We frogs always get a lot of questions about alternative ways to get to Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood, so we hopped on the trains and did the research for you. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, the greater Los Angeles area is improving rail lines and adding destinations, such as LAX and changing transportation in Anaheim near Disneyland and sports venues. So the outlook for SoCal public transportation is better than ever. In other big news, the Anaheim Transportation Network ART buses have shut down, so we'll discuss changes around Disneyland buses. Some of these public transportation options will save you some green compared to paying for gas and parking, and certainly save you time spent in traffic. We've even scouted out a nearby park and ride where you can park and take a bus to Disneyland to save on parking! We love saving money, and we bet you do too! Here’s how to hop on public transportation to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.
FAQs
- Can I take the train to/from LAX? With a new LAX Metro Station, you can now take the train to/from LAX, with a shuttle in place until the new people mover opens.
- Can I take the train to Disneyland? Yes, take the train to ARTIC in Anaheim, and then you'll hop on a bus from the train station to Disneyland, however bus options are changing as of March 31, 2026..
- Can I take the train to Universal Studios Hollywood? Yes, take the Metro line B (Red) to Universal City/Studio City, and then take the free tram to the park entrance.
- What is going on with the buses around Disneyland? The Anaheim Transportation Network concluded service as of March 31, 2026. That may affect how hotel guests in the area get to Disneyland. There are new free buses from the Toy Story Lot. OCTA buses still exist. There are new buses from 10 Garden Grove hotels, plus Anaheim hotels are working to develop an independent shuttle system.
- Are there places to park off-site and take a bus in? Yes, you can park off-site and take a bus to Disneyland, but options are changing. There are still OCTA buses, but they may drop you off a little farther than the ART buses.
Taking Public Transportation to and from Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood
The people of Southern California have a love affair with their cars. They love the freedom and control that driving gives them, but with a dense local population, all of those cars on the roads can lead to terrible traffic. When you are on vacation, you want to relax like you’re chilling on a lily pad, floating downstream and watching the scenery pass by. Doesn’t that sound better than feeling like Frogger while dodging brake lights on unfamiliar freeways? If traffic and parking stresses you out, then taking public transportation to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood might put you in a hoppier state of mind. Public transportation may not be the fastest option, but it can relieve stress if driving in LA traffic makes you nervous.
You have to weigh in your family’s ages, time schedule, interests and budget to find the right form of transportation for you. For some people, being able to relax on a train or bus rather than navigating traffic and unfamiliar freeways (which can stretch up to seven lanes wide in some spots yet shrink down to one lane in others) is priceless. Others may want to come and go on their own without adhering to a schedule. People without a license or who are too young to rent a car and need ways to get around without driving. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, your final destination is sure to be a frogtastic time! Here is your guide to getting around without a car.
Keep in mind that the trains are not always reliable between San Diego and Los Angeles. Sometimes they close the trains to do work on the tracks, or close the trains between San Diego and Orange County due to landslides on the tracks. The tracks run alongside the beaches, which make for pretty views but also natural problems with the tracks. So you do need a back-up plan in case things go wrong. There is not always advance notice of the trains going down.
Getting to Disneyland
Here is what you need to know about taking a train or bus to Disneyland.
All Aboard! Taking the Train to Disneyland
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Whether you are coming from Los Angeles, South Orange County, North San Diego or Riverside/San Bernardino, you can jump on the train to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). This giant dome of a building is located within walking distance of both Angels Stadium and The Honda Center (where the Ducks play). Kids love trains, so the ride to Disneyland just might be equally exciting as visiting Disneyland itself!
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers daily service between San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
How you get from the train station to the parks is changing, though as of March 31, 2026. Hop back for updates as we learn more.
Currently, both Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink train tickets will get you a free shuttle from ARTIC on Route 15. Your bus ticket is free if you took the train. (An Uber or Lyft runs about $6 each way between ARTIC and Disneyland, and that may be the way to go, or an OCTA bus.) Prioces are subject to change.
