John Wayne Airport
Also known as: SNA Airport, Santa Ana Airport, Orange County Airport, John Wayne Airport Orange County.
Private transfer from SNASee pricesSee pricesAbout John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the commercial airport for Orange County, California, in the United States. It stands in an unincorporated area next to Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach, beside the I-405 and SR-55 freeways, and the County of Orange owns and runs it.
Most flights are domestic. Southwest Airlines, American, Delta, United and Alaska Airlines link Orange County with cities across the western United States and hubs such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta and New York, while Allegiant, Breeze and Frontier add leisure routes. Air Canada and WestJet fly to Vancouver and Calgary, and Southwest flies to Puerto Vallarta and San José del Cabo in Mexico. The airport handled about 11.4 million passengers in 2025.
All airlines use the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, one building divided into Terminals A, B and C with 22 gates. Terminal C also holds the customs hall for international arrivals.
From the airport, travelers head to Newport Beach, Irvine and Costa Mesa close by, to Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort to the north, and to the beach towns of Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach along the coast.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
County of Orange
- Passengers per year
About 11.4 million in 2025
- Runways
Two: 2L/20R, 5,700 ft (1,737 m), for airline flights, and 2R/20L, 2,886 ft (880 m), for light aircraft
- Terminal
Thomas F. Riley Terminal, with Terminals A, B and C and 22 gates
- Noise curfew
No airline departures from 10 pm to 7 am (8 am on Sundays) and no airline arrivals from 11 pm to 7 am (8 am on Sundays)
Arrival tips for John Wayne Airport
Most flights into John Wayne Airport are domestic, so you walk from the gate straight to baggage claim with no passport check. International flights from Mexico arrive at Terminal C, where you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before entering the terminal; Global Entry kiosks are available there. Flights from Canada clear U.S. immigration and customs in Canada before departure.
Baggage claim for every terminal is on the Arrival (lower) Level, below the gate you arrived at. Check which terminal your airline uses (A, B or C), since this tells you which carousels and which stretch of curb you come out to.
Outside, taxis and shared shuttle vans leave from the Ground Transportation Center on the lower level between Terminals A and B, and taxis also wait at Terminal C. Uber, Lyft and Wingz pick up on the top level of Parking Structures A2 and B2 and on the upper level of the Terminal C structure, so follow the rideshare signs. The white curb is for loading only, so pre-booked drivers usually meet you inside at baggage claim.
California is on Pacific Time.
Ground transportation
A taxi or pre-booked car is the simplest way to reach Orange County's spread-out towns and resorts; public transit is limited.
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Book a transfer from SNATaxi from John Wayne Airport
Taxis wait at the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrival (lower) Level between Terminals A and B, and at Terminal C. They go door to door, and fares add up quickly on longer trips such as Anaheim or Laguna Beach.
Uber, Lyft and Wingz
Rideshare pickups are on the top level of Parking Structures A2 and B2 and on the upper level of the Terminal C structure, a short walk from baggage claim with your bags.
Shared shuttle vans
Shared-ride shuttles leave from the Ground Transportation Center and must be reserved 24 hours ahead. They stop for other passengers on the way, so they take longer than a private ride.
Rental cars
On-airport rental companies have their counters at the terminal and their cars in the parking structures, while off-airport companies run shuttles from the Ground Transportation Center. A car suits travelers visiting several parts of Southern California.
OCTA bus
OCTA local buses stop near the airport on the surrounding streets. Service is limited and slow with luggage, so check OCTA's current schedule before relying on it.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you at baggage claim and drives straight to your hotel, home or vacation rental, useful for families, groups and late arrivals.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Walking airside
Terminals A, B and C are one building joined past security, so you can walk between gates without screening again.
- 2
Walking landside
On both the Departure (upper) and Arrival (lower) levels the three terminals stand side by side along one curb, a short walk apart.
Terminals
All three terminals are part of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, with check-in on the Departure (upper) Level and baggage claim on the Arrival (lower) Level.
Terminal A
Gates 1 to 8 at the north end of the building, for domestic flights and flights from Canada, with a commuter gate area.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, WestJet
Terminal B
Gates 9 to 15 in the middle of the building, for domestic flights.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines
Terminal C
Gates 16 to 22 at the south end, opened in 2011, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hall for international arrivals from Mexico.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Thomas F. Riley Terminal concourses.
ATMs
In Terminal A near Gate 7, Terminal B near Gate 10 and Terminal C near Gate 17.
Currency exchange
The airport does not offer currency exchange, so arrive with U.S. dollars or a card.
Charging stations
Outlets and USB ports are spread through the terminal, and Terminal C gate areas have work stations.
Nursing room
A Nursing Mother's Lounge and a nursing pod give parents a quiet private space.
Multi-faith prayer space
In a quiet corner at Gate 22 in Terminal C.
Water refill stations
Next to the restroom water fountains in Terminals A, B and C.
Animal relief area
On the Arrival (lower) Level outside Terminal A, near the entrance to Parking Structure A1.
USO lounge
In Terminal B on the Arrival (lower) Level next to Baggage Carousel 4, free for troops and eligible guests.
