Disneyland Transportation

Anaheim is about 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and is served by several airports. The closest is Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, which is just a half hour's drive and served by 11 commercial airlines. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a longer drive (45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic), but flights may be less expensive. Long Beach Airport is another contender, but is served by only a half-dozen airlines. 

It's easiest to get around the Anaheim area if you have a car, but if you’re only here to enjoy the parks, you may not need one.  Consider taking Disney’s Magical Express airport shuttle to your Disneyland Resort hotel, which is free but may not serve every  hotel. The Disneyland Resort Express is a private shuttle service: From LAX, adults are $20 one way/$30 RT and children are $17/$23 RT. A roundtrip family pass (up to five) is available for $99.99. From the Orange County Airport, adults are $15 one way/$25 RT, and kids are $12/$16 RT. A roundtrip family pass (up to 5) is $79.99.

Parking is available at Disney's Mickey and Friends parking structure and three other parking lots. Lots open one hour before the park, so get there early if you want a space closer in. Don't worry if you have to park out in Timbuktu, though. Free shuttles will whisk you to the park in no time. Parking is $15/day. Oh, and if you can't find your car at the end of the day (we all know this happens), the friendly parking lot attendants can help. Give them the approximate time of your arrival, and they can usually figure out what part of the lot you’re in, and then will comb the lot to help you find it. You have to love that Disney service.

The best way to explore the park, of course, is on foot so wear comfortable shoes. But when you want to get off your feet, there are many options available. The Disneyland Railroad makes a 20-minute loop around the park, stopping at several major attractions. Kids love riding on the horse-drawn streetcars, fire engine and horseless carriages that make their way up and down Main Street, U.S.A. The monorail – which opened in 1959 and has been thrilling riders ever since — makes the roundtrip from Tomorrowland in Disneyland to Downtown Disney continuously from the time the park opens until 15 minutes before closing. At 30 mph, it actually takes about the same amount of time as walking between the two, but riding the monorail is an iconic Disneyland experience and it’s easier on the feet.