OCTA buses are still an option even through ART buses have ended.
To take the shuttle after exiting the train, use the elevator or stairs to cross the bridge from the platform to the station. Take the OCTA Route 50 or 53.
How much does this cost? An adult weekday roundtrip Metrolink or Amtrak ticket varies based on day and distance. The bus fare is $10 per adult and $5 per child/senior/disabled for all-day passes. Prices of all tickets are subject to change.
There are many great day trips you can make using the trains. You can travel up to Union Station in LA, which is located near Olvera Street Historic District. You can also take the train for day trips down to south Orange County to historic San Juan Capistrano (home of the Mission and petting zoo) or San Clemente (one of the best beach towns with great walking trails along the beach, dining, shopping and a pier).
Take the train south to San Diego to explore beaches and attractions that area. San Diego is home to LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo.
Taking the Bus to Disneyland
This is a changing situation. But here is what we know so far.
Garden Grove Hotel Buses
If you are staying in Garden Grove, the city has a new bus service from 10 hotels (for a small fee):
- Sheraton Garden Grove Anaheim South
- Hyatt Regency Orange County
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove
- Anaheim Marriott Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim – Main Gate Area
- Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove
- Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
- Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim/Garden Grove
Did you know you can book off-site Disneyland hotels through Undercover Tourist to save money?
Anaheim Hotel Buses
The Anaheim hotels are looking to add an independent shuttle system to replace ART.
There is a new Anaheim Resort Campus Shuttle between Disneyland and hour hotels. It serves guests of Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim Marriott, Clarion Anaheim and Sheraton Park Anaheim. Riders can purchase a day pass or 3-day pass. We discuss some of these hotels in our post on where to stay at Disneyland.
Hotels with Their Own Shuttles
A few neighboring hotels have their own shuttles to Disneyland. Look into the Candy Cane Inn and Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. There are a ton of hotels near Disneyland close enough to walk or close enough to walk to the free bus at the Toy Story Lot.
Buses from Other Cities
If you are coming from further inland, such as Riverside and San Bernardino, you can take the Commuterlink Express Bus 200 for just $3.50 each way ($2.75 for adults over 65, those with disabilities and veterans). Prices and times are subject to change. Get dropped off just outside of security. The bus starts at 5:30 a.m. weekdays and 6:00 a.m. weekends. (The early frogs get the flies, we always say. And at Disneyland, the "flies" hoppen to be arriving for Magic Morning or rope drop.)
The last bus leaves Anaheim at 10:26 p.m. weekdays and 10:15 p.m. weekends. (Times subject to change.) The route pick-up and drop-off locations include:
- San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center
- Downtown Riverside at Lemon & University
- Downtown Riverside Metrolink Station (Vine St. Bay F)
- Riverside Galleria at Tyler
- La Sierra Metrolink Station
- Meats & Tustin
- Disneyland (Harbor Blvd. near East Shuttle Way)
The Commuterlink buses have Wi-Fi, charging ports and comfortable seating. Ribbit, ribbit!
Parking Off-Site and Taking the Bus to Disneyland
Another way to avoid paying to park at Disneyland is to park and take a bus. Some Disney fans suggest parking at the Fullerton Park and Ride, where it's free to park. Hop on the LA Metro 460, which runs every 20 minutes. It's a 10-minute ride and costs a few dollars per person (subject to change).
You can park at ARTIC for free and take an OCTA bus (when available), or it might cheaper and faster for your party to get an Uber each way (subject to change). In comparison to driving yourself, parking at Disneyland costs $40 per day plus gas.
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood
It may not be the Hogwarts Express, but you CAN take a train to Universal Studios from Union Station In LA. From Union Station (which has trains coming to it from all directions in the surrounding areas via Amtrak and Metrolink), you can use your Metrolink ticket to transfer to the B (Red) Line Metro Rail subway. Travel on the Red Line Westbound the direction of North Hollywood, and exit at Universal City/Studio City. There, you will find a free shuttle that will take you right to the front gate of Universal Studios Hollywood. The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes, seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until two hours after park closing.
