The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around San Dimas, California

San Dimas is uniquely positioned for easy access to Greater Los Angeles’s main airports, making it a great home base for group travel. Whether you’re flying out with colleagues for a conference, planning a school trip abroad, or organizing a family reunion that starts with an international flight, choosing the right airport can make your whole experience smoother and more cost-effective. And when you rent a charter bus in San Dimas, you won’t have to worry about parking hassles, luggage logistics, or keeping your group together on the way to catch your flight. Our team will help you build the perfect itinerary with pickup and drop-off times at any L.A. area airport.

Ready to get started? We offer instant online quotes in under 30 seconds or call 840-804-5880 and our reservation specialists can help you find the best bus and plan the best route for your next flight. We’ll make sure your airport transfer is comfortable, reliable, and tailored to your group’s needs.

Quick Answer:

San Dimas sits near the intersection of I-210 and Highway 57, which puts you within easy reach of several major airports. Ontario International (ONT) is just 17 miles east and usually has the fastest drive — you can be there in under half an hour with light traffic, and it offers nonstop flights to dozens of domestic and some international destinations. If you need more options, Burbank (BUR) is about 35 minutes west and is a favorite for smaller crowds and airlines like Southwest and Alaska. LAX is the biggest hub, with hundreds of direct flights worldwide, but it’s about 45 miles away and can take over an hour to reach during rush hour. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a solid backup, especially for JetBlue or Hawaiian, and John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) is also within an hour’s drive south if you’re heading toward Orange County.

With so many choices, picking the right airport depends on your airline, destination, and tolerance for L.A. traffic. The good news is that a private charter bus takes the stress out of the drive. You can load up your luggage, relax in reclining seats, and let someone else handle the freeways while you focus on travel details or simply enjoy the ride.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E. Airport Drive, Ontario, CA 91761

Ontario International is the closest large airport to San Dimas and by far the most convenient for group travel. It’s less than 20 miles away, typically a 25-minute drive along I-10 or I-210, and it has a reputation for being much easier to navigate than LAX. ONT serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines and has regular service from Delta, United, American, Alaska, Frontier, and Volaris. You’ll find nonstop flights to major cities like Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, and Chicago, plus international routes to Mexico and Taiwan.

Groups love ONT because the terminals are compact and rarely crowded, security lines move quickly, and curbside loading is simple. Your charter bus can pull up right outside baggage claim to load or unload passengers and luggage. There are short-term and long-term parking lots nearby if you need to stage vehicles, and the airport’s ground transportation staff can direct oversized vehicles to designated areas. Inside, you’ll find plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, and food options ranging from Starbucks and Carl’s Jr. to sit-down restaurants like Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Rock & Brews Bar. ONT also has a few shops for last-minute gifts or travel essentials, including Hudson News and Tech On The Go. If anyone needs to kill time before a flight, the nearby Ontario Mills Mall offers outlet shopping and dining just 5 minutes away.

For groups based in San Dimas, ONT is almost always the quickest and least stressful choice, especially if you’re flying domestically or to Mexico. A charter bus rental makes it even easier — no need to split up into multiple cars or deal with expensive airport parking. Everyone arrives together, on time, and ready to check in.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Address: 2627 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Burbank Airport is a hidden gem for group travelers who want to avoid the crowds and chaos of LAX. Located about 35 miles northwest of San Dimas, it’s usually a 40- to 50-minute drive via I-210 through Pasadena and Glendale. BUR is much smaller than LAX or ONT, with two short runways and a single terminal, but it has an impressive range of nonstop flights thanks to Southwest, Alaska, American, Avelo, Spirit, and United. You can fly direct to Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, New York City, Dallas, and more. It’s also one of the few airports in California with a direct Amtrak/Metrolink rail connection adjacent to the terminal.

Burbank’s biggest selling points are its manageable size and fast processing. Security wait times are often under 15 minutes, and baggage claim is steps from the curb. Your charter bus can easily pick up or drop off passengers right outside the main entrance, and there are dedicated lanes for commercial vehicles. If you need to park or stage buses, the airport’s ground transportation office can provide directions to oversize vehicle lots. Inside, you’ll find a mix of chain and local eateries, such as Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter, Peet’s Coffee, and Lunchbox by Wolfgang Puck. There are also a few convenience stores for snacks, magazines, and travel accessories.

Burbank is ideal for groups flying Southwest or Alaska, as both airlines have a robust schedule here. It’s also a smart option if your destination is north of Downtown L.A. or if you’re connecting to public transit. From San Dimas, the drive is straightforward and avoids most of the city center’s worst traffic. Your charter bus can drop everyone at the terminal, then circle back to pick up after your return flight — all with minimal hassle.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

LAX is the largest and busiest airport in California, serving more than 80 million passengers per year and offering nonstop flights to over 180 destinations worldwide. For international trips or cross-country itineraries, it’s often the only choice — every major U.S. airline has a presence here, along with dozens of foreign carriers like British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, ANA, Korean Air, and Qantas. The downside is that LAX is 45 miles from San Dimas and notoriously congested, especially during rush hours when the drive can easily exceed 90 minutes.

