Traveling to California and wondering how to get to Disneyland without a Car? Check out our complete guide- it’s all here trains, buses, car share, private rides- everything you need to know!
Ulitmate Guide: How to Get to Disneyland without a Car
7 Ways to Get to Anaheim
Are you planning a trip to the happiest place on earth but don’t want the hassle of a rental car or dealing with parking fees? Well, then, you will want to read this post! In this article, we will explore seven ways to get to Disneyland without a car.
We’ll review the pros and cons and availability of car shares like Uber or Lyft, Van Share or Shuttle Services, Hotels in the Anaheim area with free Airport transportation, public city bus and/or train transportation, taking a tour that includes the Disneyland Resort Area, and even a paid car service straight from the airport to the Anaheim resort area.
The benefit of Disneyland vs Walt Disney World is Disneyland is small, and located right in the middle of the city of Anaheim, which means it is very walkable. So, you don’t need to worry about transportation to and from the park in most cases as most hotels are within walking distance. If you have trouble walking, don’t worry, stay tuned to the end, and we will go over ART, Anaheim Regional Transit, a regional bus line that goes around the Anaheim resort area and drops off very close to Disneyland.
Car Share or Rideshare Service
Car sharing, aka rideshare, services such as Uber and Lyft offer a convenient and flexible way to get to Disneyland without a car. Users can easily book a ride using the Lyft or Uber apps, and the driver will pick them up from their location and drop them off at their desired destination.
If you aren’t familiar with these services, let me help-
How to Use a Rideshare Service
- Choose which service you want to use- in the U.S., the two services most used are Uber and Lyft
- Download the app for that service
- Choose what credit card you would like to use as payment
- Choose your pick-up location
- Choose your destination
- The app will then give you an option of a regular car, a car like an SUV or Van that holds more people (keep in mind these can cost more), or a deluxe type version (more offerings but usually not worth the extra money unless you want to travel in style or that’s all that is available based on your needs or schedule).
- Choose which type of ride you want based on the size of your party, budget, schedule, and options. The price will appear next to every option.
- Hit the Select button.
After choosing your car share option, the app should keep you updated on your driver’s location and distance away. If they seem to be taking longer or seem lost, it’s okay to text them, as it all goes through the app, and that doesn’t mean they have your personal information.
Car share services are available throughout the Anaheim area, including at airports and hotels. This option is particularly useful for those who prefer a private and direct mode of transportation.
However, it’s important to consider transportation costs and availability during peak travel times, as prices may vary.
It’s hard to give any distinct numbers here as people come from various locations when visiting Disneyland, including more than four local airports and other travel and tourist destinations. You can always check the app and get the prices without selecting the ride. This will give you an idea of the current prices from your location to your Disneyland destination. On average, at the time of this writing, it can cost anywhere from $34-$74 to get to the Disneyland resort area from John Wayne Airport and the Los Angeles Airport, respectively.
Van Service or Shuttle Service
Anaheim has a variety of van share or shuttle (larger than a van) services from and to the local airports. These include Super Shuttle, Karmel Shuttle, and Eve Shuttle (Anaheim Resort Transit runs this and is the most affordable). Van or shuttle services are a popular and sometimes more affordable option for getting to Disneyland without a car. These airport shuttles provide a convenient and hassle-free transportation option for visitors to the Disneyland Resort area.
Karmel Shuttle
Karmel Shuttle is a great shuttle service/van service option that provides services from area airports like Los Angeles Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (also called Santa Ana SNA or Orange County Airport), and Long Beach Airport to your Anaheim or Disneyland Resort Area hotel. They have a “get quote” option on their main page and a AAA discount tab on their main page.
They offer a variety of options, including a shared van service, private car or private van service, or a luxury car experience. Here’s an example of pricing on their page for mid-March 2024. This price is subject to change based on time, date, season, and eventual inflation, so this is just to give you a general idea.
Super Shuttle
Super Shuttle also offers shared rides from major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport and John Wayne Airport, directly to hotels in the Anaheim area.