Note that if you are already in the LA area, you can probably buy the Metro Rail tickets for much less if you do not need to use Metrolink to get to Union Station. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip. Check your dates before your trip just to be sure there aren’t any closures or changes.
Metro parking lots are $3 per day. Some people park at a Metro lot and take the Metro to the Universal City/Studio City stop to save on Universal Studios parking.
We recommend buying your dated Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance since they can sell out and are much more expensive at the gate. Our tickets can save a lot of green compared to the Front Gate ticket window prices (depending on when you want to visit). If you are taking Harry Potter fans to the Wizarding World, you can pretend that the train really is the Hogwarts Express. That’s the best we can offer since you can’t arrive by broomstick, Floo powder, portkey or by disapparating. But if we figure out how to arrive by magic, we’ll let you know!
Here are some Metro tips worth noting: The Metrolink tickets are also good for Metro buses. Also, there is a new Metro rail line that takes riders to Santa Monica! Santa Monica is home to the iconic pier and beautiful beach.
Using Bus Tours
There are a number of companies that offer transportation and tours between LA and Orange County. Some of them take you from your hotel in Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood and include a bus tour of Hollywood. You will have to shop around for the best deal, but a family of four can expect to pay about $120 to $200 for this service, and much more if it includes theme park tickets. You might have to weigh the cost of taking the train or simply renting a car and parking. Parking at Universal costs $35 per car (more if you choose closer parking).
Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours of Los Angeles
One way to see all the sights of LA without a car is to take a hop-on/hop-off bus. You can save when you book your Big Bus tour through Undercover Tourist.
Hotels with Universal Studios Shuttles
Some hotels are within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, such as the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel. Those two also have a shuttle bus to the park and CityWalk.
There are also a few nearby hotels with their own shuttle buses or trolleys. Look into The Garland or the Coast Anabelle (with reservations) and Safari Inn (with reservations). Be sure to check with the hotel for the shuttle schedule. For some shuttle services, you need to reserve in advance.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Universal Studios or Disneyland
Big changes are hoppening in terms of public transportation options for LAX as Los Angeles prepares for the Olympics.
If you are flying in to LAX and need transportation, you might consider the nonstop LAX FlyAway buses. They can get you from the airport to Union Station inexpensively. From there, you can hop on the B (Red) Line to Universal City. Or from Union Station, take the train south to Disneyland.
We have ribbiting news. You can now take the Metro to LAX, and more big changes are underway. Getting to and from LAX is easier than ever due to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center.
Coming soon, the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) opens. The APM is an elevated electric train system that will connect the airport terminals, rental car center and the new Metro Transit Center. It is under construction and scheduled to open in 2026.
Orange County Airport (SNA) to Disneyland
John Wayne/Orange County is the closest airport to Disneyland. While there are plenty of ride apps to get you between the airport and the "Happiest Place on Earth," there is a newer public transportation option. Or at least there was, bu tit may be shutting down. Uber and Lyft may be your best options.
You can travel between SNA and Anaheim on EVE. (The site says it is on a seasonal break and not taking reservations, so check the site to see if it's even operating.) The shuttle service runs through the Anaheim Transportation Network, which is in the process of shutting down. It's a $30 round trip for adults and $15 for children aged 3-9. EVE requires car seats/booster seats, and each EVE vehicle carries a booster seat. You can book a ride up to 90-days in advance through the Away We Go app.
We are hoppy to present the various options in travel planning so you can find the plan that works best for you and your family. Have a question about public transportation to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood? Share it in the comments below. You can save money when you buy your Los Angeles theme park tickets, tours and hotels through Undercover Tourist.
Related: Transportation To and Around Los Angeles
Related: Where to Park at Disneyland Resort
Keep hopping!
