Getting From Train Station To Disneyland

[meandthree]

My husband will be in San Diego at the end of June and I was thinking of popping on the train to Anaheim for the day. Any help on the best way to get to Disneyland from the Train. Also, I guess I could drive our rental car but was wondering about traffic from San Diego to Disney. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[QueenTriton]

You can take the #430 bus directly to the resort (it's route is the Amtrak station - Disneyland Resort), but look at the schedule, as I believe it operates limited times. If it isn't operating at a convenient time, try the #50. I don't believe it stops right at the train station or Disneyland, but is probably within a few blocks of each. The routes can be found here: www.octa.net/busrail/routes/may2005/intro.asp
The 430 is really the way to go.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Another option is to take a taxi. Amtrak Anaheim Station is probably 10 minutes from the Disneyland Resort, and it wouldn't be too much, plus the convenience factor alone would be worth it.

 

[meandthree]

What about driving? If I left San Diego at 5:30 in the morning wouldn't I get there by 6:30 or so, then I could have a leisurely breakfast and wait for the parks to open. I just don't know about traffic at that time of the morning. Our traffic in Dallas is pretty bad, but it doesn't get bad until about 6:45.

 

[iceskatejen]

Actually, you'd get to DL around 7--it's a 90 minute drive. Note that the parking structure often doesn't open until 30 minutes before park gate opening (meaning 7:30 if the park opens at 8, 8 if the park opens at 9--gates open at 8:30).

 

[msteddom]

I would take the train rather than drive. It is a beautiful trip up the coast, and the Anaheim station is so close to DL that the trip really is easy. I have done it a few times now.

Melissa

 

[hookedup]

The train is fun - we paid about $20 for cab from train station (including tip) each way - so it is not a cheap. But faster and more convenient than the bus from the station. I have not taken the bus from the station but I want to try it next time because paying for a cab cost more than our gas would have!
Driving isn't so bad -we do it all the time. The traffic in SD starts to get pretty thick around 7:00 a.m. through the Golden Triangle (I805 near La Jolla) and Sorrento Mesa area in SD and then can bunch up again in Orange County. If you are not alone you can use the carpool lane on the 5 freeway in Orange County to DL. When you are driving back to SD the traffic can be bad around DL between 3-6 pm and in SD from 4-6 pm (a lot worse if a Friday) so plan accordingly. If we are not on the road by 2:30ish to head home we wait until after 6:00. But you never know with our traffic - anytime can be bad! LOL!

 

[meandthree]

We are actually staying in La Jolla. Will this cut down on traffic time? What time should I leave La Jolla to get to DL by 7:30ish? Thank you so much about the 2:30 time tip. I was wondering what the right time to leave would be.

 

[msteddom]

I would leave between 6 and 6:30. The drive takes me an hour and a half, but I live about 15 miles inland so I have to travel a ways to get to the 5 whereas you will be right there.



Melissa

 

[hookedup]

Yep, I would agree. If you want to be at the DL by 7:30 then leave 6 or 6:15ish. When I was still commuting a lot to Orange CO or LA for business if I left SD before 6:30 I usually did not hit any San Diego area traffic. Just hop on the I-5 (or if you are staying closer to the I-805 it joins back up with the I-5 just north of there) and it is an easy drive up to DL. You just stay on the I-5 the whole way and follow the signs. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions about this or San Diego.