Car Hire
Santa Ana Airport

Once you collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousels on the lower level, look for the large, clear signs directing you to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." You will exit the terminal doors and walk directly across the road to the multi-storey car parks. The rental car desks for most major companies are located on the lower level of the car parks, directly opposite Terminals A and B. The walk is short, well signposted, and you won't need to take a shuttle.

John Wayne Airport has a single main terminal building divided into three sections: A, B and C. The rental car desks are centrally located in the car park opposite Terminal B. However, as the terminals are all connected in one continuous building, the walk is very similar regardless of where you arrive. The distance from baggage claim in Terminal A or C to the rental car centre is only a few minutes longer than from Terminal B.

The walkway from the SNA terminal to the rental car centre is outdoors but very well lit and monitored. The rental car facility itself is inside a brightly lit car park, providing a safe and visible environment at night. While staffing levels may be reduced late in the evening, desks typically remain open to accommodate the last arriving flights. Since the rental cars are on-site, there is no need to worry about shuttle schedules or transfers between different buildings.

A convenient and easily identifiable meeting point is the John Wayne statue, located on the lower level between Terminals A and B. It's a well-known landmark within the airport and provides a central spot for everyone to gather after collecting their bags. Alternatively, agree to meet at the specific baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight. Once everyone is together, you can proceed across the road to the rental car centre as a group.

Before you start the car, take a moment inside the rental vehicle to set up your GPS or navigation app. The airport has excellent signage directing you toward major freeways like the I-405 and SR-55. Follow the clearly marked signs for "Airport Exit", which will guide you onto the main loop road, from which you can easily follow signs for your chosen motorway. Driving slowly and staying in the designated lanes will make the exit process smooth and straightforward.

For a simple, direct route to Newport Beach, follow the airport exit signs for MacArthur Boulevard. You will head south on MacArthur, a major surface road that runs directly towards the coast. This route lets you bypass the main motorway interchanges entirely. You can continue on MacArthur for several miles and then turn right onto roads like Jamboree Road or Avocado Avenue to reach various parts of Newport Beach.

The most straightforward route to Disneyland is to follow the airport exit signs for the SR-55 North. After a few miles you will merge onto the I-5 North. This is a major, well-signed transition. Stay on the I-5 North for about 10–15 minutes and look for the clear signs for the Disneyland Drive or Harbor Boulevard exits. Using a sat-nav will help you anticipate the exit, which is on the right side of the motorway.

The most scenic and direct route is to take the I-405 South from the airport. Drive for about 10 minutes and then take the exit for SR-133 South, also known as Laguna Canyon Road. This road takes you through the canyon directly into the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. It's a well-maintained state route that avoids the complexities of navigating multiple surface streets to reach the coast.

To avoid the worst of congestion on the I-405 during rush hour, consider using surface streets for a significant portion of the trip. From the airport you can take Bristol Street north to Adams Avenue, then turn left and head west directly toward Huntington Beach. Alternatively, MacArthur Boulevard south to the SR-73 North (a toll road) and then exiting onto the SR-55 South can sometimes be faster, though less direct. Always check a real-time traffic app before you leave the rental lot.

Many Irvine hotels are conveniently located along MacArthur Boulevard, which runs directly past the airport. After exiting the rental car area, simply follow signs for MacArthur Blvd and head south. This major surface road will take you through the heart of Irvine's business district, providing easy access to numerous hotels without needing to merge onto a busy motorway. Other key surface streets like Jamboree Road are also easily accessible from the airport.

John Wayne Airport is technically in Santa Ana but borders Costa Mesa, making the drive very short. The easiest streets to use are Bristol Street and MacArthur Boulevard. Bristol Street runs north–south along the western edge of the airport and provides direct access to major shopping areas like South Coast Plaza. MacArthur Boulevard runs along the southern edge and connects to many business districts and residential areas within Costa Mesa.

The most common point of confusion is on the airport's main loop road, where multiple motorway entrances are close together. A sat-nav might say "keep right" when there are two right-hand exits. The best way to avoid errors is to trust the large green overhead signs that explicitly name the freeway (e.g. "405 North Los Angeles" or "55 North"). Cross-reference the sign with your sat-nav destination to ensure you're taking the correct ramp for your intended direction.

Yes, particularly in Laguna Beach, many of the smaller, older public and private parking lots have tight turns and low-clearance entrances. Some beachfront parking structures in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach can also be challenging for oversized vehicles. If you've rented a large SUV or van, it's wise to prioritise open-air surface lots or larger, more modern parking garages to avoid any potential issues with vehicle size.

