Train/bus trip from San Diego info here!

[hookedup]

I will post an actual trip report with more info but I just wanted to post a quick note about the success of our train and OC bus trip to DL.
As an AP holder I go to DL a lot, and I have taken the train before, but decided that I wanted to try using the public bus to get to DL to cut down on expense for a cab (which cost us about $20 with tip each way).
The #430 bus is very convenient. It is an express bus designed to hook up with the metrolink for employees of DL and the Anaheim Resort area. It picks up right in front of the train station (no way you could miss it!) and only makes a couple of stops. The first one is at Harbor Blvd right at the walkway into DL. Very convenient! The cost is $1.25 for the ride. If you are riding the actual Metrolink it is included in the fare.
The major downside is the limited schedule of this bus. Since it is designed to hook up with Metrolink commuter trains it runs a very limited schedule. Early morning and afternoon. So if you can take the Amtrak (or Metrolink) to get to Anaheim by the last bus (around 9:00 a.m.) you will have a cheap and very easy way to get to DL. For us Southern Cal drivers who are looking for an option to the freeway it is a fun one!
To get to the Amtrak Anaheim station to meet the bus on a train from San Diego you have to catch the 6:15 a.m. train from SD. Yes this is early but it does get you to DL before 9:00 a.m. (8:48 to be exact). And we were on Main Street to hear the morning welcome as they opened the park.
The ride home was also very easy. We could have stayed later - but we took a 4:18 p.m. bus and hooked up with the 4:51 train to SD. We were scheduled to be in SD at 7:05 but were a little late and arrived around 7:30. It was a fun ride back. We bought sandwiches from the Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street and ate them on the train on the way home along with some Cotton Candy and Rice Crispy Mickeys!
Remember all schedules are subject to change so please make sure to double check times before you do this trip.

 

[singingpixie]

We did the exact same thing (sounds like the same schedule even!) with my grandparents when I was like 14 (I'll be 21 this summer... wow I'm getting old!). It worked really well, and was easy for them since they aren't as young as they used to be and didn't want to drive. The only thing I didn't like was how early we left (sounds like you left about the same time). Seemed like all we got to hit really were the E-ticket rides (which are great, but you miss a lot of the "disney" stuff). This was summer, however... would probably work even better without the crowds! -Meg

 

[hookedup]

You know we really did a lot that day and even shoped on Main Street while my ds was passed out in the stroller (which we rented for free with our Disney Visa!) I was beat and more than ready to head out. Glad to not be driving home! It was really relaxing to not drive, and enjoy the sunset on our way down the coast.

 

[denecarter]

We (17DD and self) are going to San Diego with my parents to visit my aunt and uncle. DD and I will be making a trip up to DL for 4 days/3 nights. This might be a travel option for us... would we be totally out of place trying to bring a carryon size bag each?

 

[4WLodgers]

Okay you sound like the one to ask...my family and I are flying into John Wayne Airport in Anahiem on a Tuesday. Then heading to San Diego until Friday. I really don't need a car while I am there. We are staying at the Marriott Marina (business for me and fun for my 3 girls). On Friday we will head back to Anahiem and will be staying at the DH (I think you may have even recommended the DH to us for our first stay). Here's the question...do we rent a car? Rent one in Anahiem - return it in SD, then rent again and return it in Anahiem...HELP!!!