Getting to Disneyland from LA Union Station

[shosh1530]

Hello. My son and I will be making a short trip to Disneyland in March. We usually drive or fly from Arizona, but have decided to embark on a train adventure for this trip.

We should arrive via Amtrak to L.A. Union Station around 5:45 am on a Friday (if things are running on time). I'm wondering what the best options might be for getting to Disneyland (I know it is far!).

Should we try the Surfliner or Metro Link since we are already at the train station? Or would Uber/Lyft be much easier? We'll be dropping our bags at the Grand Californian and then heading to DCA.

 

[dina444444]

Uber/lyft would be easier. I don’t know if the metro link runs that early. Amtrak fare plus an Uber/lyft from the Anaheim station may only save you a little bit of money.

 

[shosh1530]

Thanks for the reply!

I just edited the day on my original post as I got confused. We will be arriving Friday morning, not Sunday.

I know Amtrak trains can often run late, so wondering if we might hit rush hour traffic if we Uber/Lyft. I might plan info for both options and see what makes the most sense upon arrival.

But I agree that the hassle of the taking the metro and then having to take Uber/Lyft from the station any way may not be worth it.

 

[LKing]

@LAS2AMS is pretty knowledgeable about transportation

In a recent thread about getting from LAX to Anaheim, they broke down the different options and costs.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I’d stick with the train. Metrolink has frequent service in the morning (and is now throughout the day with their latest service increase) and is $8.75. You can use your ticket (free) to connect to the OC bus 50 (you’ll pass the bus depot as you exit the train), much runs every 15 minutes during the week and will take 25 minutes to drop you off at Katella/Wesr (Disneyland Drive). From there, GC is a 5 to 10 minute walk.

It’ll take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to GC. Rush hour starts early in LA — a ride share won’t save much time, will cost triple (for two people) but will be more convenient.

Amtrak is almost twice the price of Metrolink and you will have to pay for the transfer (bus or ride share). Not much difference between the two trains - Amtrak has some very comfy seats, but they’re reserved for seniors/ persons with disabilities. The rest of their seats at similar to Metrolink. Some Amtrak trains have the viewing car that you’ll have on long distance trains, but the route between LA Union and Anaheim is anything but scenic. Amtrak also has a business class for about $10 more. You get the same seats you do on the long distance train, and a continental self-serve breakfast. With it if you decide on Amtrak. They also have a cafe car, but you’ll pay more than in business for a snack!

 

[crystal1313]

We tried Amtrak from Burbank airport to Anaheim and the train was super late. It took us 4.5-5 hours versus taking an uber (which usually takes us about 2 hours depending on traffic). Plus, when we got to Anaheim, we had two Ubers cancel on us when they saw we had luggage. They were uber XL too. We ended up taking an ART bus, but had to wait even longer for that. Just something else to consider about coming Into the ARTIC station in Anaheim.

 

[LAS2AMS]

We tried Amtrak from Burbank airport to Anaheim and the train was super late. It took us 4.5-5 hours versus taking an uber (which usually takes us about 2 hours depending on traffic). Plus, when we got to Anaheim, we had two Ubers cancel on us when they saw we had luggage. They were uber XL too. We ended up taking an ART bus, but had to wait even longer for that. Just something else to consider about coming Into the ARTIC station in Anaheim.

Sorry you had such a bad experience. Both Amtrak and Metrolink are extremely reliable. Oodles of people relay on these trains to to commute to and from work and they regularly perform special events - whether it’s the Dodgers or Angels train, concerts at the Great Park, etc.

Many years ago, I worked a few years on DTLA. I took the train everyday. There was a special bus that stopped in front of my apartment (many communities offer these busses to connect with the train) that I could reach in a few minutes. I’d take the train to DTLA, then my employer chartered a Metro bus. In several years, I never encountered a major delay (knock on wood).

I used the train a lot to get around when I was younger, often for time sensitive issues - like getting to the airport, which pre-Uber meant either taking the train or paying a fortune to park at LAX.

Delays can happen via any mode of transportion. When there’s a fatal accident, it will shut the freeway down and the alternate route can add an hour or more to get to your destination.

Sorry you had a bad experience but I wouldn’t hesitate to take the train if I was already at Union Station. Also worth pointing out that if fares are low, it can challenging to get a ride share, especially at 6am in DTLA. It will be difficult to find a fare returning to DTLA from Anaheim, and since it’s the heart of rush hour, many drives will pass.

