Planning a trip to the magical Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California? One of the first and most crucial steps is figuring out the best airport to fly into. While many might mistakenly think Disneyland is in Los Angeles, it’s actually located in Anaheim, Orange County. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time, transportation costs, and overall convenience. This guide will walk you through the closest and most convenient airports for your Disneyland adventure, helping you make the best decision for your family or group.
Closest Airports to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center
When flying to Disneyland or the Anaheim Convention Center, you have several airport options in Southern California. Here are the four main airports, listed in order of their proximity to the Disneyland Resort: John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
Sunset view from John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) showcasing the beautiful California coastline, a convenient airport to fly into for Disneyland vacations.
John Wayne Airport (SNA), also known as Orange County Airport, is unequivocally the closest and most convenient airport for Disneyland. Located just about 14 miles from the Anaheim Resort, SNA offers a streamlined travel experience. Its single terminal building, divided into Terminal A and Terminal B, makes navigating the airport a breeze. From disembarking your flight to baggage claim and then to ground transportation, everything is quick and efficient.
For frequent Disneyland visitors and researchers of Disneyland area hotels, like those interested in the best hotels within walking distance of Disneyland, SNA is consistently the top choice. The ease of access it provides to Disneyland is unmatched, often outweighing the allure of potentially cheaper flights into larger, more distant airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For a detailed guide on transportation from SNA to Disneyland, you can explore resources specifically dedicated to getting from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Disneyland.
Major airlines serving John Wayne Orange County Airport include:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- WestJet
SNA is a busy airport, second only to LAX in the region in terms of flight volume and destinations. It handles over 740,000 passengers monthly, with approximately 240 arrivals and departures daily.
While John Wayne Airport is highly recommended for its convenience when traveling to the Disneyland Resort or the Anaheim Convention Center, it’s worth noting that flight fares can sometimes be higher compared to airports like LAX. Always compare flight prices, but factor in transportation costs and time savings. Transportation from SNA to Disneyland is typically quicker and less expensive than from LAX, making SNA a potentially more economical choice overall when considering the entire travel picture.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Exterior of Long Beach Airport (LGB), a smaller, less crowded airport option for Disneyland visitors, served by airlines like Southwest and Delta.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is another excellent option, located about 19 miles from the Anaheim Resort area, making it the second closest airport to Disneyland. It’s a smaller airport that currently primarily serves Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Delta Airlines. While it previously hosted more airlines, its current carriers still provide valuable options, especially for travelers loyal to these airlines.
For those who frequently fly with United, like fans following guides on traveling with United Airlines with kids, LGB might not always be the first choice due to limited United service. However, if flight costs to SNA and LAX are significantly elevated, considering a Southwest flight into Long Beach can be a smart, budget-conscious alternative.
Transportation from Long Beach Airport to Disneyland is also straightforward. Resources offering tips for getting from Long Beach Airport to Disneyland highlight the ease of this transfer. LGB is known for its less crowded and more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger airports, which can be a significant plus for families and travelers seeking a smoother airport experience.
If you find competitive fares with Southwest, Hawaiian, or Delta, Long Beach Airport offers a convenient and less stressful gateway to your Disneyland vacation.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major international hub, situated approximately 35 miles from the Anaheim Resort. As the fifth busiest airport globally, LAX offers the widest range of flight options and often the most competitive prices, especially for international travelers. If you are flying from outside the United States, LAX is likely to present the most flight choices and potentially the best deals.
The primary tradeoff with LAX is the drive to Disneyland. It can be lengthy, particularly during peak traffic hours in Los Angeles. However, the potential for better flight deals often makes LAX an attractive option. Another advantage of LAX is its extensive flight schedule, which may include later or earlier flights, allowing for maximizing your time at the Disneyland parks. For visitors aiming to stay at the parks until late evening, flying out of LAX might provide more suitable departure times.
Virtually every major airline operates flights into and out of LAX, providing unparalleled choice and flexibility.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is also located about 35 miles from the Anaheim Resort area, similar in distance to LAX. ONT is considered the third-largest airport in the vicinity but offers a significantly smaller and more manageable airport experience compared to the vastness of LAX. Navigating ONT is generally quick and easy, which can be a welcome relief after a long flight.