This shuttle service can take you to or from SNA and offers a variety of options, including a shared van, car, or private or premium vans and cars. See price examples for March of 2024 here. Keep in mind this price will vary based on season, time, and eventual inflation. But they offer a great “get quote” at the top left of their main home page.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable transportation option for solo travelers (EVE is the most affordable) | Schedules and availability may vary |
| Convenient pickup and drop-off locations | Reservations required |
| Shared rides reduce transportation costs | Might not be as affordable as a car share if you are not traveling solo, it depends on current pricing, if the car or ride share company is participating in surge pricing, and what airport you are coming from. LAX is the most expensive for car/ride share to Anaheim. |
| Easy access to hotels and theme parks |
EVE Shuttle
As stated above, EVE (Everyone Ventures Everywhere) is associated with Anaheim Resort Transit. They only run shuttles from the most local airport, SNA (John Wayne, Orange County), and offer on-demand direct shuttle service to Anaheim. EVE is by far the cheapest way to get to Disneyland if you are flying into SNA, with a single fare being only $15 for adults and $7.50 for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. I’m so excited about this option that came out in 2023, and I think it is perfect for those wanting to do Disneyland on a budget!
In addition to airport shuttles, the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system offers shuttle services within the Disneyland Resort area. This shuttle service allows visitors to easily travel between hotels and the theme parks without the need for a car.
The shuttle service runs regularly and provides a convenient transportation option for those exploring the Disneyland Resort area.
If you take any transportation to the Disneyland Resort Area, you can use ART, and many hotels have convenient ART stops right in front of them. See my other blogs, like this on Disneyland Resort Area hotels with Suites.
Hotels with Free Airport Transportation
When traveling to Disneyland without a car, staying at a hotel with free airport transportation can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Unfortunately, the only hotels that have “included” airport shuttle services are those that are close to the airport. In the case of SNA, these hotels are about 9-11 miles from the Disneyland resort Area. So, definitely not walkable, but they could be a good option for getting closer on the first night of your travel.
Then you could take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft to Disneyland and save a ton of money vs a rideshare from the airport. Or you could even take a city bus and save even more money.
Hotel options with free airport transportation near the SNA airport include:
- Budget ($90-$150)– Comfort Inn and Suites Orange County John Wayne Airport (aka SNA); MainStay Suites SNA, La Quinta Inn and Suites Orange County Airport, Embassy Suites SNA
- Moderate to Premium (>$150-$low 200s)-Avenue of the Arts, Hilton Orange Country, SpringHill Suites, Hilton Irvine, Hyatt House Irvine
Another thing to consider is that these hotels are notably cheaper than the hotels near Disneyland. So, if Disneyland is just one of your stops and you are also visiting other Orange County favorites like the beaches, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood (which is close to Orange County), you could save money by staying in one of the above hotels.
You could then use some of that money on a rideshare or even a private car service that offers premium service to and from Disneyland.
City Bus Transportation
Public transportation options, such as city buses, offer an affordable way to get to Disneyland without a car. One convenient bus route is the 460 bus, operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority. The 460 bus ride connects downtown Los Angeles with the Disneyland Resort area, making it a great option for visitors coming from downtown Los Angeles or surrounding areas.
Once you hop on the 460 bus, you’ll be dropped off near Disneyland, allowing you to easily access the theme parks.
If you are coming from Orange County there are multiple options via the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA). See Disneyland’s website for more info on routes.
| Advantages of City Bus Transportation |
|---|
| Affordable option for getting to Disneyland without a car |
| Convenient connection between downtown Los Angeles and the Disneyland Resort area |
| Drop-off points near Disneyland for easy access to the theme parks |
| Convenient if you are coming from Orange County, also |
Take the Train
Taking the train is a scenic, albeit slower, option for traveling to Anaheim and Disneyland. Trains that go to Disneyland include Amtrak, which you can take from many cities around the U.S. to a local rapid transit commuter train called Metrolink.
Amtrak
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego and hugs the coastline, with multiple stops in between. If you choose this option and are coming from other U.S. cities via an Amtrak train you will need to transfer over to the the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Check Amtraks website for more details.
When you get to the Anaheim Station (ARTIC), you can then change over to the ART Route 15 bus. This bus will then take you directly to the Disneyland Resort Area.
This is not the most efficient way to get to Disneyland, but if you have the time to take the train, it sure is beautiful! Depending on your route, this option can cost from $40 to $90.