Lost and found
Airport Police Services handles items lost at security or in public areas; items left on a plane or at the gate go through the airline.
Airport lounges
Admirals Club, Terminal A
American Airlines' lounge in the upper rotunda of Terminal A, for Admirals Club members and eligible American passengers.
United Club, Terminal B
United's lounge in the upper rotunda of Terminal B, for United Club members and eligible United passengers.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for wheelchair or boarding assistance when you book, and confirm it at check-in.
Hidden disabilities
The airport's Helping Hands program offers support for guests with hidden disabilities.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome in the terminal; other animals must stay in a carrier. Animal relief areas are on the Arrival (lower) Level outside Terminal A.
Parking
Terminal parking structures
Structures A1, A2, B2 and C stand across from the terminals, a short walk from check-in and baggage claim. Two-hour spaces for pickups are on the lower level of A1, B2 and C.
Valet parking
Curbside valet parking is available at the terminal.
Main Street parking
An off-airport lot at 1512 Main Street in Irvine, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
Cell phone waiting lot
Free waiting spaces for drivers picking someone up, south of Parking Structure C near MacArthur Boulevard and Campus Drive.
Frequently asked questions
Is John Wayne Airport the same as Orange County Airport?
Yes. John Wayne Airport was called Orange County Airport until 1979, and many travelers still use that name or its code, SNA. Its address is in Santa Ana, so some people also call it Santa Ana Airport. It is the only commercial airport in Orange County, California.
Where is John Wayne Airport?
John Wayne Airport is in an unincorporated part of Orange County, California, with a Santa Ana address at 18601 Airport Way. It sits beside the I-405 and SR-55 freeways, bordered by Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach, so the beach towns and business districts of central Orange County are close by.
How far is John Wayne Airport from Disneyland?
The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is about 14 miles (22 km) north of John Wayne Airport, usually 25 to 35 minutes by car via I-5 or SR-55 outside rush hour. Traffic on Orange County freeways can add a lot of time on weekday afternoons, so allow extra time when you plan.
How many terminals does John Wayne Airport have?
John Wayne Airport has one building, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, divided into Terminals A, B and C with 22 gates. American, Delta, Breeze, Air Canada and WestJet use Terminal A; Alaska and United use Terminal B; Southwest, Allegiant and Frontier use Terminal C. The terminals are joined past security.
Which airlines fly to John Wayne Airport?
Southwest Airlines flies the most routes from John Wayne Airport, alongside American, Delta, United and Alaska Airlines. Allegiant, Breeze and Frontier add leisure routes across the western United States, Air Canada flies to Vancouver, WestJet to Calgary, and JSX operates semi-private jets from its own building next to the terminal.
Does John Wayne Airport have international flights?
Yes, a few. Southwest flies to Puerto Vallarta and San José del Cabo in Mexico, and those flights arrive at Terminal C, where passengers clear U.S. customs. Air Canada flies to Vancouver and WestJet to Calgary; flights from Canada clear U.S. immigration and customs in Canada before departure.
Where is baggage claim at John Wayne Airport?
Baggage claim is on the Arrival (lower) Level of each terminal, below the gates. Your carousel depends on whether your airline uses Terminal A, B or C, so check the screens as you come down. The Ground Transportation Center for taxis and shuttles is on the same level between Terminals A and B.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at John Wayne Airport?
Uber, Lyft and Wingz pick up passengers on the top level of Parking Structures A2 and B2, and on the upper level of the Terminal C parking structure next to the ticketing area. Follow the rideshare signs from baggage claim; drivers cannot pick up at the terminal curb.
Where can I get a taxi at John Wayne Airport?
Taxis wait at the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrival (lower) Level between Terminals A and B, and at Terminal C on the same level. A taxi goes door to door to hotels in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa and Anaheim, which is easiest when you are carrying luggage.
Is there a curfew at John Wayne Airport?
Yes. To limit noise over nearby neighborhoods, airline departures are not allowed from 10 pm to 7 am, and airline arrivals are not allowed from 11 pm to 7 am, with both limits lasting until 8 am on Sundays. Exceptions apply for delays outside the airline's control, such as weather or air traffic control.
Is there a lounge at John Wayne Airport?
Yes. American Airlines' Admirals Club is in the upper rotunda of Terminal A, and the United Club is in the upper rotunda of Terminal B. Entry follows each airline's membership and ticket rules. There is also a USO lounge for troops in Terminal B on the Arrival (lower) Level.
Where can I park at John Wayne Airport?
The airport has four terminal parking structures, A1, A2, B2 and C, across from the terminals, plus curbside valet parking. An off-airport lot at 1512 Main Street in Irvine has a free shuttle. Drivers meeting arrivals can wait free in the cell phone lot south of Parking Structure C.
Can I exchange money at John Wayne Airport?
No. John Wayne Airport does not offer currency exchange, so international visitors should arrive with U.S. dollars or a card that works in the United States. ATMs are in Terminal A near Gate 7, Terminal B near Gate 10 and Terminal C near Gate 17, and cards are widely accepted.