Orange County has a network of toll roads, including the 73, 133, 241 and 261, which can be useful for bypassing traffic. Most rental car companies offer programmes that equip their vehicles with transponders to automatically handle toll payments. It's a good idea to ask the rental agent at the desk about their specific tolling programme when you pick up the car. This will help you understand how tolls are managed and ensure you can use these roads without worry.

To have the best chance of avoiding peak traffic, aim to be on the northbound motorways (I-5 or I-405) either before 06:00 or after 10:00. The morning commute into Los Angeles is notoriously heavy between those hours. For your return trip in the evening, traffic heading south back to Orange County is typically most congested from 15:00 to 19:00. Leaving LA after 19:30 will usually result in a much smoother drive.

The most direct route is to take the I-405 North from the airport. To avoid confusion, stay in the general-purpose lanes and avoid the far-left express lanes, which require a special transponder. As you approach West Los Angeles, the 405 will split with the I-10. Follow the signs carefully for the I-10 West towards Santa Monica. For Venice, you can exit at Venice Boulevard or Washington Boulevard just before the I-10 interchange.

Driving from Universal Studios back to the SNA area can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on traffic. To avoid the worst of it, plan your departure from the park strategically. Leaving before 15:00 allows you to get ahead of the main rush hour. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at Universal CityWalk and start your drive south after 19:30, when traffic on the US-101 and I-5 usually begins to ease considerably.

A simple and common route is to take the SR-55 North from the airport to the I-5 North, then transition to the SR-91 West. You will then exit at Beach Boulevard and turn south. A common point of confusion is the transition from the I-5 to the SR-91, so it's helpful to be in the correct lanes ahead of time. Paying close attention to your navigation app and the overhead signs as you approach this interchange will ensure a smooth journey.

For popular beaches like Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, especially on a summer weekend, arriving early is key. Plan to be parked by 10:00 at the latest for the best selection of spots. Consider using larger municipal car parks that may be a few blocks away from the sand, as they often have more availability than the small beachfront lots. Many coastal areas also offer a trolley service during peak season, allowing you to park further away and ride in.

Crystal Cove State Park has several car parks located directly off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). You'll pay a day-use fee at the entrance kiosk or a self-pay station. The main areas are Los Trancos, which serves the Historic District via a shuttle or tunnel, and Reef Point for access to the bluff-top trails and beach coves. You can easily drive your rental car between these lots along the PCH to explore different parts of the park throughout the day.

To ensure you arrive on time, plan for a 45–60 minute drive from SNA to Dana Point Harbor. The most reliable route is taking the I-405 South to the I-5 South, then exiting at Pacific Coast Highway. Traffic can be unpredictable, so leaving the airport area at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time is a safe bet. This provides a comfortable buffer for traffic, parking, and checking in with your tour operator.

The drive to San Diego is very straightforward and typically takes about 90 minutes without traffic. You will simply take the I-405 South, which merges into the I-5 South, and follow that all the way down. The most common traffic slowdowns occur through the cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad, and especially through the Camp Pendleton area where the motorway narrows. To minimise delays, try to avoid travelling during weekday rush hours.

The drive to Legoland in Carlsbad is a straight shot down the I-5 South and usually takes about an hour. To create a relaxed experience, plan to leave the SNA area by 08:30. This timing helps you avoid the worst of the morning commuter traffic and gets you to the park around its opening time. You'll have plenty of time to navigate the large car park, walk to the entrance, and start your day without feeling hurried.

For the most convenient parking, use the large Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals car parks off Disneyland Drive. To minimise your wait time when leaving, you have two main strategies. The first is to depart about an hour before the park's official closing time, often beating the mass exodus after the fireworks. The second option is to linger in the Downtown Disney District for shopping or a snack after the park closes, allowing the garage traffic to clear out before you head back to your car.

The most direct route is to take the SR-55 North to the Katella Avenue exit. Both venues are located right off Katella. The primary bottleneck occurs on the motorway exit ramp and on the surface streets immediately surrounding the stadiums, such as State College Boulevard and Douglass Road. To avoid the worst of this congestion, plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before your event's start time, giving you ample time to park and get inside.

A great option is to find a parking spot in a less crowded section of the rental car garage itself before you exit. This allows you to get organised in a calm environment. Alternatively, a few minutes from the airport is The District at Tustin Legacy, a large shopping centre with a spacious car park. You can pull into a spot there to comfortably adjust your car seat, pair your phone to the car's Bluetooth, and confirm your navigation route.

