How to Get from LAX to Disneyland - 2025 Guide
by Ellie Smith / July 31, 2025
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
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. While John Wayne Airport (SNA) is closer to the resort’s location in Anaheim, LAX offers several appealing benefits despite being about 40 miles away.
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 seen a strong rise in passenger traffic. In 2024, it welcomed over 76.6 million passengers, a slight increase from the previous year. Early 2025 figures show steady momentum, with an average of more than 5.7 million passengers per month from January through May.
Discover the fastest way to get to Disneyland from LAX along with the cheapest way to get to the resort from the airport, as well as a range of transportation choices in between.
Table of contents
Navigating LAX Airport
As if it wasn’t tricky enough working out how to get from LAX to Disneyland, the airport 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 to improve the flow of passenger pickups.
Top Tip: 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 located next to Terminal 1 and is marked with green LAX-it signs outside baggage claim at all terminals. From other terminals, a free shuttle picks you up. It usually arrives every 5 minutes, but it may take up to 10 minutes during slower periods. The ride to LAX-it takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll find rideshares and taxis waiting.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. When you reach Norwalk Station, switch to Line 460, which is a bus that goes to the resort.
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 of a taxi from LAX to Disneyland is between $80 and $100. The drive typically takes around 50 minutes, but in heavy traffic, it can take up to 90 minutes. Los Angeles is known for its traffic, so delays are common, especially during peak hours.
When is the best time to travel to Disneyland?
Before planning how to get from LAX to Disneyland, decide when you want to visit. Greater-LA freeways still clog up on weekdays 7–10 a.m. and 3:30–7 p.m. (Thursdays are usually the worst), so avoid those windows if you’re driving south from the airport.
Mid-week (Tue–Thu) remains the lightest. Mondays and Fridays can feel like weekend spill-overs, and Magic Key (annual-pass) reservations sometimes bump a random weekday, but Tuesday–Thursday is still your best bet.
2025 is Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. The celebration runs 16 May 2025 through summer 2026, so expect anniversary-driven surges on top of the normal seasonal swings.
Crowd patterns for 2025
When | Crowd outlook | What’s different in the anniversary year |
|---|---|---|
7 Jan – 20 Mar 2025 | Usually moderate | A $50 Kid’s Ticket promo and the Disneyland Half-Marathon Weekend (31 Jan – 2 Feb) spike select dates. |
Late Apr – 15 May 2025 | Last reliably ‘quiet’ spring stretch | Crowds ramp up right after 15 May as anniversary festivities start on 16 May. |
16 May – mid-Aug 2025 (anniversary + summer) | Sustained high crowds | Limited-time shows, summer vacation and special ticket offers keep attendance near peak. |
September 2025 | Weekday mornings mild | Halloween Time (22 Aug – 31 Oct) and Oogie Boogie Bash party nights make weekends and evenings busy. |
Mid-Nov – early Jan 2026 | Holiday peak as usual | 70th décor blends into Christmas overlays. Expect very heavy crowds |
Best time to drive from LAX
Priority | Leave LAX | Arrive at gates | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beat traffic | Around 10 a.m. (after morning peak) | 11 a.m. | Skip worst freeway jams, parking still straightforward | Miss rope-drop and Early Entry time |
Maximize park time | By 6 a.m. | 7:15 – 7:45 a.m. (ahead of opening) | At rope-drop for short queues, can return to hotel at midday | Requires an early flight or overnight near LAX |
No-car option | Fly the night before, stay in Anaheim hotel, walk or rideshare | 7 a.m. | Zero freeway stress, full park day | Extra hotel night |
Pick the trade-off, low traffic or early park access, that matters most to you, and book park reservations as soon as your dates are set, because many 70th anniversary days are already reaching capacity.
What to do at Disneyland?
There's plenty to enjoy at this resort, 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 during your visit, be sure to check out our full article on the topic.
The best way to get from LAX to Disneyland
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.
