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

Charter Bus Rental Poway has been helping groups of all sizes travel to and from airports in San Diego County for over 10 years. If you need a bus or shuttle to get your group to the airport, we’re here to help! We can accommodate any size group—from a small team of executives to a large school class going on a field trip. We have a fleet of buses that includes sprinter vans (10–15), minibuses (15–35), charter buses (40–56) and even party buses (10–50). You can choose the best type of bus for your group’s needs, and add amenities like WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and more. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide instant quotes. Call us at 858-648-4690 or use our online quote tool to get started!

Quick Answer: The Best Way to Get Your Group to the Airport

If you’re traveling with a group, the easiest way to get everyone to the airport is by renting a charter bus or minibus. Public transportation is unreliable and doesn’t always run on your schedule. Rideshares and taxis are expensive and may not have enough room for everyone and their luggage. And asking everyone to drive themselves can lead to confusion, lost members, and expensive parking fees.

With a private bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Poway, your entire group can travel together in one vehicle. You’ll have plenty of space for luggage, comfortable seats for the ride, and a dedicated bus that runs on your schedule. No worrying about missed trains, split-up carpools, or getting stuck in traffic on the I-15 while trying to make your flight. Your bus will pick you up at your location, drop you off right at the terminal, and be waiting when you land to take you home or to your hotel.

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Address: 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance from Poway: 27 miles (about 30 minutes)

San Diego International Airport is the main airport serving Poway and the rest of San Diego County. It’s located just north of downtown San Diego, making it easily accessible via I-15 and I-5. SAN offers nonstop flights to over 70 destinations across the U.S. and abroad, including major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, London, Tokyo, and more. The airport has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), with most domestic flights departing from Terminal 1 and international flights from Terminal 2.

For groups flying in or out of SAN, a charter bus is the most convenient ground transportation option. Your bus can drop you off right at the curb outside your terminal, with no need to worry about finding parking or shuttling from remote lots. When you return, your bus will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your next destination—whether that’s a hotel, event venue, or back home to Poway. With undercarriage storage for checked bags and overhead bins for carry-ons, you’ll have plenty of room for everyone’s luggage.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

At SAN, charter buses and other oversized vehicles are allowed to load and unload passengers in the designated commercial vehicle lanes outside each terminal. For Terminal 1, this area is along the curb on Airport Terminal Road. For Terminal 2, use the curbside area near baggage claim. Your bus will not be able to wait or park at the curb, so plan to coordinate pickup/drop-off times carefully. If your group needs extra time, your bus can wait in the Cell Phone Lot off N Harbor Drive until you’re ready.

What to Eat and Do at SAN

San Diego International Airport has a wide variety of dining and shopping options in both terminals. Popular local restaurants include Phil’s BBQ, Stone Brewing, and Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant. National chains like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Panda Express are also available. For shopping, browse retailers like Warwick’s Books, Sunglass Hut, and Be Relax Spa. If you have extra time before your flight, relax in one of the airport’s art installations or visit the Airspace Lounge in Terminal 2 for snacks and drinks.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad

Address: 2198 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance from Poway: 28 miles (about 35 minutes)

McClellan-Palomar Airport is a smaller regional airport located in Carlsbad, north of Poway. While it primarily serves general aviation and private aircraft, it does offer limited commercial service through Advanced Air, with scheduled flights to Las Vegas and seasonal service to Mammoth Lakes. CLD is a popular choice for business travelers and private charters due to its convenient location and less crowded terminals.

If your group is flying in or out of McClellan-Palomar, a charter bus can provide seamless transportation between the airport and your office, hotel, or event venue. Since CLD does not have the same public transit connections as SAN, having a private bus ensures your group won’t need to rely on taxis or rideshares. Your bus can pick you up right outside the terminal and take you directly to your next destination in Poway or anywhere else in San Diego County.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

Charter buses can load and unload passengers in front of the main terminal building at McClellan-Palomar Airport. There is a designated commercial vehicle area near baggage claim. As with SAN, your bus cannot park at the curb for extended periods but can circle the lot or wait in nearby short-term parking if needed.