Getting From the Airport to Disneyland and Convention Center
Karmel Shuttle van, a shared ride service offering airport transportation to Disneyland area hotels, a cost-effective option for smaller groups.
Once you’ve landed at your chosen airport, you’ll need to arrange transportation to Disneyland. Several options are available, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Using Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are popular and convenient for getting to Disneyland, especially from John Wayne Airport (SNA). Using a smartphone app, you can easily request a ride upon arrival.
Ride-sharing offers various vehicle options to suit different group sizes and budgets, including standard cars (UberX/Lyft) and larger vehicles (UberXL/Lyft XL). For those seeking a more premium experience, Uber Black provides luxury sedan service.
For first-time users, referral codes can often provide discounts on your initial ride. Services like Uber are generally permitted to pick up passengers at all airports mentioned, including SNA, LGB, LAX, and ONT.
Upon arrival, baggage claim at Orange County Airport (SNA) is typically efficient, with wait times often around 10-15 minutes from gate to curbside pickup. Downloading the ride-sharing app and setting up your account before your trip is recommended for a smoother experience.
Taking a Taxi to Disneyland
Taxis are readily available at all airports serving Disneyland. While potentially more expensive than ride-sharing for single travelers or couples, taxis can be cost-effective for larger groups, especially when considering larger taxi vans that can accommodate more passengers.
Taxi fares from John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) to Disneyland are approximately $40, while fares from LAX can range around $80-$100 depending on traffic conditions. Many taxi companies offer flat rates to and from the Disneyland Resort, so it’s worth inquiring about fixed fares.
For families traveling with young children, it’s important to note California’s car seat laws. If traveling by taxi, ensure you bring your own car seats as taxis are not legally required to provide them.
Checking with your Anaheim hotel about potential “concierge specials” or discounted taxi services to and from the airport is also a good idea, as many hotels, particularly recommended hotels near Disneyland, have partnerships offering transportation discounts.
Renting a Car
Renting a car for a Disneyland trip is generally not necessary if your itinerary is focused solely on Disneyland and the immediate Anaheim area. Parking at Disneyland and hotels can add to expenses, and navigating traffic can be stressful.
However, if you plan to explore other attractions in the Los Angeles area, such as beaches, Hollywood, or other Southern California destinations, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience. All airports near Disneyland have numerous car rental agencies on-site.
Shuttle Services to Disneyland
Airport shuttle services provide shared ride options to and from the airports and Disneyland area hotels. Shuttles can be a budget-friendly choice for solo travelers or small groups looking to save money compared to private car services or taxis.
Shared shuttles typically operate large vans and may involve multiple stops as they pick up and drop off passengers at various hotels. This can extend travel time but reduce individual costs. However, for groups of three or more, ride-sharing services or taxis might be comparably priced or even cheaper and offer more direct service.
Karmel Shuttle is a well-known shuttle service operating in the Disneyland area. They offer shared ride services similar to other airport shuttle companies. For potentially discounted Karmel Shuttle tickets, resources like Get Away Today, a popular travel agency for Disneyland vacations, may offer deals.
Lansky Transportation provides a more premium shuttle experience with luxury vehicles and private, direct service. While pricier, Lansky offers a comfortable and efficient option, especially for larger groups who prefer a more upscale experience. Lansky also provides car seats and booster seats for families, which can be a significant advantage.
Similar to taxis, inquiring with your Anaheim hotel about shuttle service specials or partnerships is advisable, as many hotels offer discounted or preferred shuttle options for their guests.
Plan Your Disneyland Vacation!
Choosing the right airport is a vital first step in planning your Disneyland vacation. John Wayne Airport (SNA) stands out as the most convenient option due to its proximity and ease of navigation. Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a smaller, less hectic alternative. While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) are further away, they can provide more flight options and potentially lower fares. Carefully consider flight costs, transportation expenses, travel time, and your personal preferences to determine the best airport for your magical Disneyland getaway. For more Disneyland planning tips and resources, explore further guides and articles to help you create the perfect Disney vacation.
