Getting To and Around Orange County

Learn to navigate Orange County, CA — airport options, regional transit, rideshares, and scenic coastal drives — to easily explore its beaches, neighborhoods, and history.

  • Orange County is easily accessed by a network of major Southern California freeways. Most visitors arrive via:

    • Interstate 5 (I-5) – Main north–south corridor

    • Interstate 405 (I-405) – Coastal and airport access

    • State Route 55 (SR-55) – Central Orange County connector

    • State Route 73 (SR-73) – Toll road to coastal cities

    • State Route 91 (SR-91) – Access from Riverside County

    • Pacific Coast Highway (PCH / SR-1) – Scenic coastal route

    Driving times vary significantly by time of day. Morning and evening rush hours typically run from 7–10am and 3–7pm.

  • Orange County is served by several convenient airports, making arrivals flexible for both domestic and international travelers:

    • John Wayne Airport (SNA) – The primary airport for Orange County, centrally located with quick access to beaches, resorts, and business centers

    • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Major international gateway, approximately 45–75 minutes north depending on traffic

    • Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Smaller, efficient airport serving northern Orange County

    San Diego International Airport (SAN) – A practical option for southern Orange County visitors

  • Private and charter travelers have several strong options in and around Orange County:

    • John Wayne Airport – Limited but premium private aviation services

    • Fullerton Municipal Airport – Popular for private and corporate aircraft

    • Long Beach Airport – Full-service FBOs and executive aviation

    Private aviation offers fast access to coastal communities, luxury resorts, and business districts.

  • Orange County is a premier boating destination with multiple harbors welcoming visiting vessels:

    • Newport Harbor – One of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast

    • Dana Point Harbor – Gateway to whale watching and Catalina Island

    • Huntington Harbour – Quiet residential marina access

    Each harbor provides guest slips, marina services, and Harbor Master assistance, with contact information provided within our boating resources.

Getting Around Orange County

Orange County is primarily car-centric, and renting a vehicle is strongly recommended. Ride-share services are widely available, and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink rail lines connect select cities along the coast. Scenic bike paths and beachfront walking routes are popular in coastal communities.