7 ways to get from LAX to Disneyland without a rental car

Transportation options from LAX to Disneyland

If you’re not in a hurry to get to the Disneyland Resort or you’re traveling on a budget, public transportation is by far the most affordable way to get from LAX Airport to Anaheim. However, if you don’t know Los Angeles well this option may be daunting, especially for those traveling with young kids or heavy luggage. 

Buses and rail lines

There are a number of Metro buses and rail lines that travel daily from Los Angeles to Anaheim. Metro also goes from LAX directly to the Disneyland Resort. After exiting baggage claim, head to the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign where you will board the bus/shuttle marked “G” to the Aviation Station. From there, proceed to the west end of the platform where you will board the Metro Rail Green Line headed east toward Norwalk. Once you arrive at the Norwalk Station, board the Metro Express Line 460 bus headed to the Disneyland Resort. The journey, including transfers, will take you approximately 2-3 hours. 

The Greyhound bus station, located at 100 W. Winston Road in Anaheim, is less than a half mile east of the Disneyland Resort and is another option from Los Angeles. Once you arrive at the bus station, transfer to the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) Route 10, which will take you directly to the Disneyland Resort via S. Anaheim Boulevard and Ball Road.

Private cars, rideshare services and taxis

If you’re looking for the fastest way to get from LAX to a Disneyland Resort-area hotel, there are several options that will take you 30-40 minutes — but can take up to 90 minutes during the busiest traffic times (early morning and late afternoon), so you’re going to want to plan your park time accordingly. 

If you want to travel in style, consider booking a limousine or private car to whisk you away to any of the hotels near Disneyland. This option, however, is not cheap. Flat fares can run between $200 and $600 depending on the number of people and the amount of luggage in your party. For a more budget-friendly option, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Fare estimates vary with this transportation option, but you can expect to spend about $50 on your ride. 

If you’re thinking about taking a taxi from LAX to Disneyland, this option can cost you up to $100, plus tip. If there’s a lot of traffic or you’re traveling at peak commute times, this option can be even more expensive. 

Shuttle services 

One of the most popular ways and undoubtedly the most cost efficient for those traveling in large groups is taking a shuttle service, like Karmel Shuttle or SuperShuttle, which will take you to and from the airport to any of the Disneyland Resort-area hotels. Before booking, be sure to compare rates from different companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Some companies also offer discounts to certain groups like AAA members, AARP members and members of the military. Shuttle service from the airport should be booked in advance.

Pro-tip: If you’re planning on dining at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on your arrival day, allow yourself at least three hours from the time you land at LAX to the time your dining reservation is scheduled. This will give you plenty of time for transportation, hotel check-in, travel to the park and actually getting to the restaurant. Making changes to a dining reservation is easy and can be done from the Disneyland app if you realize you’re going to be cutting it too close.

Transportation options around Anaheim 

One of the great things about Anaheim, especially if you’re staying at a hotel near Disneyland, is how walkable the city is. Most of the hotels near Disneyland are a 20-minute walk or less to the entrance of the theme parks. In fact, some of the best hotels near Disneyland are just across the street from the entrance on Harbor Boulevard. For those who don’t want to walk, or if you want to see more of the city, there are some great alternative forms of transportation. 

Disneyland hotel shuttles

A few hotels near Disneyland offer a free Disneyland shuttle bus. Those hotels include the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, Candy Cane Inn and Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Anaheim at Disneyland Park. Just be warned though, hotel shuttles can be unreliable and only run at certain times of the day. If you are going to be using them to get to and from your hotel to Disneyland be sure to ask the front desk about operating hours and plan accordingly. 

Anaheim Resort Transit Trolley

The Anaheim Resort Transit Trolley, known as ART to the locals, has a fleet of buses that follow eight different routes. The transport system runs about every 20 minutes and each line starts and ends at Disneyland. Those who want to use ART will need to download the A-Way WeGo App to purchase their fare. The ART system also goes to Knott’s Berry Farm, The Block at Orange shopping area, the Anaheim Convention Center and plenty of other hot spots in the area. 

Of course, if you prefer to get around town quickly and without so much forethought, ridesharing services can be used on-demand across Anaheim during your trip. The area around Disneyland Resort is packed with rideshare drivers during park hours and at the end of the night.