summary
- Choose the best airport for your trip to Disneyland: John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, or Hollywood Burbank Airport.
- Travel times range from 18 minutes to 2.5 hours, so plan accordingly.
- Transportation options include rental cars, shuttles, rideshares, taxis, and public transportation. Save time and money by booking in advance.
Embarking on a magical journey into the enchanting world of Disneyland in Anaheim, California requires careful planning. And it starts with choosing the right airport for your arrival. These five California airports are the gateway to Disneyland Resort, offering seamless travel options to start your visit with that magical touch.
1 Orange County John Wayne Airport
Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Located just 25 miles from Disneyland, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is a convenient option for those looking for proximity. Once you arrive at SNA, you can easily make the short trip to Disneyland Resort using a variety of transportation options, including shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services.
Without traffic, it should take less than 35 minutes from SNA to Disneyland (or even less than 18 minutes if you’re lucky!). However, if you arrive during peak hours (usually between 15:00 and 19:00), be prepared to wait up to an hour.
Walt Disney’s “Gulfstream” will be housed in the California Institute of Art
The Palm Springs Air Museum will soon build an exhibit facility to display Walt Disney’s iconic aircraft, known as the “Mouse.”
For those who prefer to explore the area at their own pace, car rental services are available at the arrivals level between Terminals A and B (across from the John Wayne statue). If you’d rather be driven than drive, you can use a rideshare service for about $30. Alternatively, take the John Wayne Airport Yellow Cab and ride to Disneyland for a flat fee of $44.
If you’re traveling with a large group, consider the Disneyland Shuttle or Disneyland Resort Express, which provides service from the airport to over 70 hotels in the Anaheim Resort Area.
From John Wayne Airport to Disneyland Resort:
- distance: 15 miles (24 km)
- Travel time:18 minutes to 1 hour
- Transfer options: Rental car, shuttle, ride share, taxi
2 long beach airport
Distance: 24 miles (38 km)
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is another accessible gateway to the magic of Disneyland. You can expect to arrive at Disneyland within 30 minutes during off-peak hours, but in heavy traffic it can take up to an hour.
Major car rental companies, like SNA, are conveniently located across the terminal, as well as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which start at around $35 to Disneyland. You can also hop on a Long Beach Yellow Cab outside the terminal and ride to the Happiest Place on Earth for $45.
Disneyland Resort Express also operates service here, along with other shuttle service providers such as Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle.
From Long Beach Airport to Disneyland Resort:
- distance: 24 miles (38 km)
- Travel time:30 minutes to 1 hour
- Transfer options: Rental car, shuttle, ride share, taxi
3 Los Angeles International Airport
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
Although it’s a bit far from Disneyland, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 54 miles away and is a great option for international flights. As Los Angeles’ main airport and one of the busiest in the world, there are a variety of transportation options to get to Disneyland.
If you’d like to rent a car, take advantage of the free shuttle service between the terminal and the integrated rental car center, which has car rental counters throughout the airport. If you choose an off-airport rental car company, they will usually provide transportation between the center and their office, where you can pick up your rental car. For those who don’t want to drive, an Uber ride costs about $55, while a taxi can cost about $100, depending on traffic.
Tired of LAX? 5 Los Angeles-area airports that offer alternatives
LAX is a busy airport. Here are five convenient transportation alternatives to LAX for a smoother travel experience in LA.
Whether you use a rental car, Uber, taxi, or shuttle service, you should allow at least an hour (on a good day) to get to Disneyland. During peak times, be prepared to travel for up to 2 hours.
From Los Angeles International Airport to Disneyland Resort:
- distance: 34 miles (55 km)
- Travel time:1 to 2 hours
- Transfer options: Rental car, shuttle, ride share, taxi
Four ontario international airport
Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
Another option if you’re flying from outside the United States is Ontario International Airport (ONT). Located just over 35 miles (56 km) from Disneyland, the airport is accessible by bus, train, shuttle, and taxi. Once you have collected your baggage, you will see a board across the baggage claim area with information about the authorized ground transportation carriers you can choose from.
If you’re looking for an adventure before arriving at Disney California Adventure Park, consider taking the OmniTrans bus (ONT offers a free airport shuttle to the station) and Metrolink trains to get to Disneyland . Otherwise, you can also use ride-sharing services. The ride to Disneyland costs about $52 for 60 minutes.
From Ontario International Airport to Disneyland Resort:
- distance: 35 miles (56 km)
- Travel time:1 to 2 hours
- Transfer options: Rental cars, shuttles, rideshares, taxis, public transportation (OmniTrans buses and Metrolink trains)
Five Hollywood Burbank Airport
Distance: 42 miles (67 km)
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), also known as Bob Hope Airport, is a short but convenient distance from Disneyland. The journey time by car is approximately 35-50 minutes without traffic, and up to 2.5 hours during peak hours.
The rental car office is just a 7-minute walk from the terminal, and Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle services are available right outside. If you prefer private door-to-door service, rideshare services start at around $65. A taxi costs approximately $115.
Although not the most convenient option, the airport also offers free shuttle service to the Anaheim Amtrak/Metrolink Station (ARTIC).
From Hollywood Burbank Airport to Disneyland Resort:
- distance: 42 miles (67 km)
- Travel time:30 minutes to 2 and a half hours
- Transfer options: Rental cars, shuttles, rideshares, taxis, public transportation (Amtrak/Metrolink)
To make your trip to Disneyland as hassle-free as possible, it’s a good idea to pre-book your chosen ground transportation service before you depart on your trip. Not only will this save you time (giving you more time to enjoy the magic of Disneyland), but you’ll also benefit from wallet-friendly perks when you book in advance.
You might also consider checking to see if your hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from your arrival airport, especially if you’re staying in or near the Disneyland Resort area.
source: Disneyland, travel + leisure
