6+ Hours at John Wayne Airport - Header image

6+ Hours at John Wayne Airport

Maeve Power
Spend your 6+ hour layover exploring the city or the surrounding area instead of sitting in the terminal. Check out these options for a longer layover at Orange County John Wayne Airport.
Spend your 6+ hour layover exploring the city or the surrounding area instead of sitting in the terminal. Check out these options for a longer layover at Orange County John Wayne Airport.

Head downtown

If you have a 6+ hour layover at SNA, take advantage of your downtime and head into the city. Santa Ana is located just 5 miles from the airport and is well connected by public transport links. Santa Ana is a small city in Orange County, packed with charm and culture. Explore Native American art in one of the many museums and galleries throughout the city or visit the animals in the Santa Ana Zoo. For more details on what to do during your layover in Santa Ana, visit the Santa Ana tourism website.

Avoid downtown

If you have a more extended layover but don’t want to spend it in the city, head to Newport Beach instead. Located just 8 miles from the airport, this coastal town is perfect for travelers that want to relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine during their layover. Go for a refreshing dip in the sea or walk to the end of Newport Beach Pier for some stunning views of the ocean.Always make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security before your next flight.

Transport Options

Bus: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Route 76, and the i Shuttle, Route A, service John Wayne Airport. Their bus stop is located on the Arrival Level, in front of Terminal B. For more details on routes, schedules and fares, visit the airport website.

Overnight Layover?

If you have an overnight layover at SNA and want to get a good night's sleep, there are many options available to you at and near the airport. The Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport is located across the road from the airport and is the best option for overnight passengers that want to stay close to the airport. The hotel offers guests access to an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

Luggage Storage

As with most airports in the US, there are no luggage storage facilities available at John Wayne Airport. If you have a layover at SNA and want to store your luggage, try these options: Ask at the airport information desk for recommendations on nearby luggage storage facilities.  If you are heading downtown, check for luggage storage lockers at bus and train terminals.Use Google to find a luggage storage service. There are lots of apps and websites that offer luggage storage options in large cities across the US.