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Wondering how to get from LAX to Disneyland? Explore efficient transportation options here for a hassle-free journey to the magical world of Disneyland.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), considered one of the world’s largest airports, is usually the main airport for those who want to reach Disneyland Resort California. Despite John Wayne Airport (SNA) being the closest airport to Disneyland, LAX offers several appealing benefits, even though it’s about 40 miles from Anaheim, the location of Disneyland.
Virtually every major airline operates out of LAX, ensuring travelers can choose from a wide array of flights that suit their schedules. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for those looking to maximize their time at the park and depart in the evening.
The airport has experienced a remarkable increase in passenger traffic. For instance, in January 2022, LAX accommodated 3,960,184 passengers, while in January 2023, this number climbed to 5,455,113 passengers, reflecting a remarkable 37.75% increase in passenger traffic. This substantial growth speaks to LAX’s ongoing appeal, serving as a testament to its diverse range of flight options and competitive rates.
For an effortless journey, keep on reading to learn how to get from LAX to Disneyland efficiently. You’ll discover the fastest way to get to Disneyland from LAX along with the cheapest way to get to Disneyland from the airport, as well as a range of transportation choices in between.
Table of Contents
- Navigating LAX Airport
- Public Transport and Bus from LAX to Disneyland
- LAX to Disneyland Shuttle
- Taxi From LAX to Disneyland
- When Is the Best Time to Travel to Disneyland?
- What to Do at Disneyland?
- How to Get from LAX to Disneyland – The Best Option
- FAQs About How to Get from LAX to Disneyland
Navigating LAX Airport
As if it wasn’t tricky enough working out how to get from LAX to Disneyland, LAX is currently undergoing construction to add a train, transit station, more parking, and terminal upgrades. As a result of this construction to reduce traffic, taxi and rideshare pickup locations have been moved to the LAX-it lot. LAX-it is a transportation system and waiting area introduced at LAX to improve the flow of passenger pickups. Remember, if you’re being dropped off at the airport, you don’t need to use LAX-it. Your ride or taxi can drop you off right at your terminal. LAX-it is only for when you’re leaving the airport, which is why it’s pronounced “LA exit.”
LAX-it is close to Terminal 1, but for other terminals, there’s a shuttle to take you there. You’ll find green LAX-it signs outside the Baggage Claim on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Just wait there to catch the shuttle. Shuttles come every 7 minutes, and the ride to LAX-it takes about 15-20 minutes. From LAX-it, you can get rideshares and taxis.
Public Transport and Bus from LAX to Disneyland
Using public transport from LAX to Disneyland isn’t as straightforward as taking a direct route. You can use the Los Angeles Metro System, which involves buses and trains. This option is the least expensive but also takes quite a bit of time, possibly a few hours. It may not be the most convenient choice if you have luggage or kids because there are multiple connections to make.
Here’s how it works:
- After leaving the Baggage Claim area at LAX, go to the Lower/Arrival Level and look for a pink LAX Shuttle sign. You can catch a shuttle from there to the Aviation Station.
- At the Aviation Station, get a TAP card from a kiosk to use the train. Then, hop on the Metro Rail Green line (headed east toward Norwalk).
- When you reach Norwalk Station, switch to Line 460, which is a bus that goes to Disneyland.
A TAP card costs $2, plus your fare. The regular fare is $1.75 and allows unlimited transfers in one direction for two hours.
However, as mentioned it’s important to note that both the metro and the bus will have various stops along the way, making the journey somewhat time-consuming. With all the transfers, you can expect the trip to take around 2-3 hours. While this option saves money, it can be tiring, so it might not be the top choice for getting from LAX to Disneyland.
LAX to Disneyland Shuttle
Shuttle services are also available for your trip from LAX to Disneyland, with average prices starting from $17. Your choice of LAX shuttle to Disneyland may depend on factors such as your group size and the amount of luggage you have. Keep in mind that you might share the shuttle with other passengers, and space inside the vans can be limited. Prior to booking, it’s advisable to compare rates from different shuttle companies to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective option. Some waiting time might be involved as the shuttle cruises the airport to pick up additional passengers and makes stops at various hotels.
