How to Get to Anaheim from Los Angeles: Complete 2025 Travel Guide

Posted on by John Mathew

Planning a trip to Anaheim, California—home of the world-famous Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, and Angel Stadium? Whether you’re heading to Anaheim for business, a family vacation, or a concert, knowing how to get to Anaheim from Los Angeles will help you make the most of your visit.

📍 Where Is Anaheim Located?

Anaheim is located in Orange County, just 26 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It’s easily accessible via multiple highways, public transportation systems, and airports. With its central Southern California location, Anaheim is a perfect day-trip or overnight destination from Los Angeles.

🚗 Option 1: Driving from Los Angeles to Anaheim (Most Flexible Option)

Distance: ~26–35 miles depending on your LA starting point
Estimated Time: 35 minutes to 1 hour (depends on traffic)

Recommended Route:

  • From Downtown LA: Take I-5 South (Santa Ana Freeway) directly to Anaheim
  • From LAX Airport: Take I-105 E to I-605 S, then connect to I-5 S
  • From Hollywood or West LA: Use US-101 S to I-5 S

✅ Pro Tip: Travel early morning or late evening to avoid rush-hour traffic on I-5.

🅿️ Parking in Anaheim:

  • Disneyland parking garages (Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals)
  • Anaheim GardenWalk parking
  • Street parking and hotel lots available

🚆 Option 2: Taking the Train (Stress-Free and Scenic)

Train travel is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to get from Los Angeles to Anaheim.

🚄 Train Services:

  1. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
    • Departure: Los Angeles Union Station (LAX)
    • Arrival: Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)
    • Duration: ~45 minutes
    • Cost: ~$18 one way
  2. Metrolink Orange County Line
    • Departure: LA Union Station
    • Arrival: Anaheim (ARTIC)
    • Duration: ~45–55 minutes
    • Cost: ~$10–$12

📍 ARTIC Station in Anaheim is close to:

  • Disneyland (2 miles)
  • Honda Center (0.2 miles)
  • Angel Stadium (0.1 miles)

🚖 Local transit or rideshare services are available from ARTIC to your destination.

🚌 Option 3: Taking the Bus from Los Angeles to Anaheim

Taking a bus is one of the most affordable options for travelers on a budget.

Popular Bus Operators:

  • Greyhound
    • Route: Downtown LA to Anaheim Regional Intermodal Center (ARTIC)
    • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
    • Tickets: Starting from $10
  • FlixBus
    • Departure Points: USC, UCLA, or downtown LA
    • Arrival: Anaheim (Katella Ave or ARTIC)
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Cost: As low as $7–$15

🚖 Option 4: Rideshare & Taxis (Best for Convenience)

Using Uber or Lyft is a quick and door-to-door option to get from LA to Anaheim.

  • Cost: ~$40–$80 depending on time of day and demand
  • Duration: ~35 minutes to 1 hour

✅ Great for families or groups heading to Disneyland or a hotel directly.

✈️ Option 5: Flying to Anaheim from LAX (Not Recommended)

Though Anaheim has no major airport, you can fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) or Long Beach Airport (LGB) if you’re arriving from elsewhere and want to stay close.

  • LAX to SNA: 1-hour drive to Anaheim
  • LAX to LGB: 35–40 minutes to Anaheim

Flying between LAX and SNA is impractical due to short distance and check-in times.

🗺️ Getting Around Anaheim

Once in Anaheim, use:

  • ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) Shuttles
  • Public buses
  • Hotel shuttles
  • Bikes and scooters

🎟️ ART connects most hotels to Disneyland, GardenWalk, and the Convention Center.

🧭 Travel Tips for Visiting Anaheim from Los Angeles

  • Avoid Rush Hours: 7:30–10 AM & 4–7 PM weekdays
  • Use Real-Time Maps: Apps like Google Maps and Waze help reroute traffic
  • Download Transit Apps: Amtrak, Metrolink, and FlixBus apps offer schedules and tickets
  • Consider a CityPass: For discounted access to Disneyland and other Southern California attractions

🏨 Where to Stay in Anaheim

  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (luxury)
  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel (family-friendly)
  • JW Marriott Anaheim Resort (business + leisure)
  • Budget Options: Best Western, Motel 6, and Airbnbs

🔍 FAQs: How to Get to Anaheim from Los Angeles

Q: What is the fastest way to get to Anaheim from Los Angeles?
Driving is usually the fastest, taking around 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Q: Can I take a train from Los Angeles to Anaheim?
Yes, both Amtrak and Metrolink operate direct routes from LA Union Station to Anaheim ARTIC.

Q: Is there a direct bus from LA to Anaheim?
Yes, services like Greyhound and FlixBus offer budget-friendly options with routes under 1.5 hours.

Q: How far is Anaheim from Los Angeles?
The distance from downtown Los Angeles to Anaheim is about 26–35 miles.

Q: Is it better to drive or take public transport to Disneyland from LA?
If you want to avoid traffic and parking fees, taking a train to ARTIC and using ART shuttles to Disneyland is a great option.

✅ Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a magical trip to Disneyland, attending an expo at the Convention Center, or catching a game at Angel Stadium, getting to Anaheim from Los Angeles is easy and flexible. Choose between driving, train, bus, or rideshare, depending on your budget and comfort level. With multiple travel options and seamless connectivity, Anaheim is one of the most accessible destinations from LA in 2025.

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