Closest Airport to Dana Point

Average drive times to Dana Point, which change a lot with traffic:

John Wayne Airport (SNA): about 25 miles, about 30 to 35 minutes

Long Beach Airport (LGB): about 44 miles, about 40 minutes with no traffic

Los Angeles International (LAX): about 63 miles, about 75 minutes on average

San Diego International (SAN): about 67 miles, about 75 minutes on average

For most visitors, John Wayne Airport is the simplest way in. It's the only commercial airport in Orange County, and it's small enough that you can get from the gate to the curb quickly. Rental cars and rideshare pickups are right at the terminals. From the airport, take the I-405 south to the I-5 south, then exit 79 toward CA-1 and Pacific Coast Highway into Dana Point.

LAX has the most flights in Southern California, so it's often the best bet for international trips or hard-to-find nonstops. The trade-off is the drive: about 63 miles south, and Los Angeles traffic can stretch the average 75 minutes much longer. If you land at rush hour, plan for it, or grab dinner near the airport and drive after the traffic eases.

Long Beach Airport is a smaller airport about 44 miles north of Dana Point. If it has a good flight from your city, it can be quicker to get through than LAX, and the drive south is shorter.

San Diego International is about 67 miles south. The drive up the I-5 runs along the coast for part of the way and avoids Los Angeles traffic entirely. It's a smart pick if you're combining Dana Point with a few days in San Diego.

If there's a reasonable fare into SNA, take it. You'll save more than half the drive, and the airport is easier to get in and out of. Choose LAX when it has the nonstop you need or a much lower fare, and build the drive time into your first day.

By train: the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink both stop at San Juan Capistrano station (26701 Verdugo Street), about 3 miles from Dana Point. A rideshare from the station takes about 10 minutes.

By bus: OCTA local buses serve the San Juan Capistrano station. Check OCTA for current routes into Dana Point.

By rideshare: rideshare pickups are available at all four airports.

Once you're here: the free Dana Point Trolley runs in summer and connects hotels, beaches and the Lantern District. The rest of the year, most visitors drive or use rideshare.

From Los Angeles or San Diego, take the I-5 to exit 79 toward CA-1 North and Pacific Coast Highway. From there, the harbor, the Lantern District and most hotels are a few minutes away.

Once you're here, the best part is that you can mostly leave the car parked. Compare places to stay in Dana Point, from beach inns to oceanfront resorts, and see things to do for your first afternoon.