Gas is around $5/gallon - I paid $4.49 at Costco yesterday. That’s gonna take a bite out of their fares. A driver is looking at 4 hours and $15-20 in gas for a RT.

 

[starry_solo]

Check the Metrolink schedule (weekdays) from LA Union Station to Anaheim Station here:
https://metrolinktrains.com/schedules/

Address:
https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general-info/stations/anaheim/

Then you can take the ART bus from the station to Disneyland.

 

[LAS2AMS]

ART goes to DLR Esplanade. I don’t know if security will let you in with luggage, but it’s a non-issue if you’re traveling light.

OCTA Route 50 takes about the same amount of time and stops at Katella & West (aka Disneyland Dr.). From there, you’ll walk 5-10 minutes along the edge of DCA into GCH.

 

[twodogs]

Great suggestions here, and also excellent words of caution to consider from @crystal1313. One consideration is how much luggage you have, and if you are comfortable and/or capable of walking with it all for 5-10 minutes to get to the GCH if you take the public transportation route?

Another option might be to use a service like Lansky’s or similar, so that you know you will have a car and not risk the Uber cancellations. It will definitely be the most expensive option, but also likely the easiest, most reliable/predictable, and possibly the fastest.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Amtrak and Metrolink are very reliable services that tens of thousands of people rely on to get to and from work. I wouldn’t let one person’s negative experience influence your decision. While many Amtrak routes have a reputation for being unreliable, it isn’t the case here.

 

[DizMe]

Personally, I'd Uber or use something like Lansky. The extra cost would be a one-time expense (unless you need to do the same coming back) and you don't have to make any changes of vehicle or cart your luggage around. You'll be dropped off at the hotel and can get on with your plans.

 

[tarheelalum]

I'd just take the Amtrak straight to Anaheim from AZ. A lot of people do that without any issues.

 

[Corveyep]

That sounds like a fun adventure! If you're arriving early and want to keep it simple, I'd say Uber/Lyft would be your best bet. It’ll get you straight to the Grand Californian without hassle, especially since you’ll have luggage. The Surfliner or MetroLink are good options too, but they involve transfers and might take longer. Since you're starting your Disney trip, I’d vote for the most convenient option!

 

[shosh1530]

Thanks again everyone for sharing your advice.

My son and I ended up having a great trip! Our train on the way there was delayed about 1.5 hours. Unfortunately getting our checked bag took forever and we just missed the Metro train we wanted to take to Disneyland. So in the end we took a Lyft for about $55 rather than wait an hour for the next train. The traffic was a bit slow but not too terrible.

All in all, I'd do the train again! Actually looking to book another Amtrak adventure next month (not Disney).

 

[evilmommie]

Thanks again everyone for sharing your advice.

My son and I ended up having a great trip! Our train on the way there was delayed about 1.5 hours. Unfortunately getting our checked bag took forever and we just missed the Metro train we wanted to take to Disneyland. So in the end we took a Lyft for about $55 rather than wait an hour for the next train. The traffic was a bit slow but not too terrible.

All in all, I'd do the train again! Actually looking to book another Amtrak adventure next month (not Disney).

Glad y’all had an awesome trip! I love taking train trips. Way to go Mom!!!

 

[EeyoreJMH]

We’re doing something similar next week! We’re taking the Southwest Chief. We’ve been advised to get off at the Fullerton station instead of Union, so I’m still working out the last bit to get to DLH. We’re then taking Coast Starlight to Seattle, which will be from Union Station. It was good to see how your adventure went.

I’m so glad you had a great experience!

 

[LAS2AMS]

We’re doing something similar next week! We’re taking the Southwest Chief. We’ve been advised to get off at the Fullerton station instead of Union, so I’m still working out the last bit to get to DLH. We’re then taking Coast Starlight to Seattle, which will be from Union Station. It was good to see how your adventure went.

I’m so glad you had a great experience!

Fullerton and Anaheim stations are about the same distance from DLR. it’s easier to get to DLR and DLH via public transportation from Fullerton. Ride shares will be similar cost. Of close, to get to Anaheim you’d have to complete the journey and hop on another train, which will add roughly two hours - not worth it.