If your group needs to use LAX, advance planning is key. Charter Bus Rental San Dimas can advise on the best departure times to avoid peak traffic on I-10, I-605, and the 105 Freeway. Once at the airport, your charter bus can drop off passengers at the upper Departures level of any terminal. For pickups, commercial vehicles must use the lower Arrivals level, and there’s a centralized Commercial Vehicle Holding Lot on Airport Boulevard where buses can stage until called. LAX’s terminals are connected by a loop road, but construction and congestion can cause delays, so allow extra time for navigation. Inside, each terminal has a wide array of dining and shopping, from fast food (Shake Shack, Panda Express) to upscale restaurants (Petrossian, Border Grill), plus duty-free shops and traveler amenities like spas and lounges.

LAX is not for the faint of heart, but it’s indispensable for certain itineraries. With a private charter bus, you can at least skip the headaches of airport parking, shuttle transfers, and keeping everyone together in a sea of taxis and rideshares. Your group can relax on the approach, confident that you’ll arrive at the right terminal with time to spare. If possible, consider using ONT or BUR for domestic flights, but for Europe, Asia, Australia, or South America, LAX is your gateway.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808

Long Beach Airport is a small but efficient alternative to LAX, located about 38 miles south of San Dimas. The drive typically takes 45 minutes to an hour via the 605 Freeway, depending on traffic. LGB is known for its retro Art Deco terminal, open-air boarding, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s primarily served by Southwest, which offers nonstop flights to cities like Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Denver, and Honolulu, as well as limited service from Delta and Hawaiian Airlines.

LGB is extremely easy to navigate for groups. The terminal is compact, security lines are short, and baggage claim is close to the curb. Your charter bus can pick up or drop off passengers at the commercial vehicle lane directly outside the terminal entrance. There are also designated parking areas for oversized vehicles if you need to stage buses between flights. Inside, you’ll find a handful of cafes and restaurants, such as George’s Greek Café, Boathouse on the Bay, and Polly’s Coffee, along with a few gift shops and newsstands. The airport’s outdoor courtyard has seating and live music on select days, providing a pleasant place to wait for your flight.

Long Beach is a great choice for groups flying Southwest or Hawaiian, especially if your final destination is in Orange County or southern Los Angeles County. It’s also less hectic than LAX or ONT, making it ideal for school trips, senior tours, or anyone who values a calm airport experience. From San Dimas, the drive is manageable, and your charter bus can handle the logistics while you focus on getting your group checked in and ready to board.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707

John Wayne Airport, located in Santa Ana, is the primary airport for Orange County and a viable option for San Dimas groups heading south. It’s about 40 miles from San Dimas, typically a 50-minute drive down the 57 and 5 Freeways. SNA is a mid-sized airport with three terminals and nonstop service to major hubs like San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, and Phoenix, primarily via Southwest, American, United, Alaska, and Delta. It also has limited international flights to Canada and Mexico.

SNA is praised for its cleanliness, efficiency, and short wait times. Security lines are usually quick, and the terminals are modern with plenty of seating and charging stations. Your charter bus can drop off or pick up passengers at the designated commercial vehicle area on the Arrival (lower) level, and there are separate lots for bus parking if needed. Inside, you’ll find a range of dining options, including Javi’s Mexican Restaurant, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Vino Volo wine bar, as well as shops like Brookstone, CNBC News, and OC Market.

SNA is a strong alternative to LAX or ONT for groups flying to or from Orange County, especially if you’re using Southwest or Alaska Airlines. The airport’s manageable size and friendly staff make it a favorite among frequent travelers. From San Dimas, the drive is straightforward, and your charter bus can handle all the traffic and parking concerns while you manage check-in and pre-flight preparations.

Why Book a Charter Bus for Airport Transfers?

Coordinating group travel to the airport can be a logistical headache, especially in a sprawling metro like Los Angeles. Multiple cars mean multiple arrival times, parking fees, and the risk of someone getting lost or delayed. Rideshares can split up your group and become costly for larger parties. Public transit is rarely practical with luggage and tight schedules, and hotel shuttles may not fit everyone or run on your timeline.

A private charter bus rental solves all these problems in one package. Your entire group travels together, with ample room for suitcases, carry-ons, and even oversized items like golf clubs or musical instruments. Everyone boards and disembarks at the same curb, reducing the risk of missing a flight or leaving someone behind. Onboard amenities like reclining seats, climate control, power outlets, and Wi-Fi keep everyone comfortable and connected en route. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about navigating traffic, finding parking, or coordinating multiple pickups — your charter bus handles it all, letting you focus on your trip.

Whether you’re sending off a sports team, transporting wedding guests, or organizing a corporate retreat, a charter bus streamlines your airport transfer and sets a positive tone for the journey ahead. You can customize the pickup and drop-off schedule to match your flight times, and your bus will be waiting when you land, ready to take you to your hotel or event venue.

Book Your San Dimas Airport Shuttle Today

With easy access to Ontario, Burbank, LAX, Long Beach, and John Wayne airports, San Dimas is perfectly situated for group air travel. No matter which airport you choose, Charter Bus Rental San Dimas can provide a comfortable, reliable shuttle to ensure your trip starts and ends smoothly. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to help you select the right bus, plan the optimal route, and answer any questions about airport procedures.

To get started, use our online quote tool to receive a personalized estimate in under 30 seconds. Or call us at 840-804-5880 to speak with a specialist who can walk you through your options and help you book the perfect airport transfer for your group. With Charter Bus Rental San Dimas, you can rest easy knowing your transportation is handled — from your doorstep to the departure gate and back again.