.
Long Beach Airport and John Wayne Airport (SNA) are about the same distance from Disneyland, with SNA being a little closer at 14 miles.
Uber estimate comes to around $55 to travel from LGB to Disneyland Park.
Pros of flying in LGB
- Hassle-Free Experience: Due to its smaller footprint, you’re likely to breeze through security checks, baggage claims, and boarding processes.
- Architectural Beauty: Long Beach Airport is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, which lends a timeless charm.
- Open-air Concourse: One of the distinct features of LGB is its open-air waiting areas. You can enjoy the pleasant Southern Californian weather while you wait for your flight.
Cons of flying in LGB
- Does not serve international destinations – There are no direct flights coming into LGB from international destinations. LAX is your best bet if flying internationally.
- Fewer airlines and domestic destinations served – LGB currently only serves three airlines, with Southwest being the main domestic carrier serving limited destinations.
- Amenity Limitations: Owing to its size, LGB might not offer the extensive range of dining and shopping options available at bigger airports.
Airlines & Services at LGB
The airport is primarily serviced by Southwest, with a couple of flights operated by Hawaiian and Delta. Southwest Airlines offers a decent selection of domestic routes. You can check the LGB website to see if your origin city is served at LGB.
Dining at LGB is a quaint affair, but the quality isn’t compromised. “Boathouse on the Bay” is a favorite, offering hearty entrees and appetizers. There is a coffee shop and a couple of retail shops. I particularly enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere at LGB.
Ground Transportation Options at LGB
- Rental Cars – Several rental car companies are located in the Ground Transporation Center right across the terminal. Pre-book your rental car online using Discover Cars for the best rates.
- Ride-shares & Taxis – Pickup areas are conveniently marked, making it simple for travelers to hail a taxi or summon a ride via platforms like Lyft or Uber.
- Public Transit – Long Beach Transit buses link the airport with the city and surrounding regions.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is a major airport and often the first stop for many coming to California. Serving as a major international gateway to the U.S., it’s teeming with activity, representing the buzzing nature of the city it resides in.
Distance & Travel Time from LAX to Disneyland
LAX is 33 miles from Disneyland. While it’s further than some other options, the extensive freeway system can typically land you at the theme park’s doorstep in about 50 minutes to an hour.
But, as with most LA tales, traffic can be the wild card. During peak traffic hours, which is typically during office commute hours of 7 AM to 9 AM in the morning and 3 PM to 8 PM in the evening, this might even go up to two hours.
Uber estimate comes to around $60 to travel from LAX to Disneyland Park.
Pros of flying in LAX
- Serves most international and domestic destinations – Few airports match the vast network of LAX. Whether you’re flying from Tokyo or Toronto, LAX likely has a direct route, reducing the need for cumbersome layovers.
- More transfer options – LAX has the most ground transportation options, from private and shared shuttles to taxis to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. It also has the most car rental services compared to the other airports.
- Numerous amenities and services – Fancy a gourmet meal before your flight? Or looking to indulge in some luxury shopping? LAX offers an array of high-end restaurants and boutiques, making layovers a lot less mundane.
Cons of flying in LAX
- Plan for extra time for security lines – LAX is a huge airport, and that comes with its disadvantages. The lines at security can be very long, so make sure to arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights.
- Prone to heavy traffic – Both inside and outside. While the airport’s hustle and bustle can be exhilarating for some, others might find it overwhelming. And then there’s the notorious LA traffic to consider when planning your commute to or from the airport.
Airlines & Services at LAX
LAX is a hub for many major airlines, including American, Delta, United, and Southwest. Airlines from all corners of the globe operate here.
The airport also offers several lounges where you can relax and recharge. LAX has around eight terminals, and each terminal is equipped with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops for last-minute items and souvenir shopping. I collect magnets for all the places I travel to, and airport souvenir shops are handy if I forget to buy them in the city.
Pro-tip if flying into LAX: Allow for plenty of buffer time (I would recommend at least 3 hours) if you’re flying in and out of LAX during weekends and holidays.
Ground Transportation Options at LAX
- Rental Cars – Due to LAX’s size, rental car shuttles transport passengers to their off-site rental car center, which houses numerous agencies. It is best to book your rental car online before arriving to get the car of your choice. Make sure to check Discover Cars for the most competitive rates.
- Ride-shares & Taxis: LAX has a dedicated pickup spot called ‘LAX-it,’ an external lot where passengers can get taxis or ride-share services. LAX-it lot is near Terminal 1, and you can walk to it or take the free LAX-it shuttle.
- FlyAway Buses: These direct buses offer service from LAX to multiple parts of LA, such as Union Station, and Van Nuys.
- Public Transit: The Metro Green Line’s Aviation/LAX station can be reached via a free shuttle, connecting passengers to the wider LA metro system.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
ONT, situated northeast of Anaheim, might not be the first name to come to mind when thinking of airports near Disneyland, but it is a great alternative to LAX if it serves your origin city.
I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this airport as it serves more than 20 non-stop destinations, including a handful of international destinations as well.
Distance & Travel Time from ONT to Disneyland
Ontario International is about 34 miles away from Disneyland. The drive is typically around 45 minutes to an hour, but traffic can influence the journey as with any SoCal trip.
Uber estimate comes to around $60 to travel from ONT to Disneyland Park.
Pros of flying in ONT
- Less Crowded: ONT is generally quieter than its gigantic counterpart, LAX. This translates to shorter lines, quicker check-ins, and a more relaxed experience.
- Ease of Access: Its location off major freeways ensures quick access, particularly for those coming from or going to the eastern parts of Southern California.
- Straightforward Layout: The airport’s design is intuitive, making it a breeze to find your gate or baggage claim area.
