If you are planning a trip to Disneyland from Sacramento, you may be wondering what is the best way to get there. There are plenty of travel options to consider, including price, distance, and the time it will take you to your destination.
With all these aspects to think about, where do you start? Don’t worry; we have put together all of the information you need to make the right decision for your budget, time, and family needs.
So, read on and begin planning the trip of a lifetime to the wonderful world of Disney. For more travel inspiration and information, check out our guide to family vacations to California.
Driving From Sacramento To Disneyland
If you are making a road trip to Disneyland from Sacramento, the total driving distance is just over 400 miles. If the traffic isn’t too bad, you are looking at this journey taking just under six and a half hours.
Due to the length of time spent on the road, you may want to factor in time for rest stops and breaks which will obviously bump up your total travel time.
You may want to calculate when is the best time to drive to avoid traffic delays as much as possible, and depending on the check-in and check-out times, if you plan to stay overnight in one of the Disneyland hotels.
If you take your own car or even hire a car, make sure you purchase parking tickets before arriving at Disneyland. You can work out the cost of your car trip by looking at current local gas prices. For example, if the price of gas is $5.77 per gallon, your trip will cost $189.72.
It is a cheap and effective way to get to Disneyland from Sacramento. It gives you the freedom to decide when you travel and how frequently and long you stop to break up the trip. The main factor in this method of travel will be the traffic.
Estimated costs
Based on a calculation where fuel costs $5.77, your trip will cost $189.72.
Estimated travel time
The trip should take around 6 hours and 19 minutes.
Flying From Sacramento To Disneyland
Suppose a road trip isn’t for you and you want to fly from Sacramento to Disneyland. In that case, you will be looking to catch a flight from the departure airport Sacramento International taking you to the arrival airport of Los Angeles International.
Flying to a destination is known as a straight line distance, and in this instance, the flight distance is 385 miles one way. The flight time from Sacramento to LA international is just over an hour, making it a quick way to get you there, whether in coach or first class.
However, it would help if you thought about how long it will take to get you to the airport from where you live, how long check-in takes, and any delays that may occur. This could significantly increase the time it takes you to reach your destination. You also need to factor in how you will get from your destination airport to Disneyland itself.
Los Angeles international airport is only 37 miles from Disneyland. If you are driving in a rental car, taxi or Uber, it could take as little as 30 minutes to drive if there is no traffic. However, be advised that there usually is some traffic, so it will probably take longer.
A cab may cost around $100 plus a tip, but an Uber will normally be less. If you are driving yourself, you will need to think about parking options, which will add another $30 minimum to your overall costs.
Public transport is a cheap alternative, with public buses costing as little as $1.75; however, it is not a straightforward trip, and there are stops along the way. You could take a shuttle service from the airport.
The Disneyland Express shuttle runs 24/7 and takes you door to door from the Los Angeles international airport to the park’s gates. Shuttle services will cost from $65, and there are online companies that you can book through.
Estimated costs
You can get a flight with American Airlines from Sacramento International airport to LAX for $167 per person one way. Then if you decide to take the shuttle service straight to the gates for $65, your total costs for a family of 4 could be $733.
Estimated travel time
If it takes an hour to check-in at Sacramento International airport, then your flight is just over an hour; the journey to the gates of Disneyland will take around 30 mins in an Uber, cab, or shuttle. Your total travel time could be two and a half hours.
Taking A Train To Disneyland From Sacramento
If you like the idea of a relaxing and scenic trip from Sacramento to Disneyland, maybe the train is the way to go. It is a long journey. However, you could get there in as little as 10 hours, or it could take up to 16 hours, but there are a few changes, including connecting bus service.
The trip is a relaxing way to see the beautiful scenery in the area. An example of the journey on the train is as follows; you can depart San Joaquin at 6:35 am, arriving at Bakersfield at noon. You will connect to a bus service at 12:05 pm, which will get you to the Union station at 2:35 pm.
You can then connect to the Pacific Surfliner at 3 pm arriving at Anaheim at 3:35 pm. The Anaheim Resort Transportation service runs buses every 20 minutes from Anaheim, taking you directly to the gates of Disneyland for just $3 one way. This journey will take you 10 hours and 17 minutes.
Estimated costs
Train tickets can cost from $68-$95 per person, with the bus service from Anaheim costing $3 per person. For a family of four, you will be looking at $284.
Estimated travel time
The above example of the train journey, including bus transfer, will take you 10 hours and 17 minutes.
Taking A Bus To Disneyland From Sacramento
One of the cheapest ways to travel from Sacramento to Disneyland is to take the bus. However, it is a long trip and may require you to stay overnight, which is fine if you already plan to stay in a hotel. The bus trip could take 13 hours and 45 minutes.
The route is 440 miles, so be prepared for a long trip; traffic could also slow you down. An example of this trip would be departing from Sacramento to Santa Ana for between $30 to $80 per person. This will take around 12 hours and 37 minutes.
These buses only run once a week, so you will need to book well in advance. From Santa Ana, you will take a bus to Harbor – East shuttle area. This will take around 40 minutes as it is a 12 miles trip. This will cost as little as $2 per person. The gates to Disneyland are around a two-minute walk from here.
Depending on your departure time and traffic, you may need to book a hotel if you haven’t already as the trip is so long. However, it is a cheap option and could cost as little as $32 per person.
Estimated costs
If you get the cheapest ticket option at around $30 per person, with the connecting bus costing $2, a family of four would be spending $128.
Estimated travel time
Taking the above bus trip will take around 13 hours and 17 minutes, traffic depending.
FAQs
Which is the fastest way to get to Disneyland from Sacramento?
Flying from Sacramento to Disneyland will be the fastest option as the flight distance is short. You are looking at around just under two and a half hours.
What is the cheapest way to get to Disneyland from Sacramento?
The cheapest option to get from Sacramento to Disneyland would be the bus. It is a long journey but can cost as little as $32 per person.
What’s the closest airport to Disneyland?
The closest airport to Disneyland is John Wayne Airport which is 14 miles away. Los Angeles International airport isn’t too far away, just 33 miles from Disneyland.
How much is a shuttle from John Wayne Airport to Disneyland?
A shared shuttle from John Wayne airport to Disneyland will cost $20 per person one way plus a tip.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking of heading to Disneyland from Sacramento, there are plenty of options for travel. If you want the cheapest trip or the fastest journey, there is a lot to consider.
Hopefully, the information we have put together will help you decide the best way to get you and your family to the magical world of Walt Disney in Sacramento!
Check out these other great articles about Disneyland, California!
- How Much Do Disneyland California Tickets Cost In 2022?
- 21 Of The Best Hotels Near Disneyland, Anaheim (California)
- How Many Rides Are In Disneyland And California Adventure? Park Breakdown!