The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around San Clemente, California

Flying through Southern California with a group? Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a student tour, you have several airport options near San Clemente — and each one offers something different for group travelers. With John Wayne Airport just up the 5, LAX about 70 miles away, and even San Diego International within reach, there’s no shortage of choices. At Charter Bus Rental San Clemente, we’ve helped hundreds of groups navigate the region’s busy airports and know how important it is to choose the right one. And once your flights are booked, let us handle ground transportation! Call 949-841-2490 anytime to get a quote on a private charter bus or minibus for your airport transfer.

Quick Answer:

LAX handles the most flights and has the largest number of airlines, but it’s also the furthest from San Clemente (about 75 miles). John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is only 30 miles north and much easier to navigate with a group — but has fewer direct flight destinations. Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) are smaller options that can work for some itineraries. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is about 60 miles south and worth considering if you’ll be visiting both Orange County and San Diego County attractions. Each airport has designated charter bus pickup and drop-off areas; tell us your airline and terminal, and we’ll handle the rest!

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Distance from San Clemente: 30 miles/35 minutes

For most groups flying into or out of San Clemente, John Wayne Airport is the best choice. It’s small, clean, and easy to navigate — and closer than LAX or SAN. Most major airlines serve SNA, including Southwest, American, United, Delta, Alaska, and Frontier. Direct flights connect to Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and more. If you need international service, SNA offers nonstops to Vancouver and Mexico seasonally, but LAX or SAN will have more options.

SNA has three terminals (A, B, and C), all connected under one roof. Security lines are short compared to larger airports, and baggage claim is quick. There are plenty of dining and shopping options past security, including Javi’s Mexican, Ruby’s Diner, Starbucks, Pei Wei, and California Pizza Kitchen. Groups looking for a place to gather before departure can use the pre-security seating area by baggage claim or grab tables at one of the restaurants post-security. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.

Charter buses and oversized vehicles load/unload passengers at the Ground Transportation Center, accessible via a ramp from Terminal C. Your bus can wait in the Cell Phone Lot off MacArthur Blvd until your group is ready. We recommend scheduling pickups at least 45 minutes after scheduled landing to allow time for deplaning and luggage retrieval. If your group needs to kill time before a late flight, South Coast Plaza and Irvine Spectrum Center are both within 15 minutes and offer shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Distance from San Clemente: 75 miles/90 minutes

LAX is the busiest airport on the West Coast and one of the largest in the world. With nine terminals serving nearly every domestic and international airline, it’s often the only option for groups needing nonstop flights to Europe, Asia, or South America. Domestic routes cover every major U.S. city. The downside? Traffic around LAX is notorious, and navigating the horseshoe-shaped terminal loop can be stressful with a group — especially during construction.

Charter buses are not allowed to linger curbside at arrivals/departures. Instead, your group should use the LAX-it lot for pickups. After collecting bags, take the free LAX-it shuttle (green signs) from any terminal to the lot, where your bus will be waiting in the designated commercial vehicle area. Drop-offs can occur curbside, but the bus must depart immediately after unloading.

LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has the best amenities, including upscale eateries like Border Grill, Umami Burger, and Petrossian Caviar. Other terminals have standard fast food and coffee options. Free WiFi is available. If you have hours to spare before a flight, consider having your bus detour to Manhattan Beach Pier or The Getty Center for sightseeing.

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Address: 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance from San Clemente: 60 miles/65 minutes

Located downtown along the bay, San Diego International is a convenient option for groups visiting both Orange County and San Diego County. It’s served by most major airlines with direct flights to hubs like Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, New York, Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. International service includes London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Toronto, and several Mexican cities.

SAN has two main terminals (1 and 2) with modern facilities and plenty of food/shopping options. Stone Brewing, Phil’s BBQ, and The Prado are popular local eateries inside. The airport is compact, so walking between gates is manageable for groups. Charter buses pick up and drop off at the Commercial Vehicle Island across from Terminal 2 East. Your group can call the bus when ready and wait under shaded canopies. If your group wants to explore nearby, Old Town San Diego and the USS Midway Museum are 10 minutes away by bus.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808
Distance from San Clemente: 45 miles/50 minutes

If your group is looking for a low-stress airport experience, Long Beach Airport is a hidden gem. It’s small, friendly, and rarely crowded. Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian, and Breeze Airways offer flights to Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, and seasonal destinations. While options are limited, fares are often competitive.

LGB’s open-air concourse has palm trees and picnic tables, making it feel more like a resort than an airport. Food options include local coffee shops and sandwich cafes. Charter bus loading occurs in the Commercial Vehicle zone outside baggage claim. Because of its size, LGB is best for groups who find the right flight schedule rather than those with complex needs.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Distance from San Clemente: 65 miles/70 minutes

Groups coming from the Inland Empire or points east may prefer Ontario International. It’s less congested than LAX or SNA and offers direct flights on Southwest, American, Delta, Alaska, and Frontier. Destinations include Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, and multiple Texas cities. ONT also has transpacific cargo flights, which can be useful for groups shipping equipment.

There are two terminals (2 and 4) with standard amenities. Charter buses load/unload at the island across from each terminal’s baggage claim. ONT is surrounded by large parking lots and sits adjacent to I-10 for easy freeway access. If your group needs to stay overnight before a flight, plenty of hotels are within a mile.

Tips for Group Travel at Southern California Airports

When flying as a group, communication and timing are key. Make sure everyone knows which terminal and airline they’re using, and set a meeting point (such as the baggage claim carousel) before arrival. Allow extra time for security checks, especially at LAX and SNA during peak hours. If your group is traveling with special equipment (like sports gear or musical instruments), notify the airline in advance and request assistance.

For ground transportation, a charter bus rental is the easiest way to keep everyone together and on schedule. Your bus will have ample luggage storage underneath for suitcases, golf clubs, skis, or whatever else your group brings. Onboard, passengers can relax in reclining seats, use WiFi to check flight status, and enjoy climate control — a big perk during summer heatwaves. Charter buses can also accommodate passengers with mobility devices upon request.

If your group has a long layover or arrives early, consider arranging a quick sightseeing tour. From SNA, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are 20 minutes away. From LAX, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are 30 minutes west. From SAN, Balboa Park and Seaport Village are a short drive. Your charter bus can provide secure storage for carry-ons while you explore.

Book a Private Airport Shuttle in San Clemente

Ready to make airport travel stress-free for your group? Charter Bus Rental San Clemente has been providing reliable charters to and from SoCal airports for over a decade. Our fleet includes minibuses for small teams, full-size coaches for large tour groups, and everything in between. We’ll customize your route, coordinate curbside pickups, and ensure your group arrives safely and on time — without splitting into rideshares or waiting for hotel shuttles. Call 949-841-2490 anytime for a free quote and answers to all your airport transportation questions. We’re here to help you fly with ease!