Transportation

Some people cringe at the thought of getting around in Southern California, but Irvine has transportation figured out!

For starters, getting in and out is a breeze with one of the most flier-friendly airports in the country: John Wayne Airport (SNA). Less than an hour from Los Angeles, the clean, uncrowded Irvine airport offers a great alternative to LAX and serves as a gateway to all of Orange County.

Located right on MacArthur Boulevard, one of Irvine's main roads, there's no "driving into town" when you fly into John Wayne: Irvine is across the street and all around, allowing you to settle into your hotel (or hit the malls) literally within minutes of grabbing your bags.

If you'll have a rental car in Irvine, you'll also be pleased to know that the no-stress experience of the Irvine airport continues on the city's roads. Because Irvine is master-planned, you'll never experience snarled traffic or rush hour delays. Driving here is a pleasure: wide roads, light traffic, clear signals and perfectly tuned traffic control, and our Irvine and Orange County maps will quickly orient you to the area.

For those who prefer not to drive, nearly all Irvine hotels offer free shuttle transportation to shops, restaurants and attractions within a few miles' radius. In a compact city like Irvine, that covers a lot of ground!

Also, the Irvine Shuttle (iShuttle), offers two convenient routes throughout the city, including stops at the aiport, the shops and eateries of Diamond Jamboree, the Irvine Museum, popular restaurants, the Tustin Metrolink Station and Irvine's larger hotels. Fares are just $1 or $.50 for peak and off-peak hours, respectively.

Irvine is also served by busses of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and the Irvine Station offers convenient rail service from Amtrak and Metrolink, putting coastal Southern California from San Diego to San Luis Obispo in easy reach.