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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Finding a rental car at Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport (SNA) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around Orange County with no reservation fees. Pick up your car steps from the terminal or via a shuttle to off-airport lots, then hit I-5 for Disneyland, Newport Beach and the rest of Southern California.
| Location | Details | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SNA On-Airport Rentals | • Rental counters on arrivals level between Terminals A/B • Cars picked up on Level "0" of Parking Structures A2/B2 • Major companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty |
• Operation hours: around 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM • No shuttle needed – walk to counters then take elevator to garage • Much faster process than LAX |
| SNA Off-Airport Rentals | • Companies include Fox and Go Rentals • Pick-up from Ground Transportation Center via shuttle |
• Might offer lower rates (no airport concession fees) • Factor in waiting time for shuttles |
| Santa Ana City Locations | • Various neighborhood locations • Enterprise and other companies in city centers |
• Often closed Sundays/holidays and have shorter hours • May offer pick-up service from hotels |
On average, car rentals at Santa Ana Airport cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport in our search results. Off-airport lots (shuttle from Ground Transportation Center) often dodge the 11 % airport concession fee and can be cheaper if you don't mind a 10-15 min shuttle ride.
Pick-up timing matters. For SNA, prices jump for summer, spring break and Thanksgiving. Lock in a refundable rate early for those periods but keep checking and re-book if you spot a drop.
Weekday pickups = lower base rates. Shifting your rental to Mon-Thu can shave dollars compared with a Friday or Saturday start.
Return to SNA to avoid one-way charges unless your route truly demands a different drop spot. The airport garage is onsite so drop-offs are super quick.
Book the smallest class that fits the crew. Compacts are cheaper, fit in tight Newport or Laguna Beach parking, and sip pricey California gas.
Fill up on MacArthur Blvd or Bristol St before returning. Pumps right at the airport add a big surcharge. A 3-minute detour keeps your total cost low.
| Location | Where to Park | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Ana | Metered street spots and public lots | Time limits vary; read posted signs carefully |
| South Coast Plaza | Free lots and garages | Excellent option for shopping |
| Beaches | Mix of metered and paid lots | Daily fees apply; arrive early during summer |
| Disneyland | Large paid structures | Standard option available |
| John Wayne Airport | Short-term and long-term available | Multiple structures available |
Seat belts mandatory for all occupants
Orange County has several toll highways (SR-73, 133, 241, 261)
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim – theme parks, Downtown Disney
Newport Beach – Balboa Pier, harbor
Laguna Beach – art galleries, coves
Huntington Beach – Main Street, surf museum
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa – shopping, dining
San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum
What documents do I need to rent a car at SNA?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the security deposit and your confirmation number if you booked ahead. If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at John Wayne Airport?
You can usually get your car pretty fast. It can take as little as 15–20 minutes to get from your plane to your car, since the rental counters are in the terminal and the cars are parked right next door.
Are there any free alternatives to the toll roads?
Yes, you can find free roads that run next to all the toll roads. For example, you can take the I-5 or I-405 instead of the SR-73 toll road. However, these free roads can get more crowded during rush hour.
What's the best vehicle type if I'm visiting Disneyland and beaches?
A midsize car works well for a family of four. It has enough room for your luggage and beach gear. If your family is larger, you might want to rent an SUV or a minivan.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before a flight?
You should plan to return your car at least 60–90 minutes before a domestic flight or about two hours before an international one. The rental return at SNA is at the airport, so the process is usually fast.
Can I drive a rental car to Mexico from Santa Ana?
Most rental companies won't let you drive their cars to Mexico unless you buy special Mexican insurance and get their permission first. Some companies don't allow it at all.
Where can I find the cheapest gas near SNA for refueling before return?
You can usually find cheaper gas at stations on MacArthur Blvd or Bristol Street, compared to the ones right by the airport. You can also use an app like GasBuddy to check current prices.
Do I need a special vehicle for driving to mountain areas like Big Bear?
A standard car works for most of the year. In winter when it snows, you might need chains for a car without 4-wheel drive. Rental companies often don't let you put chains on their cars, so you should think about renting an all-wheel drive SUV for a winter mountain trip.
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