The Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, is the fifth-biggest airport in the world. It offers amenities not found anywhere else, including world-class specialty shuttle services.
LAX is roughly 34 miles from Disneyland in sunny Anaheim, California, the second most popular destination for air travelers arriving at LAX.
You will find several ways to get from this bustling airport to the Disneyland resort area. Since its inception, Disneyland Resort has grown to include two theme parks, the Downtown Disney District, and three hotels. Make sure you know what part of the resort you are going to as you plan for transportation from the airport.
The Los Angeles Public Transit is a network of interlinked routes, including subways, buses, trains, and shuttles, that offers a line from Los Angeles International Airport to Disneyland. Taxi companies, shuttle services, and luxury vehicle operators can take you from the airport to Disneyland. If you have other sights to see on your list, rent a car, and you have complete control over your vacation transportation.
How Do I Get to Disneyland from LAX?
Deciding on what type of transportation to choose depends on three factors:
- How long will it take to get to the Disneyland resort from LAX?
- How much does the budget allow for transportation costs?
- Are you traveling alone, with a group, or with kids, pets, and lots of luggage?
Take the Metro
Riding to Disneyland on public transportation takes about 2-3 hours, longer if you ride during rush hour.
If you’re on a tight budget, the cost for a ticket on the Metro starts at $1.75 for two hours with transfers, depending on where you are going. This is a good choice if you packed light and are traveling alone.
The L.A. Metro goes from LAX directly to the Disneyland Resort. Follow these directions for taking the Subway / Bus combo from LAX:
- From the baggage claim area, proceed to the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower Level in front of each terminal.
- Jump on the free shuttle marked “G” from your terminal to the LAX/Aviation subway station outside the airport.
- From the west end of the Aviation platform, board the Metro Rail Green Line to the scenic Norwalk Station.
- At Norwalk, hop on the Metro Express Line 460 bus, using your metro ticket as a free transfer pass.
Though this is the most affordable way to go, there are tradeoffs. If you’re loaded down with luggage, you probably want a more direct mode of transportation. And since this mode of transportation takes the longest, make sure you have allowed plenty of time for your scheduled fun at Disneyland.
Ride a Shuttle Van
A shuttle to Disneyland can take up to 2 hours or longer, depending on traffic. Shuttle prices are reasonable, starting as low as $17 per person in a nine-passenger van. Shop around for a good price, and the shuttle’s cost can easily fit into your budget.
Arranging shuttle pickup is economical, and many shuttle companies can choose from. Luggage is not a problem, and you can arrange for different-sized vans if traveling with family or a group of friends. The shuttle driver will pick you up at your terminal and drop you off at your Disneyland hotel.
Book a shuttle van ahead of time to save yourself headaches. When researching shuttle services online, compare rates to your destination at the resort, like Downtown Disney, California Adventure, or any of the resort hotels. Don’t forget to book the trip back to the airport for the flight home.
Shared shuttles are affordable and easy but have a major drawback to consider if you are pressed for time. Be aware when booking seats on a shared van, that there are stops along the way to pick up more passengers or drop off new arrivals from LAX. Check your itinerary carefully, as you might have scheduled events or meals at the resort that you won’t want to miss.
If you want an exclusive experience for you and your family group or your gang of work buddies, a chartered shuttle from LAX airport can start at $85 first passenger rate, $10 for each additional passenger, with up to 9 passengers in the van. Make sure there is plenty of cargo room for bags or equipment and plenty of leg room for fussy passengers.
Private Car Alternatives
Going from LAX to Disneyland in a private car is the fastest way to get from the airport to Disneyland. Taxis are abundant, rideshares are yours at the click of a button, and luxury cars are available to whisk you to this magical land.
Hire a Taxi
Hailing a taxi at LAX is easy and safe. Taxi prices can start at a moderately high $70-80 to get you there in about an hour with favorable traffic conditions.
Los Angeles airport cab drivers are background checked and professional. The taxi area is convenient and located outside of terminal buildings in the “Arrivals” area of the airport. Taxi drivers are waiting for passengers, so passengers don’t have to wait for a rental or the shuttle van to arrive. Taxis can be relied on to accommodate your luggage, drive late at night if you took a red-eye flight, and be there for you on public holidays when other modes of transportation are closed.
One thing to keep in mind if there are traffic delays or other circumstances, the total price of the fare continues to go up until you arrive at your destination.
Opt For a Rideshare
Uber and Lyft offer budget-friendly transportation from LAX to Disneyland, starting at about $50 per ride. A rideshare driver knowledgeable about Los Angeles and knows the route to this uber-popular tourist attraction should be able to get you to Disney in a little over an hour.
Lyft is the official rideshare partner of Disneyland, but Uber and Wingz also offer rideshares from Los Angeles airports. Taking a ride with Uber or Lyft is simple from your mobile device. Install the application, enter your exact destination (like the Disney hotel where you are staying), and request a ride. You will see the total cost of your ride and pay through the app with your credit card.
Hire a Luxury Car
Limousines and car services can cover the 34 miles from your airport terminal at LAX to the Disneyland resort in grand style. With light traffic and a good headwind, your comfortable limousine can get you there in an hour. A personal car with a trained and professional driver can run between $200 and $600 depending on the size of your party and any special needs.
Book a chauffeur-driven town car or spacious SUV to pick you and your family up and take you anywhere you want in the vast Disneyland complex.
Rent a Car and Drive
If you are going anywhere else besides the Disneyland resort, you need to rent a vehicle. The price of rental cars can range from $29 per day for a compact model, to $225 per day for a roomy SUV with all the bells and whistles. This puts you in command of your time and vacation budget.
Driving directions from Los Angeles International Airport to Disneyland Park describe the 41-minute drive to Anaheim, about 35 miles east of the airport area.
Starting at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Get on I-105 East and drive 1.4 miles.
- Continue on I-105 East. Take CA-91 East to Disneyland Drive in Anaheim. Take exit 110B from I-5 South and go 33.0 miles.
- Continue on Disneyland Drive to your destination, 0.4 miles.
- Destination: Disneyland Park, 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, California 92802.
These directions are for planning purposes only. Construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause the need to consult a GPS unit or mobile map application for updated information.
Conclusion
One of the crucial parts of planning a trip to Disneyland is booking transportation, so you are not left out in the rain with your family, luggage, and pets, hoping for a rental car or random seats on a shuttle.
Take a tip from pro-travelers who have been where you are: allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport, find transportation, load up, and get to the resort to check into the hotel. Disneyland is only 34 miles from Los Angeles International, but the distance can seem like a world away if you don’t have reliable, affordable transportation booked ahead of time.
Take your time and save the most money by using the L.A. transit system to arrive at the Disneyland resort.
Balance convenience with price and book a shuttle van that will get you there in 1-2 hours for a starting price of $17.
When dealing with a time crunch, hire a taxi, rideshare, or luxury car that will be just right for your budget.
If you are going to explore the city in addition to Disneyland, take control of your time and money by renting a car and driving yourself.
Disneyland is the trip of a lifetime. Choosing the best transportation for your family vacation and booking early means less stress and more enjoyment for everyone!
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