What to Eat and Do at CLD

Dining options at McClellan-Palomar are limited compared to larger airports. The Landings Restaurant & Bar, located adjacent to the terminal, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the runway. For last-minute snacks or drinks, there are vending machines inside the terminal. If your group has time before or after your flight, consider visiting LEGOLAND California Resort or the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, both just a short drive away.

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) via Cross Border Xpress (CBX)

Address: 2745 Otay Pacific Dr, San Diego, CA 92154 (CBX Terminal)
Distance from Poway: 38 miles (about 45 minutes)

If your group is looking for affordable international flights, especially to destinations in Mexico and Latin America, consider using Tijuana International Airport via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge. CBX allows travelers to park or be dropped off on the U.S. side of the border in Otay Mesa, then walk directly into the TIJ terminal without crossing through the main San Ysidro port of entry. This can save hours of border wait time and provides access to airlines like Volaris, Aeroméxico, and VivaAerobus.

Your charter bus can drop your group off at the CBX terminal in San Diego, where you’ll check in and cross the bridge to catch your flight from Tijuana. When you return, simply walk back across the bridge and your bus will be waiting to take you home. This is a great option for student groups, tour groups, or anyone looking to fly internationally without the high prices of LAX or SAN.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

The CBX terminal has a dedicated bus and commercial vehicle lane for group drop-offs and pick-ups. Follow signs for “Group Transportation” when approaching the terminal. Buses can unload passengers near the entrance but may need to wait in a designated lot until your group returns.

What to Eat and Do at CBX/TIJ

Inside the CBX terminal, you’ll find a food court with options like Starbucks, Subway, and Baja Fresh, as well as duty-free shopping and currency exchange. Once across the bridge in TIJ, there are additional restaurants and shops in the main terminal. If your group has extra time, consider visiting the nearby Otay Valley Regional Park or taking a short bus ride to explore downtown Tijuana.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Distance from Poway: 120 miles (about 2 hours)

While it’s a bit of a drive from Poway, Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers the widest selection of flights to domestic and international destinations. If your group can’t find the right route or price out of SAN, consider booking out of LAX instead. With a charter bus, the journey is easy—just sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the infamous LA traffic.

LAX has nine passenger terminals arranged in a horseshoe shape, serving airlines like American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, and many international carriers. Whether you’re flying to Europe, Asia, Australia, or across the U.S., you’ll find more flight options and often better prices than at smaller airports.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

At LAX, charter buses and commercial vehicles use the lower level (arrivals) roadway for passenger drop-off and pick-up. Each terminal has a designated area for oversized vehicles, usually at the far end of the curb. Your bus cannot wait at the curb for long periods, so coordinate timing carefully. For longer waits, buses can use the LAX Economy Parking lot or nearby off-site lots with shuttle service to the terminals.

What to Eat and Do at LAX

LAX offers an extensive selection of dining and shopping, with everything from fast food to upscale restaurants and boutiques. Popular spots include Shake Shack, Lemonade, 800 Degrees Pizza, and WPizza by Wolfgang Puck. Shop for souvenirs, electronics, or luxury goods at stores like Hudson News, Brookstone, and Burberry. If your group has a layover or delay, relax in one of the many airline lounges or visit the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center on the south side of the airport.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County

Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Distance from Poway: 80 miles (about 1 hour 20 minutes)

John Wayne Airport is another alternative for groups in Poway looking for flights outside of San Diego. Located in Orange County, SNA is smaller and less congested than LAX but still offers a good selection of domestic flights on airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, Alaska, and United. It’s a convenient option for groups heading to destinations not served by SAN or looking to avoid the traffic and crowds of larger airports.