California has specific laws requiring children to be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat based on their age, height and weight. It's highly recommended that you review the latest regulations from the California Highway Patrol website before your trip. This ensures you can properly install your own seat or request the correct type from the rental agency, keeping your children safe and complying with state law during your visit.

Before you finalise your rental agreement and leave the lot, it's essential to do a test fit with your gear. Place your surfboards or other large items in or on the vehicle to ensure they fit securely and safely. If you have your own soft racks, take the time to install them properly in the rental garage. This step confirms you have the right size vehicle for your needs and prevents having to swap cars after the paperwork is complete.

Finding EV charging stations in Orange County is generally quite convenient. Many upscale shopping centres, such as Fashion Island in Newport Beach and Pacific City in Huntington Beach, have numerous charging ports available. You will also find them in public car parks and at many hotels. Using a smartphone app like PlugShare or ChargePoint is the best way to locate available chargers in real time near your coastal destination.

One major difference is that motorway exits can be on the far left or far right, so you can't always stay in the right lane to exit. Traffic moves quickly, and you should be prepared for drivers to merge with very little space. It's also common for lanes to split or end with little warning, so paying attention to overhead signs well in advance is crucial. Always use your indicator early to show your intentions to other drivers.

Before you arrive, it's wise to call the resort and ask if their garage has any height restrictions, which is important if you've rented a large SUV or van. You should also enquire about their policy for in-and-out privileges and if there are any specific hours for retrieving your vehicle, especially late at night. It's also helpful to understand their process for key handling and how long it typically takes for the valet to bring your car around during peak times.

The process is very straightforward. First, follow the signs for "Departures" to drop off your passengers and luggage at the upper-level curb. After they are safely on their way, simply get back on the main airport loop road. Instead of exiting the airport, stay in the designated lane and follow the large, prominent signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you directly to the dedicated entrance for the return facility.

During peak travel times like Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, it's a good idea to add an extra 30 minutes to your airport arrival plan. This buffer accounts for potential traffic delays on the roads leading into the airport and the possibility of a longer line at the rental car return check-in. Returning your car and getting to your terminal is usually a quick process, but having that extra time provides peace of mind during busy periods.

There are several convenient petrol stations located on MacArthur Boulevard and Bristol Street, just outside the airport grounds. If you are approaching the airport from the south on MacArthur, there are stations on the right side of the road before you reach the airport entrance. Similarly, there are easily accessible options on Bristol Street. These locations allow for a simple right turn into the station and an easy exit back toward the rental car return entrance.

For a stress-free evening, pick up your rental car and check into your hotel first. Then use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to go to dinner in a busy area like the Balboa Peninsula or Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. This strategy completely eliminates the hassle of searching for and paying for parking in crowded areas at night. You can enjoy your evening and then easily get a ride back to your hotel.

A great loop starts by driving from SNA to Huntington Beach. From there, head south on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Newport Beach and into Laguna Beach. After exploring Laguna, you can avoid backtracking on the often-congested PCH by taking Laguna Canyon Road (SR-133) inland to the I-405 motorway. From there you can easily head north back toward the airport area, completing an efficient and scenic coastal tour.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is scenic but can be very slow, especially on weekends and during summer afternoons. For short hops between adjacent areas, like from Newport Pier to Balboa Pier, PCH is fine. However, for longer distances, such as from Huntington Beach to Laguna Beach, it's often much faster to drive inland to a motorway like the I-405 or SR-55. Use PCH for the views, but use the motorways for efficiency.

At UC Irvine, a great meeting spot is the Student Center Parking Structure, which is centrally located and clearly marked for visitors. For South Coast Plaza, avoid the main entrances and instead park in one of the large garages, such as the one near Macy's or Nordstrom. You can then agree to meet inside the mall at a landmark like the carousel or the Bridge of Gardens, which connects the two main buildings.

The most important rule is to never leave your luggage or any valuables visible inside the car's cabin. Before you arrive at your stop, pull over in a safe place and move all your belongings into the boot. Always park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible. By ensuring your items are out of sight before you park, you make your vehicle a much less attractive target for theft.

After a flight, it's sensible to avoid a long desert drive on the first day. A practical plan is to collect your car at SNA and drive about an hour east to a city like Riverside or Temecula for your first overnight stay. This breaks the journey into manageable parts and positions you for a much shorter and more relaxed drive to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree the following morning, allowing you to arrive refreshed and ready to explore.