For the return trip from Disneyland to the airport, it’s important to make your shuttle reservation in advance, especially if you have specific time constraints. The total journey duration can vary, ranging from one to two hours, depending on traffic conditions and the stops required to pick up and drop off passengers.
Taxi From LAX to Disneyland
Taxis are another option for traveling from LAX to Disneyland. You can find taxis at various locations, including LAX-it (next to Terminal 1), inside Parking Structure 3 between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3, and at the end of Terminal 7 outside of baggage claim.
The average cost for a taxi ride from LAX to Disneyland is around $100 or more. Ideally, the journey takes about 35 minutes by car, but when there’s heavy traffic, it can take up to 90 minutes. Keep in mind that Los Angeles is known for its traffic, so delays are common, especially during busy times.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Disneyland?
Before you work out how to get from LAX to Disneyland, you’ll need to know when you’re going to be there. Determining the best time to visit Disneyland can be influenced by several factors. Los Angeles is notorious for its heavy traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours, so it’s advisable to avoid these congested periods if possible. However, when it comes to choosing between weekdays and weekends for your Disneyland visit, it ultimately depends on your schedule, traffic considerations, and how you prefer to experience the park. Opting for a midweek visit instead of the weekend can significantly reduce your wait times in lines, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the rides and attractions.
Additionally, though Disneyland is a fantastic destination throughout the year, it’s essential to be aware of busy seasons, which can lead to delays. Summer months are typically crowded, and the holiday season in November and December sees a significant influx of visitors, especially when the park is beautifully decorated and kids are on school break. But the off-season months, like September, October, and the period between New Year’s and summer, tend to have fewer crowds.
To make your visit more enjoyable, especially if you are driving, consider arriving at the park right after the morning rush but before 10 a.m. During this time, you may encounter fewer visitors, making it easier to find a parking space and catch the tram to the park entrance.
What to Do at Disneyland?
There’s plenty to enjoy at Disneyland, suitable for visitors of all ages, whether you’re with young kids, older kids, your partner, or a group of friends. At Disneyland, you’ll find two distinct but neighboring theme parks: Disneyland and California Adventure Park. To explore both, you’ll need a special park hopper pass. While the rides are the main attraction at these parks, you can also keep busy with a variety of other fun activities. Meeting your favorite Disney characters is a must, and there are numerous shows and parades happening throughout the day in both parks, including a fantastic fireworks display in the evening. In addition to the parks, you can explore Downtown Disney, a famous avenue between the two parks offering Disney-themed shopping and a variety of restaurants to suit every taste. For a comprehensive guide to all the exciting things you can do at Disneyland, be sure to check out our full article on the topic.
How to Get from LAX to Disneyland – The Best Option
Traveling from the airport to your destination can be one of the trickiest parts of a vacation, especially when you’re in a bustling airport like LAX and headed to a popular spot like Disneyland. And trust us, Los Angeles traffic can be quite challenging! Another thing to keep in mind is that you might have to pay for parking at the hotels near Disneyland, which can add to your overall vacation expenses.
While we list some of the options on how to get from LAX to Disneyland, our best advice is saved for last. For a truly stress-free journey, you can rely on Blacklane. Booking a chauffeured ride with Blacklane is the most convenient way to get to your destination, saving you time and hassle. Our service offers high-quality, reliable transportation without the need for negotiations or the inconveniences of buses and public transport. We offer a range of vehicles, from top-tier sedans to larger SUVs or vans for bigger families, ensuring there’s an option for everyone. Simply choose the time that works best for you, and let our professional drivers handle the rest.
FAQs About How to Get from LAX to Disneyland
How far is LAX to Disneyland?
The distance from LAX to Disneyland is approximately 40 miles (about 64 kilometers).
How much is a taxi from LAX to Disneyland?
A taxi ride from LAX to Disneyland typically costs around $100 or more.
How to get from LAX to Disneyland when arriving after midnight?
Taxis and rideshares are available 24/7. Consider booking in advance for peace of mind.
How much is a shuttle from LAX to Disneyland?
Shuttle costs vary but typically range from $17 to $40 per person.
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.