SNA has a single terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C), making navigation easy for groups. The airport is known for its efficiency, short security lines, and proximity to popular destinations like Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. If you’re planning a group trip to Orange County attractions, consider flying in or out of SNA for convenience.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

Charter buses at John Wayne Airport use the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) located on the arrival (lower) level between Terminals A and B. Follow signs for “Buses/Shuttles” when entering the airport. Your bus can load and unload passengers in the designated bays but cannot idle for extended periods.

What to Eat and Do at SNA

John Wayne Airport offers a range of dining options, including Javi’s Mexican Restaurant, Ruby’s Diner, and California Pizza Kitchen. Grab coffee at Starbucks or Peet’s, or pick up snacks at Hudson News. For shopping, browse Tech On The Go for electronics, OC Market for gifts, and CNBC News for reading material. If you have extra time, the airport features rotating art exhibits showcasing local artists and historical displays about Orange County aviation.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Distance from Poway: 110 miles (about 2 hours)

Ontario International Airport is located east of Los Angeles and is a popular choice for groups traveling to the Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Riverside, or eastern Los Angeles County. ONT offers nonstop flights to major cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Taiwan on airlines such as Southwest, American, Delta, Frontier, Alaska, and China Airlines. The airport is less crowded than LAX and often has lower fares and shorter security lines.

ONT has two terminals (Terminal 2 and Terminal 4), with most domestic flights operating from Terminal 4. The airport is known for its ease of access, ample parking, and efficient layout. If your group is based in the Inland Empire or needs to travel east of LA, ONT may be a more convenient airport than LAX or SNA.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

Charter buses at Ontario International use the designated commercial vehicle zones outside each terminal. Follow signs for “Buses/Shuttles” when approaching the airport. Your bus can load and unload passengers at the curb but must move to a waiting area if staying for an extended period. ONT also has a cell phone lot for buses waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

What to Eat and Do at ONT

Ontario International offers a variety of dining options, including Blaze Pizza, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and Dunkin’. For shopping, visit Hudson News for travel essentials, Tech On The Go for electronics, and See’s Candies for sweet treats. If your group has downtime, the airport features public art installations and an observation area with views of the runway and San Gabriel Mountains.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808
Distance from Poway: 95 miles (about 1 hour 45 minutes)

Long Beach Airport is a small, easy-to-navigate airport located south of Los Angeles. It primarily serves domestic flights on Southwest, Hawaiian, and Delta, with routes to cities like Las Vegas, Oakland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Honolulu, and Phoenix. LGB is known for its relaxed atmosphere, Art Deco terminal, and quick security lines.

If your group is flying to or from Long Beach, a charter bus can provide direct transportation to Poway or other destinations in San Diego County. LGB is a great option for groups attending events at the Long Beach Convention Center, visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, or cruising out of the Port of Long Beach.

Where to Load/Unload Your Bus

Charter buses at Long Beach Airport use the commercial vehicle lane outside the main terminal. Follow signs for “Buses/Shuttles” when entering the airport. Your bus can load and unload passengers at the curb but must move to a waiting area if staying for an extended period. There is also a cell phone lot available for buses awaiting arrivals.

What to Eat and Do at LGB

Long Beach Airport offers several dining options, including Boathouse on the Bay, George’s Greek Café, Sweet Jill’s Bakery, and Starbucks. For shopping, browse Long Beach News & Gifts for souvenirs, Tech On The Go for electronics, and Paradies Lagardère for travel essentials. Enjoy the outdoor seating areas and palm tree-lined walkways unique to LGB, or visit the historic terminal building’s mosaic floor and vintage murals.

Ready to Book Your Airport Transportation?

No matter which airport your group is flying to or from, Charter Bus Rental Poway can provide a comfortable, reliable, and affordable charter bus rental to get you there. We’ve helped thousands of groups with airport transportation in San Diego County and beyond, from small corporate shuttles to large-scale event transfers. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, customize your itinerary, and provide instant price quotes. Call us today at 858-648-4690 or use our online quote tool to get started. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on your flight!