Disneyland is undoubtedly one of the most popular family vacation locations in the U.S., with almost 17 million visits in 2022. While Disneyland definitely sounds like fun, getting there is another thing. 

Today, I will introduce some airports close to Disney, to help those planning to travel to this wonderland in Anaheim, California.

1. John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne is the closest airport to the Anaheim resort, taking around 25 minutes by car on a typical Tuesday afternoon.

For those not renting a car, there are also shuttle services directly to the resort available. The most popular options include two companies: EVE shuttles and Karmel Shuttles are available to book for services to the Disneyland Resort. They require those who want to use the service to make reservations in advance, and you can access the websites below.

EVE shuttle: https://rideart.org/eve/

Karmel Shuttle: https://www.karmel.com/

Of course, private hire shuttles and limousines are also available at the airport, along with Uber and Lyft.

John Wayne itself is a relatively small airport with only a narrow-body airliner service. All American legacy carriers: American, Delta, and United; have services to various parts of the States. WestJet and Air Canada serve routes to Vancouver and Calgary. Low-cost carriers Allegiant, Breeze Airways, and Spirit also fly to John Wayne, and the controversial luxury carrier JSX also has an appearance at the airport.

2. Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport is another close airport to Disney, taking around 30 minutes by car. This airport is also close to the famous Long Beach area, so those who also want to plan an additional visit to the beaches might find this airport more appealing.

For those not renting a car, there are also direct shuttle services available here like John Wayne. Karmel shuttles also serve this airport, and their website can be accessed below. An advanced reservation is required to use their services.

Karmel Shuttle: https://www.karmel.com/

Of course, private hire shuttles and limousines are also available at the airport, as well as Uber and Lyft.

Long Beach Airport is quite small in terms of airlines served. Legacy carrier Delta provides regular service to Salt Lake City, while Hawaiian Airlines serves routes to Honolulu and Kahului in Maui. Southwest Airlines, the largest operator at the airport, serves a handful of 21 destinations in the States, also including Hawaii.

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Perhaps one of the most famous airports in the world, LAX is also one of the closest airports to the Disneyland resort. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to the Anaheim resort by car. This airport serves the Los Angeles area, so those who want to visit LA in general might find this airport appealing.

For those not renting a car, there are also direct shuttle services available like the two listed above. Karmel shuttles also serve this airport, and their website can be accessed below. As always, a reservation is required in advance.

Karmel Shuttle: https://www.karmel.com/

Private hire shuttles and limousines are also available at the airport. Of course, there are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts available all the time.

Finding a flight to LAX should not be trouble, as LAX serves almost all destinations in the U.S. if not too close. It even serves San Diego.

4. Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International Airport is an airport that serves the San Bernardino area. Those who have business or a general interest in the San Bernardino area might like this airport, as it is only 18 miles west of downtown San Bernardino. It takes about 50 minutes to the Disneyland Resort from the airport by car.

For those not renting a car, there are door-to-door van services that require no reservation on a walk-up basis. Ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. Lastly, Googe Maps can provide you live updates on public transportation options.

Ontario Airport is a relatively large airport with service from all legacy carriers. Other carriers include Alaska, JetBlue, Hawaiian, and Southwest, as well as low-cost carriers Avelo and Frontier. The airport is also served internationally by China Airlines providing service to Taipei-Taoyuan airport, Avianca to San Salvador, and Volaris to Guadalajara and San Salvador.

5. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Hollywood Burbank Airport is an airport that serves Burbank, Hollywood, and the northern Los Angeles area. Interestingly, this airport is close to Universal Studios Hollywood, so those who'd like to visit both parks would probably like to use this airport instead of the other options above. It takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, greatly depending on the amount of traffic.

For those not renting a car, there are shuttle and limousine services that connect directly to the Disneyland Resort, though reservations are recommended. Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. Google Maps can provide you with live updates on public transportation options, though there is one way in particular that I recommend when using public transportation.

This airport also has direct Amtrak and Metrolink service. This makes traveling much easier as the average tourist has to transfer just once if using public transportation.

The train station is accessible using the Airport Parking Lot C Shuttle. Shuttle information is available by calling (818)-565-1308. Once at the train station, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner can take you directly to the Anaheim Amtrak/Metrolink Station (ARTIC). From there, you can take Bus 15 directly to the Disneyland Resort, or OCTA Bus 50 and hop off at Katella-Harbor Blvd for a short walk to the Disneyland Resort.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is not a small airport, serving a lot of destinations serviced by all three legacy carriers. JetBlue also serves New York/JFK. Other carriers include Alaska and Southwest, as well as low-cost carriers Avelo and Spirit. The airport is also an operating base for JSX. JSX has a private terminal in Burbank, making the experience feel very personal and special from the start, so one might consider flying out of Burbank on JSX.

Bottom Line

The world-famous Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California has quite a lot of ways to reach. I hope this article helped you decide what airport to use for your next vacation to "The Happiest Place in The World"!