The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Tustin, California

Planning group air travel from Tustin? You have several airport options—and just as many ways to get there! Whether your corporate team is catching a red-eye at LAX, you’re shuttling wedding guests to John Wayne Airport (SNA), or you’re headed out on a student trip from Ontario International, Charter Bus Rental Tustin can provide the perfect California charter bus for your airport transfer. Call 949-703-0740 and our team will help you book a customized shuttle with luggage storage, WiFi, reclining seats, and any other amenities you need for a stress-free ride. Not sure which airport fits your itinerary? Use this guide to compare your options!

Quick Answer:

For groups in Tustin flying domestic, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest and most convenient option. For international flights or more airline choices, consider Los Angeles International (LAX) despite longer drive times. Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a quieter, smaller alternative ideal for budget-conscious or less crowded group travel. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is best for Inland Empire destinations or East Coast routes. No matter which you choose, reserve a private airport shuttle with Charter Bus Rental Tustin to keep everyone together, comfortable, and on schedule!

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Located just 8 miles from Tustin, John Wayne Airport is Orange County’s primary commercial airport and the most convenient choice for local groups. SNA offers nonstop service to major cities across the U.S. and Canada, with Alaska, Southwest, American, Delta, and United as main carriers. It’s a mid-sized, easy-to-navigate airport with three terminals serving fewer than 12 million passengers annually—a fraction of the traffic at LAX.

Where to load/unload your charter bus: All charter buses and large vehicles must use the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) located on the Arrival level near Terminal B. There’s a dedicated Commercial Vehicle Area designed for oversized vehicles where your group can safely board or deboard. If you’re picking up an arriving group, instruct them to exit baggage claim and follow signage to the GTC, where your bus will be waiting curbside. Your reservation specialist can help you plan a pickup/dropoff window that accounts for security and traffic patterns.

What to eat and do: SNA’s terminal has a solid selection of sit-down and grab-and-go restaurants. The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, Ruby’s Diner, and Javi’s offer full-service meals pre-security, while post-security options include Starbucks, Pei Wei, McDonald’s, and specialty coffee shops. Shopping is limited but includes Hudson News, OC Market, and tech vending machines. The airport is clean, modern, and rarely crowded—ideal for relaxing before your flight. Need to kill time? Request your charter bus make a stop at nearby South Coast Plaza or The District Tustin Legacy for last-minute shopping or dining.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is the largest and busiest airport in Southern California, handling over 80 million passengers per year. It’s about 40 miles northwest of Tustin, with a typical drive time of 50-90 minutes depending on traffic. LAX is the region’s main gateway for international flights, long-haul domestic routes, and airlines not served at SNA or LGB (including JetBlue, Air Canada, British Airways, EVA Air, and dozens more).

Where to load/unload your charter bus: The airport’s layout is notoriously confusing, but charter buses are directed to the lower (Arrivals) level in front of each terminal. Curb space is limited and heavily policed, so it’s essential to coordinate exact pickup times and locations. LAX also operates a remote parking lot (Lot South) for commercial vehicles if your bus needs to stage offsite between pickups. Our staff can help you navigate LAX’s rules and secure the right permit if needed.

What to eat and do: Each of LAX’s nine terminals boasts a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops—including local favorites like Shake Shack, Trejo’s Tacos, and LA-based boutiques. International Terminal Tom Bradley is especially well-equipped for long layovers, with duty-free shopping and high-end lounges. If you have extra time before departure, ask your driver to detour to Manhattan Beach or Westfield Culver City Mall for food and relaxation away from the crowds.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

About 25 miles west of Tustin, Long Beach Airport is a smaller, low-key alternative to LAX and SNA. It primarily serves domestic flights on Southwest, Hawaiian, Delta, and a few others, making it a great option for groups headed to West Coast or Hawaiian destinations. With under 5 million passengers a year, LGB is easy to navigate and known for its retro-modern design and outdoor concourses.

Where to load/unload your charter bus: Charter buses and oversized vehicles can pick up and drop off passengers in the designated Commercial Lane directly outside the terminal. LBG’s single terminal means less walking and no confusion—your group can go straight from baggage claim to their private bus in minutes. Parking for commercial vehicles is available if your bus needs to wait between trips.

What to eat and do: LGB offers a surprising variety of food for such a small airport. Local eateries include Boathouse on the Bay, George’s Greek Café, Sweet Jill’s Bakery, and classic fast-food options. Outdoor seating areas and palm tree-lined walkways give the airport an open-air, resort-like feel. If you arrive early, let your bus take the group to downtown Long Beach’s Pike Outlets or Aquarium of the Pacific for sightseeing.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

If your group is based in the Inland Empire or traveling to Central/Eastern U.S. destinations, Ontario International Airport is worth considering. It’s about 35 miles northeast of Tustin (45-60 minutes by charter bus via SR-57 or I-10) and serves as a hub for Southwest, Frontier, Delta, and United. ONT is less congested than LAX and often offers cheaper fares and shorter security lines.

Where to load/unload your charter bus: The airport has two terminals, with commercial vehicle lanes on the Arrival level of each. Charter buses can pick up and drop off curbside, but may be asked to move to a designated holding area if waiting for more than 15 minutes. ONT is known for efficient ground transportation and clear signage, making it easy for groups to reunite after landing.

What to eat and do: Dining options include familiar chains like Carl’s Jr., Subway, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco, along with local spots like Rock ‘n Brews and Cross Grain Brewhouse. ONT’s terminals feature newsstands, souvenir shops, and free WiFi throughout. For groups with time to spare before departure, your charter bus can swing by Ontario Mills Mall or Victoria Gardens for shopping and dining.

Tips for Booking Group Airport Transportation in Tustin

No matter which airport you choose, Charter Bus Rental Tustin makes airport transfers simple and reliable. We’ll help you select the right bus size for your group and luggage—from sprinter vans and minibuses for 10-20 people to full-size motorcoaches for 50+ travelers. All vehicles offer climate control, cushioned seats, and ample storage for suitcases, garment bags, sports equipment, or whatever else you’re flying with. Many come equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, and entertainment systems so your group can stay productive or unwind en route.

Booking a private airport shuttle keeps everyone together and on schedule, eliminating the need for multiple taxis, rideshares, or public transit. Your bus will pick up your group at a location of your choice—hotel, office, school, or anywhere else in Tustin—and deliver you directly to your terminal. On the return trip, your bus will meet you outside baggage claim and transport everyone back home or to your next destination. If your group is arriving from multiple flights or airports, we can even arrange multi-day shuttle service to ensure seamless connections.

Book Your Airport Charter Bus with Charter Bus Rental Tustin Today

Ready to simplify your next group flight? Call Charter Bus Rental Tustin at 949-703-0740 for a free, no-obligation quote on airport transportation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, recommend the best vehicles, and customize your service to fit your itinerary and budget. With a fleet of over 100 buses and more than a decade of experience serving Tustin and all of California, we’re the top choice for stress-free airport shuttles. Focus on your flight—we’ll handle the road.