Disneyland, the timeless theme park of imagination and excitement, is a destination that beckons every traveler passing through Southern California. For the millions of tourists, families, and tour parties departing “America’s Finest City,” taking a trip from San Diego to Disneyland is like going home. And since the magic of the parks awaits you, with the optimum method of traveling 100 miles, your holiday will be off to the perfect start. Whether you navigate your way through freeway traffic or enjoy a sleigh ride on the tracks, this guide contains everything you need to transport yourself and your entourage to Anaheim in plenty of time. If you need San Diego luxury car service for a hassle-free trip to Disneyland, we are available.
Distance and Time
About 95 to 100 miles north of Disneyland Resort Anaheim sits Central San Diego. The claim that it is relatively close may be misleading because traffic in Southern California still has a significant impact on travel time.
Early morning or late evening are the finest times to go. The trip takes one to one and a half hours. But during the middle-of-the-road rush hours or high holiday weekends, the same travel time just so conveniently takes the form of 3 hours or more. It is this same unpredictability of the I-5 freeway that is being blamed for most of them being smart enough to have a plan B. How convenient it is to book your travel ahead of time can’t be beat. Having an advance-booked private transfer waiting for you ensures that you will not have to rely on your driving skills when your path is jammed with traffic, and let our San Diego private car service handle it. You will have a direct route with no risk of driver exhaustion.
Finding the Best Mode of Travel
Choosing how you will get there depends on your priorities: time, cost, or ease. The easiest methods to get from San Diego to Disneyland are discussed below.
Driving Your Own Vehicle
Driving offers you the greatest sense of control over your time and belongings. You get to choose when you depart and what you do. That has accompanying outrageous disadvantages, though:
- Stress: Enduring the congested, high-speed traffic on Interstate 5.
- Cost: Gas to fill up on gasoline, potential tolls, and the inevitable parking fee at Disneyland each day.
For individuals who appreciate the convenience and luxury of not driving themselves but still desire some independence, we offer a great option. Instead of driving yourself, book our professionally driven luxury car for a hassle-free journey and leave the driver to handle the notorious SoCal freeway network.
The Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train travel is the most scenic and laid-back mode of transportation. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which leaves Santa Fe Depot in San Diego (as well as other North County stations including Solana Beach and Oceanside) several times every hour, makes it easy to get to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Center (ARTIC).
- Free Wi-Fi, spacious seats, no highway traffic, and views of the shore in San Diego County are among the advantages.
- Disadvantages: Quick transfer from the terminal to the park entrance.
Bus Services
Compared to driving or using the train, Flex Bus and Greyhound are the most economical choices, with the lowest prices per passenger. In addition to being the longest, usually 3.5 to 4 hours, the bus journey involves the most stops and transfers. For families that wish to spend as much time at the park as possible, the length makes it less suitable.
Private Car Service and Ride-share
Door-to-door convenience is available with ride-share vehicles (Uber/Lyft), but ironically at an extremely high cost, and one does not know what car type will be coming for a trip of 100 miles.
A Professional Car Service is ideal for families and groups. It captures the door-to-door convenience of an ad-hoc ride-share with flat rates, guaranteed quality, and the space of a professional car. Our San Diego luxury shuttle offers the perfect option for families and groups visiting Disneyland, providing ample room in our spacious SUVs or executive vans for luggage and car seats.
From Anaheim Station to Disneyland
If you’re arriving by train, Disneyland’s main entrance is roughly 3.5 miles from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Center (ARTIC). Three choices await to take you there for that final little bit of a mile:
- Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART): Show your valid Amtrak ticket to ride for free on the ART bus from ARTIC directly to the Disneyland drop-off location. This is your best value option.
- Ride-share/Taxi: A 10 to 15-minute short trip costing approximately $10–$20.
- Walking: Don’t do it. It is too far and cuts across busy main roads.
Breaking Down the Cost of Your Trip
Your travel expense will be higher than the initial fee or gasoline charge. Below is an approximate breakdown of the cost of a round-trip from San Diego:
| Travel Method | Estimated Round-Trip Cost Per Person (Average) | Key Additional Costs |
| Personal Car | $30 – $50 (gas/wear) | $35 Disneyland daily parking, tolls, and driver frustration. |
| Train (Amtrak) | $60 – $90 | Cost of food/drink on the train and a quick transfer from ARTIC (although normally free at ART). |
| Bus Service | $35 – $55 | The fare for transportation to park at the bus stop. |
| Private Car Service | Variable (Group Rate) | Luxury for assured comfort, a door-to-door ride, and a flat rate. |
Although this car service is a luxury, transporting four or more individuals in this vehicle is very affordable compared to the total cost of several train fares, city transportation, and the daily Disneyland parking rate. Luxury without luxury prices, with our San Diego to Disneyland car service, enables you to spend your savings on park deals and treats!
Expert Tips for a Seamless Disneyland Trip
For a good travel day and to make it a great holiday, the following professional hints are worth remembering:
- Best Time to Depart: The secret to avoiding the worst traffic on the I-5 is to depart early, ideally before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 AM, on weekdays. On the return trip, wait an hour after the park’s fireworks display. Our expert San Diego drivers know the shortest routes to skip traffic and give real-time directions.
- Book It All Up Front: Disneyland is a pay-on-entry park. When you’re leaving San Diego, you’ll need to book a theme park day and buy tickets online beforehand.
- Pack Wisely: Stow a few water bottles, food, phone chargers, and necessities for the park in a small personal bag. While traveling, this takes care of your urgent requirements and gets your luggage out of the way.
- Take an Overnight Stay: If you plan to spend the entire day at the park, a night in a hotel in the Anaheim area, even if it’s off-site will considerably lessen the strain of your late-night return travel to San Diego.
FAQs
How long is the train ride from San Diego to Anaheim?
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ride will be approximately 2 hours, plus 15–30 minutes for the inter transfer from Anaheim station to the park entrance.
Can I visit Disneyland and return to San Diego on the same day?
Absolutely, it is definitely possible and a favorite of many visitors, though it is a very long day; trains are the desired mode of return for most.
How close to Disneyland is the Anaheim train station?
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Center (ARTIC) is roughly 3.5 miles from the front gate of the Disneyland Resort.
Do I need to reserve a spot to visit Disneyland?
Yes, you will need an active admission ticket and a theme park reservation for the given date.
Is driving less expensive than the shuttle?
For 1-2 people, driving will be slightly cheaper upfront; however, a commercial shuttle does not include the $35 parking fee, gas, and the inconvenience of driving, which is typically less expensive for families
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be a nightmare to get from San Diego to Disneyland. You can make your trip convenient and comfortable by choosing the right form of transportation. When traveling with a family or party, making use of a convenient, door-to-door luxury vehicle service guarantees that your trip starts as soon as you leave your San Diego home or hotel. Keep your eyes on the magic that you will find in Anaheim, and leave the driving to the professionals.
