John Wayne Airport Parking | parking at SNA

Need to find your best-fit parking spot for John Wayne Airport (SNA)?

You’ve hit the internet jackpot. Because not only does this guide provide info on the ideal parking bays for lots of different types of travellers, but it also stacks up the value with advice on airport facilities and amenities, and interesting things to see and do in the vicinity.

If you’re driving to SNA from out of town, you might want to bookend your trip with a couple of days to explore the area around Santa Ana and Orange County – there’s lots to see and do.

For starters, if you like a bit of animal magic, don’t miss the Santa Ana Zoo. With over 1,000 creatures including bears, lions, monkeys, and tigers, it’s an exciting place for kids of all ages. And there are lots of hotspots for culture vultures too, with attractions like the Bowers Museum (with 100,000 art and culture artefacts from around the globe) and Santa Hana Historic District, with its quirky retro shops, buildings, and eateries.

If you’re looking for something to keep kids amused meanwhile, check out Discovery Cube Orange County, a kids museum with immersive maths, engineering, science, and technology exhibits. When you’re yearning for some live thespian action, the Yoast Theater hosts plays, music concerts and comedy gigs. And if you want to stretch your legs in the great outdoors, the scenic Santa Ana mountains are ideal for camping, biking, and hiking. Alternatively, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve has wetlands teeming with wildlife like reptiles, birds and fish, and Huntington Beach is a brilliant place to watch surfing pros hang ten or even get on board with your first lessons.

Shoppers and gourmets never feel left out in Santa Ana either. The city has a bustling cuisine scene with everything from classic Stateside burgers and fries to spicy Mexican fare, and hearty Italian dishes. Meanwhile, there’s retail therapy aplenty at Santa Ana MainPlace, which has 200 stores of all stripes to choose from.

Find the best deals at John Wayne Airport

Finding a great parking deal at John Wayne Airport isn’t quite as easy as you might first imagine. But there are a few tips that are worth trying. For instance, if you’re able to book your parking as far in advance as possible, you’re more likely to bag a bargain. Comparing prices from different parking providers (onsite and offsite) is also a smart move, and you can also look out for discounts which are occasionally available for military personnel, senior citizens, and AAA members.

Compare parking at John Wayne Airport

With 6,100 spaces (4,000 short-term, 1,500 long-term and 600 cell phone waiting), there’s lots of great official parking available at SNA.

And the airport’s parking provision is complemented by a long history of pioneering expansion. Southern California’s second-busiest airport (after LAX) is situated around 30 miles from LA and was originally named Orange County Airport (renamed John Wayne Airport after the famous Western actor in 1979).

Founded by aviation trailblazer Eddie Martin in 1925, it was originally private but opened up to commercial flights in the 1950s. It had a huge expansion in the 1960s and grew continually in the next few decades. Nowadays, John Wayne Airport serves over 10 million passengers annually and pumps $1 billion into the Orange County economy.

What Parking is there at John Wayne Airport?

If you’re open to some alternative parking, it’s often worth considering comparison sites, where you’ll often find low-cost deals on official and/or offsite parking. For instance, Looking4Parking often offers large discounts if you book your parking in advance, and APH can sometimes offer bundles which include airport stays as well as parking.

For now though, let’s take a look at your official airport parking options:

Terminal Parking

The closest parking to the terminal at SNA, Terminal Parking is split into four areas: A1, A2, B2 and C. It’s open 24/7. When you want convenience, this is one of the best choices.

Economy Parking

A must for thrifty travelers, Economy Parking lives up to its name with the cheapest official parking at John Wayne Airport. It’s secure, simple to use and again, open 24 hours a day.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Free and available for up to two hours, the Cell Phone Waiting Lot is perfect for picking off and dropping off passengers – you’ll find it south of the terminal, on Airport Way.

Valet Parking

Want the ultimate convenient parking option? Valet parking at SNA allows you to roll up, grab your luggage and stroll into the terminal. Meanwhile, a trained driver will park your car safely and return it ready to hit the road when you get home.

Getting to John Wayne Airport

Another great thing about John Wayne Airport is that it’s easy to drive to.

From Santa Ana, drive east on E 1^st St towards N Broadway, take a left onto N Broadway, turn right onto E Santa Ana Blvd and take I-5 S to I-405 S. Then take I-405 S to the MacArthur Blvd exit, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd and take a right onto Airport Way. SNA is on your left.

If you’re driving from Anaheim meanwhile, drive west on S Harbor Blvd in the direction of Katella Ave. Turn left onto Katella Ave and then right onto W Ball Rd. Then take I-5 S to I-405 S and take I-405 S to the MacArthur Blvd exit. Then turn left onto McArthur Blvd, right onto Airport Way and you’ll see the airport on your left.

Driving in from Irvine? Drive south on Barranca Pkwy in the direction of Jamboree Rd, turn right onto Jamboree Rd, and turn left onto Alton Pkway. Then take the I-405 S to the exit for MacArthur Blvd and from there on follow the same end steps as above.

From Costa Mesa, drive east on Harbor Blvd in the Bristol St direction, turn left onto Bristol St, then take a right onto Newport Blvd. Take the I-5 S to I-405 S, then I-405 S to the MacArthur Blvd exit, after which you follow the regular last steps as described.

From Laguna Beach, drive north on PCH in the direction of S Coast Hwy, then turn left onto S Coast Hwy. After this, turn right onto Laguna Canyon Rd, then left onto I-5 S. Take the I-5 S to I-405 S and follow the usual final directions.

From all other locations use your GPS. The airport address is John Wayne Airport (SNA) 18601 Airport Way Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Facilities at John Wayne Airport

You’d expect excellent amenities and facilities at such a large, busy airport. And you’d be right.

Fantastic facilities here include free Wi-Fi throughout the complex, plenty of power outlets for charging all of your tech equipment (bonus for anyone traveling with surly teens), and plenty of restrooms so that you’re safe whenever nature calls.

There are also lots of currency exchange booths if you need to switch up your US dollars for something a little more exotic, you’re never stuck for luggage storage and the airport is well-appointed when it comes to nursing mothers’ rooms.

You’ll also find pet relief areas on the outside of the airport and there are plenty of airport shuttles running to local attractions and hotels. But how about those shops and eateries? When you’ve got an empty belly and a credit card burning a hole in your pocket, how does John Wayne Airport stack up to its competitors?

Well, you can treat your significant other to something sparkly at Aahs! Fine Jewelry, grab high-quality dolls from American Girl, and gifts, homeware, and personal care products at Brookstone.

If you like designer goods, make a beeline for Cartier, check out Cinnabon to satisfy your sweet tooth and grab a swish bag at Coach. You can also pick up bargains on high-end liquor and fragrances at Duty Free Americas and look and smell stunning with products from L’Occitane and MAC Cosmetics.

And if you’re hungry? Aunty Anne’s Pretzels has shelf-loads of these terrific, twisted snacks, you can spice things up at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, California Pizza Grill has lots of gorgeous disc-shaped deals and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is ideal for your caffeine fix.

When you fancy fresh pastries meanwhile, head to Corner Bakery Café, while Five Guys has your favorite juicy patties and crispy fries.