John Wayne Airport (SNA) is an airport option for reaching Fullerton, with rental cars, shuttles, taxis, rideshares, buses and trains among its ground-transport choices. The airport is about 25 minutes by car from a motel in Fullerton, and you can choose between driving, arranging a transfer or piecing together a public-transport trip.
- Drive time: about 25 minutes by car.
- Airport road access: I-405, SR-55 and SR-73.
- Airport transport: rental cars, shuttles, taxis, rideshares, buses and trains.
- Fullerton rail connections: Metrolink, OCTA and Amtrak.
How far is John Wayne Airport from Fullerton?
John Wayne Airport is served by the San Diego (I-405) Freeway, Costa Mesa (SR-55) Freeway and Corona del Mar Freeway/San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Toll Road (SR-73).
Other airport drive times are about 29 minutes from Long Beach Airport, 39 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport and 41 minutes from Ontario International Airport.
Driving and rental-car options
Driving gives you a direct way to continue from SNA to Fullerton, and the airport identifies car rental as a ground-transport option. Rental-company availability and pickup procedures can change, so check the official site before you go.
The airport’s road connections include I-405, SR-55 and SR-73. For directions to your destination, use a current navigation service; these freeway connections do not establish a specific route to Fullerton.
Public transport connections
Public transport from SNA to Fullerton requires checking current connections: several bus and train routes serve the airport, but there is no complete itinerary to Fullerton on its transportation page.
Fullerton station is at 120 E. Santa Fe Ave. and serves Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley and Orange County lines. OCTA and Amtrak connect at the station. Valid tickets are required on Metrolink platforms and trains.
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner also serves Fullerton Station, at 136 E. Santa Fe Ave.; downtown Fullerton, covered in this guide to downtown Fullerton and its train station, is across the street.
Some OCTA bus routes connecting with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains at or near rail stations honor valid train tickets and passes. You may also use a valid OC Bus pass or pay the cash fare. Check current schedules and fare rules with the transit operators before setting out.
Taxis and other airport transfers
You can take a taxi, reserve a shuttle or request an app-based ride at John Wayne Airport. Taxis are available in the Ground Transportation Center and at Terminal C on the Arrival (lower) Level. The airport’s app-based rideshare providers are Lyft, Uber and Wingz.
Shuttle service departs from the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrival (lower) Level, and reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Courtesy hotel shuttles and peer-to-peer vehicle sharing are also airport ground-transport options.
Pickup arrangements can vary by service. Check the airport’s current transportation instructions and your provider’s pickup details before you travel.
Choosing a route to Fullerton
For a road journey, you can choose a rental car, taxi, shuttle or rideshare. If you prefer rail and bus connections, first confirm a workable itinerary from SNA to Fullerton station, then check the onward connection to your destination.
Fullerton station connects Metrolink with OCTA and Amtrak, but that does not establish a complete journey from the airport. Compare current schedules and pickup arrangements before deciding.
FAQs
How long is the drive from John Wayne Airport to Fullerton?
The drive takes about 25 minutes by car.
Does John Wayne Airport have public transport?
Yes. Several bus and train routes serve the airport, but its transportation page does not give a complete SNA-to-Fullerton itinerary.
Where do you catch a taxi at John Wayne Airport?
Taxis are available in the Ground Transportation Center and at Terminal C on the Arrival (lower) Level.
Can you take a shuttle from the airport?
Shuttles depart from the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrival (lower) Level. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.