Ranking my favorite airports for going to Disneyland

Deciding which airport to use to get to Disneyland? Here’s my best advice about the pros and cons of the LA-area airports most often used by Disneyland visitors. I’ve flown in and out of all of them, and am definitely willing to play favorites. 

Long Beach

For flying to or from Disneyland, my personal favorite is Long Beach Airport (LGB). The airport just feels easy breezy, with far more outside areas than most airports, enough food options to keep things interesting (it’s even got a wine bar with an outside seating area), and an ultra-simple layout so you never have to wonder where you are. Long Beach mostly serves Southwest, with a few Delta and Hawaiian flights sprinkled in. 

John Wayne

Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) tends to be the primary default airport for people flying to Disneyland. It’s about 15 miles away and is usually a pretty quick cab or rideshare trip. And it’s a good airport; not overwhelmingly large but big enough to have flights from around a dozen airlines. However, due to a combination of a shorter-than-most runway and in order to not violate noise ordinances in the nearby affluent Orange County communities, flights departing from SNA have to take off in a very specific way that’s either scary or thrilling, depending on your point of view. Takeoffs are steep and fast, and are followed by a period when the plane drifts quietly until it gets out over the ocean. I don’t love it, which is part of the reason I tend to opt for Long Beach. 

LAX

If you’re combining a trip to Los Angeles with your Disneyland trip, flying into or out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) makes a lot of sense. But if you’re heading straight to or from Disneyland, it may not be the right choice. It’s more than an hour away, puts you in the way of some gnarly traffic, and because it’s the area’s largest airport, it’s more prone to delays, longer lines at security checkpoints, and all that. That said, if you can get a great flight deal, it still might be worth it. Just remember to factor in the longer (and more expensive if you’re in a cab or rideshare) drive to Anaheim. 

Other airports

There are also more LA-area airports that are farther away from Anaheim but might be right for you if your Disneyland trip is part of a larger Southern California vacation, or if you find a particularly affordable flight. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is 34 miles away, and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a little over 40 miles away.