Hopped off a plane at LAX, with a dream and a cardigan… If only airport transportation to Disneyland was as glamorous as a Miley Cyrus song from 2009.  

We love staying in the ” Disney bubble ” when we’re taking a Disney vacation — whether it’s to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California. Staying on Disney property has a lot of perks, including never having to leave the magical, pixie-dusted Disney vibes! Unfortunately, taking Disney-official transportation to and from the hotels is no longer an option. So, what’s a Disney fan to do? 

If you’re to flying Disneyland or Walt Disney World anytime soon, you’ll need to plan airport transportation on your own. Not to worry, though — PTM is here to help! We’ve gone over airport transportation to Walt Disney World, and now, we’re sharing everything you’ve got to know about getting to Disneyland. 

How to Get to Disneyland From the Airport 

You have plenty of options for airport transportation to Disneyland: from booking a shuttle service in advance to winging it with a rideshare service, you aren’t limited by choice. Prior to a few years ago, Disneyland Resort offered the Disneyland Express airport transportation to and from local airports and the three onsite hotels: the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It was a paid shuttle service — it was not complimentary like Disney’s Magical Express — but it was still a convenient way for families to get to their Disney hotel from LAX or John Wayne Airport.  

Now, this is no longer an option. So, what should you do if you are flying to southern California and heading to Disneyland? You can book a third-party shuttle service in advance, use Uber or Lyft, or rent a car. Here’s what you should know about each of these options and what we recommend here at Perfecting the Magic. 

Airport Shuttles to Disneyland  

You can book a shuttle in advance for efficient, convenient transportation to your Disneyland hotel from LAX or John Wayne Airport. SuperShuttle Express offers both shared and private shuttle rides to and from Disneyland Resort. Additionally, you can book a shuttle directly through the Los Angeles International Airport website — there’s a webpage dedicated to Disneyland rides! You can check out the options offered at John Wayne Airport here. 

If you’re flying into LAX, SNA, or Hollywood Burbank Airport, other shuttle options are Prime Time Shuttles, Pay Less Airport Shuttle, and private service from Lansky.  

Also, if you are staying off-property, ask your hotel if any complimentary or paid shuttle services are available. If your hotel offers a shuttle, it could be a highly convenient option for your trip, even at an extra cost.  

Using a Rideshare Service Like Uber or Lyft 

Believe it or not, rideshare services are often a cost-saving option for getting to and from the airport and your hotel. Rather than paying per person for a shuttle service, you can instead pay for an Uber or Lyft ride and split the cost among your party. If you are traveling with more than three other people, you will either need to book an extra-large vehicle or two separate rides.  

Rideshare services can also be the move if you want to be able to quickly and easily call an Uber or Lyft as soon as you deboard the plane. Often, a shuttle service won’t be ready to pick you up from the airport right away, and you may need to wait a bit. But with Uber and Lyft, you are likely to be able to get a ride to your destination pretty easily.  

Is Renting a Car for Disneyland Worth It? 

If you’re planning on exploring southern California beyond Disneyland, a rental car would be an excellent choice for your trip. We don’t recommend rental cars for anyone who mainly plans to stay at Disneyland Resort for their vacation. Parking can be an added cost per night at your hotel, and dealing with SoCal traffic can be a headache for anyone who isn’t accustomed to driving in a big city.  

However, If you want to experience other attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, or popular beaches, shopping centers, and restaurants that aren’t within walking distance of Disneyland, then opting for a rental car can be much more cost-efficient. Just be sure to factor the cost of gas and parking into your vacation budget. 

The Best Way to Get to Disneyland from the Airport 

So, which Disneyland airport transportation option should you go with? It really depends on what you’re looking for, your party size, and your non-negotiables! For the convenience of being able to book ahead, we’d recommend going with a shuttle service. But for the most affordable option overall, a rideshare service would likely be the way to go. However, renting a car could be your go-to if a private experience is what you’re after, no matter the cost.  

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