Metrolink
Metrolink is a local Southern California rapid commuter train system with 7 lines serving the area. Check out Disneyland’s website for more info on specific routes, but this is a great option if you are already visiting the Orange County beaches or towns. It is affordable and can range from $8 to $12 one way, depending on your route.
Tour to Disneyland
Booking a tour to Disneyland is an all-in-one option for a hassle-free vacation. Tour companies offer transportation, tickets, and sometimes even accommodations as part of their packages. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including day trips from nearby cities like downtown San Diego or longer vacations in the Anaheim area.
This option provides convenience and eliminates the need to plan transportation and tickets separately. It also shows you around other cool spots in Southern California!
Keep in mind that Disneyland frowns upon actual tours inside the parks. In the parks, you have the option of independently touring with your travel party or hiring a VIP tour guide from Disneyland directly. The prices may vary depending on the duration of the tour, inclusions, and the level of accommodation provided.
Private Car Services
These are similar to ride-sharing services but are often more fancy.
They will usually meet you at your baggage carousel and help you with your bags. These private car services are a great option if you want luxury and need assistance with your bags. The drivers are typically friendly and knowledgeable about the area.
They are the easiest and best way to get directly to Disneyland. You can arrange the ride ahead of time and pay upfront, they are nonstop, and they provide assistance and comfort.
But all magic comes with a price (where are my Once Upon a Time fans?). Car services from the Southern California airports to Disneyland can cost anywhere from $70 to more than $200!
An additional perk is that they can provide car seats, as can some shuttle and other ridesharing services. They also often have snacks and drinks, but this can vary from company to company.
The private shuttle companies listed above, Karmel and Super Shuttle, offer a version of this. Other recommended services include: Anaheim Town Car Services and Sunny’s Transportation.
FAQ
How can I get to Disneyland without a car?
There are multiple ways to get to Disneyland without a car. Some options include car sharing services like Uber and Lyft, van share or shuttle services, hotels with free airport transportation, city bus transportation, taking the train, booking a tour, and private car services directly to Anaheim hotels. Each option offers its own advantages in terms of convenience, price, and flexibility.
What car-sharing services are available for getting to Disneyland?
Popular car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Anaheim area. These services allow you to book a ride through their smartphone apps and provide private and direct transportation to Disneyland. It’s important to consider transportation costs and availability, especially during peak travel times, as prices may vary.
Can I use van share or shuttle services to get to Disneyland?
Yes, van share or shuttle services are a great option for getting to Disneyland without a car. Companies like Karmel or Super Shuttle offer shared rides from airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport and John Wayne Airport, to hotels in the Anaheim area. Additionally, the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system provides shuttle services within the Disneyland Resort area, making it convenient to travel between hotels and the theme parks.
They also have a new service, the EVE shuttle, that runs directly from the John Wayne Airport to the local ART buses. It is advisable to check schedules, fares, and availability in advance, as some services may require reservations.
Are there hotels that offer free transportation to Disneyland?
Yes, many hotels in the Anaheim area, including the Disneyland Hotel, provide free transportation for their guests, but not from the airports to Disneyland. These hotels will offer free transportation from the hotel to Downtown Disney, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure Park. See my section above on hotels that have free airport transportation.
Can I use city bus transportation to get to Disneyland?
Yes, public transportation options, such as city buses, are available for getting to Disneyland. The 460 bus, operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority, connects downtown Los Angeles to the Disneyland Resort area. Additionally, there are several Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) options.
Is it possible to take the train to get to Disneyland?
Yes, taking the train is a popular and scenic option for traveling to Anaheim and Disneyland. Visitors can take a train to to various areas in Southern California and then transfer to other transportation options, such as buses or private car services, to reach the Disneyland Resort area. The train journey provides beautiful views and a relaxing travel experience. It’s important to consider transportation costs and schedules when planning to take the train to Disneyland. Or you can take a train directly into Anaheim and transfer from there.
Can I book a tour to get to Disneyland?
Yes, booking a tour to Disneyland is an all-in-one option for a hassle-free vacation. Tour companies offer transportation, tickets, and sometimes even accommodations as part of their packages. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including day trips from nearby cities like downtown San Diego or longer vacations in the Anaheim area. This option provides convenience and eliminates the need to plan transportation and tickets separately.
You May Also Love:
Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
[…] Ultimate Guide to How to Get to Disneyland without a Car […]