Cons of flying in ONT
- Fewer flight choices compared to LAX: While ONT is expanding its international routes, it still doesn’t match the extensive network of LAX.
- Fewer Amenities: You’ll find essential services and dining options, but the variety might not be as vast as LAX.
Airlines & Services at ONT
Carriers like Southwest, Delta, and American have a presence at ONT, giving you a decent range of domestic options. My experience at ONT was smooth, primarily due to its compact nature and nonstop service from Bay Area airports. There are fewer but a good selection of shopping and dining options as well.
Ground Transportation Options at ONT
- Rental Cars: ONT has a car rental center accessible via a complimentary shuttle from the terminals. Book your rental car online using Discover Cars for the best rates.
- Taxis & Ride-shares: Designated rideshare app pickup locations are easy to find outside of each terminal. Both traditional taxis and app-based services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
- Buses & Shuttles: Several shuttle services and OmniTrans public buses link the airport with key regional destinations.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood Burbank Airport, also known as Bob Hope Airport, sits north of downtown Los Angeles. With its strategic location serving the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles, it’s a favored option for those wanting a slice of Hollywood glamour without the LAX frenzy.
Distance & Travel Time from BUR to Disneyland
BUR is approximately 41 miles from Disneyland. Depending on traffic, the journey generally takes about an hour to 2 hours.
By distance, BUR is the furthest airport from Disneyland, but the travel time might be the same when compared to LAX, depending on traffic.
Uber estimate comes to around $70 to travel from BUR to Disneyland Park.
Pros of flying in BUR
- Serves several domestic destinations – BUR has a wide range of nonstop flights to major US cities.
- Compact Design: The airport’s smaller layout ensures quicker navigation from check-in to boarding.
- Accessibility to major freeways: BUR’s location allows easy access to both the 101 and 5 freeways, offering a more direct route for those staying in or around the Los Angeles region.
Cons of flying in BUR
- No international destinations – BUR currently does not serve international destinations. The range of domestic destinations and flight schedules might be more limited than what you’d find at LAX.
- Limited amenities – While BUR has essential services, it may not offer the extensive retail or dining variety of LAX.
Airlines & Services at BUR
BUR is serviced by popular airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Delta, with Southwest covering a range of domestic routes. When it comes to refueling before a flight, the airport houses a few choice eateries.
I was pleasantly surprised to find ‘Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar’ and ‘Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter’ here. Well, after all, it is the Hollywood airport, so it has to have some celebrity names, right?
Ground Transportation Options at BUR
- Rental Cars: The BUR rental car center is around 7-minute walk from the terminal over a moving walkway. You can check Discover Cars and book your car online for competitive rates.
- Ride-shares & Taxis: Designated areas cater to those seeking taxis or ride-share services, ensuring smooth pickups and drop-offs.
- Rail: BUR is uniquely positioned near two train stations: Burbank Airport-North (served by Metrolink) and Burbank Airport-South (served by Amtrak and Metrolink), providing rail links to Downtown LA and beyond.
Travel Tips for Flying into Disneyland
Below are travel tips that will help you make the most of your air travel to Disneyland:
- Peak travel times – Weekends and holidays can cause both air and road traffic. Make sure to reach the airport ahead of time and keep extra time for baggage drop and security lines.
- Balancing convenience and cost – Sometimes, a further airport offers significant savings on flight tickets.
- Planning ahead – Decide on how you plan to go to your hotel/ vacation rental. Is it a rental car, an airport shuttle, or a taxi/Uber? Pre-booking shuttles, private transfers, or car rentals can save last-minute hassles and disappointments.
- Setup mobile rideshare apps ahead of time – If planning to book a rideshare from the airport, make sure to download Uber and Lyft and set up payment options ahead of time so that the apps are ready to book a ride when you land in LA.
More tips for visiting Disneyland
For discounted Disneyland Tickets, make sure to check our partners at Get Away Today! Buying Genie Plus add-on is totally worth it to get access to Lightning Lanes and thus be able to do more of the best rides at Disneyland and California Adventure rides and attractions.
And yes, California Adventure Park is a must visit in your Disneyland itinerary if you plan to stay for two days or more. The really cool Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers are in California Adventure Park, as well as the new Avengers Campus.
Where to Stay for Disneyland
Choosing a hotel nearby disneyland and preferably walking distance is my way to go for Disneyland visits. Saves so much time in the morning and we are able to reach by rope drop time in Disnyeland.
Disneyland Resort hotels – Stay close to the magic. The convenience is unbeatable, but prices are on the higher side. The three Disneyland hotels are:
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – Luxury resort in the park
- Disneyland Hotel – Best hotel with a grand pool and waterpark area
- Paradise Pier Hotel – mid-range Disneyland Resort Hotel
Anaheim hotels right outside the park – Numerous options exist within walking or short driving distance. Some even offer free shuttle service.
- Courtyard by Marriott – Hotel with waterpark
- Fairfield Inn Marriott Anaheim – best mid-range hotel
- Best Western Plus Park Place Inn – best budget hotel
Vacation rentals – Homes or apartments can be great for larger groups or longer stays. When we visit Disneyland with family and friends, we book vacation rentals instead of multiple rooms. Having some extra living space, a kitchen, and a backyard is great, too.
Final Takeaways: Closest airports to Disneyland
So now you have the latest information about all of the airports near Disneyland. While John Wayne Airport might be the closest airport to Disneyland, ultimately, your entry point will be dependent on which of the airports serve your starting city and then by prices.
All airports are great and offer basic amenities; pick one that gives you the best bang for your buck! After all, you will need the extra money to buy souvenirs at Disneyland, right? 😉
More about Disnyeland
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