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

Booking group flights into or out of Whittier? Whether you’re organizing a student trip, sports team away game, employee travel or family vacation, air travel logistics can quickly become overwhelming. Which airport is best for your group’s route and budget? What about ground transportation between the airport and your hotels, venues or local attractions?

At Charter Bus Rental Whittier, we help groups of all sizes simplify airport transfers and get where they need to go, stress-free. Our 24/7 reservation team has helped thousands of passengers travel across California for more than a decade. We’ll match you with the right bus rental, from sprinter vans to full-size charter buses, and ensure you have a seamless ride to any airport near Whittier.

Call 562-600-3980 anytime to get an instant quote on airport shuttle service. And read on for our complete guide to group travel at LAX, Long Beach Airport, Ontario International and John Wayne Airport—including tips for pickup/drop-off, amenities, and choosing the right charter bus for your trip!

Quick Answer: Whittier’s Best Airports for Groups

Whittier sits just east of Los Angeles and has easy access to four major airports:

LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) - The largest option, about 21 miles west via I-105. More flights but also more crowds and traffic.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Small, low-stress and closest to Whittier at 17 miles southwest. Limited but growing flight options.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) - Inland, midsize and 33 miles east. Good pricing for domestic routes.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Orange County’s main hub, about 31 miles southeast. Modern, compact and efficient.

There’s no single “best” choice for every group. It depends on your airline, destination, ticket prices and proximity to your other stops around SoCal. Our team can help you compare options and build an itinerary that fits your needs.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Distance from Whittier: ~21 miles (~30-45 minutes by charter bus, depending on traffic)
Airlines: All major domestic/international carriers

As the second-busiest airport in the United States, LAX can be daunting—especially for large groups. But it’s often the most practical option for international arrivals/departures or when you need lots of daily nonstop flights.

Have your charter bus drop you at the upper level (Departures) if flying out, or the lower level (Arrivals) when flying in. Buses use designated commercial curb spaces outside each terminal. LAX’s horseshoe layout means your bus can circle until your group is ready to board.

Allow extra time for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours (6-9am, 5-8pm). Your driver will handle navigation while you relax in reclining seats, watch movies on TVs, or connect to free WiFi onboard.

For long layovers, consider arranging a quick sightseeing tour. With a private bus, it’s easy to pop over to Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier or the Getty Center before your next flight. Just let us know what you want to see!

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808
Distance from Whittier: ~17 miles (~25 minutes by charter bus)
Airlines: Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian

If your group can fly into/out of LGB, do it! This small airport is consistently ranked among the easiest and fastest in the country. Security lines are short, terminals are walkable, and you can get from curb to gate in under 20 minutes.

Your charter bus will pick up and drop off at the commercial loading zone right outside the main terminal. There’s less congestion than LAX, so schedules are more predictable. And since LGB is so close to Whittier, you’ll spend less time on the road and more at your destination.

Food options include local favorite Boathouse on the Bay and grab-and-go snacks from George’s Greek Café. If you have a few hours to spare, ask your bus driver to take you to downtown Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific or waterfront restaurants at Shoreline Village.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Distance from Whittier: ~33 miles (~40 minutes by charter bus)
Airlines: Southwest, American, Frontier, Alaska, Delta, United

Located inland in San Bernardino County, ONT is a solid alternative to LAX for domestic flights. It’s less crowded, parking is easier, and it’s convenient for groups headed to the Inland Empire, Palm Springs or even Las Vegas.

Buses load/unload on Terminal Way, right outside Terminals 2 and 4. ONT has plenty of space for large vehicles and doesn’t have the same gridlock issues as coastal airports. Your group can gather bags, meet your bus at the curb, and hit the road quickly.

Inside, you’ll find Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Rock & Brews for pre-flight meals. If you have time, arrange a stop at Ontario Mills mall for outlet shopping or visit the historic Graber Olive House nearby.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Distance from Whittier: ~31 miles (~35 minutes by charter bus)
Airlines: Southwest, American, United, Alaska, Delta, Frontier, JSX

SNA is Orange County’s main airport and a popular choice for groups visiting Disneyland, Anaheim Convention Center or the OC beaches. It’s modern, efficient, and known for friendly staff and clean facilities.

Your charter bus will use the Ground Transportation Center, located on the Arrival (lower) level between Terminals A and B. There’s ample room for buses, and your group can easily roll luggage from baggage claim to the curb.

Dining includes Javi’s (upscale Mexican), Ruby’s Diner (classic burgers/malts), and Zov’s (Mediterranean). For a quick excursion, have your bus take you to South Coast Plaza for luxury shopping or Newport Beach for ocean views.

Why Book a Charter Bus for Airport Transfers?

Coordinating airport transportation for a group is tough. Taxis and rideshares get expensive fast, public transit is slow and unreliable, and parking multiple cars can cost hundreds per day. When you rent a charter bus, everyone travels together on a schedule you control.

Your bus will pick you up anywhere in Whittier—hotels, schools, offices, event venues—and drive directly to the airport, using HOV lanes to avoid traffic where possible. You can load all your luggage underneath (on full-size coaches), and onboard amenities like climate control, power outlets and WiFi keep everyone comfortable.

Flying in? After a long flight, skip the hassle of splitting up into multiple vehicles or waiting for shuttles. Your charter bus will meet you at the terminal, collect your group and drive straight to your hotel or first attraction.

With a private bus, you set the itinerary. Want to make a detour for lunch or sightseeing? Need to adjust pickup times due to a delayed flight? Just call our team, and we’ll update your schedule in real time.

Choosing the Right Bus for Your Group

Charter Bus Rental Whittier offers a wide range of vehicles to fit any group size or budget:

Sprinter Vans (10-15 passengers): Perfect for small teams, VIPs or corporate groups. Compact, fast, and easy to park.
Minibuses (15-35 passengers): Great for mid-sized groups like wedding parties, school trips or church outings. Comfortable seating, overhead storage, and optional amenities.
Full-Size Charter Buses (40-56 passengers): Best for large groups, with undercarriage luggage bays, onboard restrooms, TVs/DVD players and more.
Party Buses (10-50 passengers): Ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties, prom nights or any group that wants to start the celebration early with music, lights and drinks onboard.

Not sure which bus you need? Tell us your headcount, luggage requirements and preferred amenities—we’ll recommend the best fit and give you an instant quote.

Book Your Whittier Airport Shuttle Today

Ready to make your next group flight as easy as possible? Call Charter Bus Rental Whittier at 562-600-3980 anytime, day or night. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer questions, customize your itinerary, and lock in the perfect bus rental for your airport transfer.

With more than 10 years of experience serving Whittier and Southern California, we’ve handled airport transportation for conventions, sports teams, schools, government agencies, tour groups and more. No group is too big or small!

Don’t leave your ground transportation to chance. Trust the experts at Charter Bus Rental Whittier to get your group to LAX, Long Beach, Ontario, John Wayne or any other airport on time, every time. Request a quote today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional, reliable service.