LAX best transportation directly to Anaheim area?

[Starryjean]

We're planning our first ever Disneyland trip which will also be our first family of three (2 adults, 1 teen) trip into California. I already booked a flight into LAX because of timing/pricing and had planned to just UBER/LYFT to Disneyland area. However, I see some people saying that is overwhelming? I also saw that Amtrak runs trains from LAX to Anaheim, would this be a smart alternative (super short trip and doesn't deal with traffic)? Locals and regulars, I really appreciate your advice!

 

[wallawallakids]

We always use executive car service. They are excellent.

 

[OKW Lover]

planned to just UBER/LYFT to Disneyland area. However, I see some people saying that is overwhelming?

I don't understand. What is overwhelming about that?

 

[LAS2AMS]

it’s not overwhelming. Ride shares can only pickup from a lot near T1. You can either walk to it, or take the free shuttle bus. If you pay extra for Uber Black or equivalent, the ride share can pick you up at the terminal. On your return any ride share can drop you off directly at the terminal.

Amtrak runs from LA Union Station. It requires a bus ride, then train ride, then another bus or ride share to your hotel. It’a time consuming. I’d recommend sticking with a ride share.

LAX is a simple airport to navigate. Traffic can be bad but is heavily exaggerated on here.

 

[Louis63]

If you use the ride share premium services they can pick you up at the terminal.

 

[LKing]

What airline? That will tell me what terminal you will likely land at. Here is information about ground transportation at LAX.

It is not overwhelming if you know your plans in advance. Flight lands, exit the plane, use the restroom in the terminal, pick up your bags, and exit the terminal. Just outside the exit, there should be signs for the ride share shuttles. This is a map for where the shuttle locations should be located (note you are looking for green LAX-it signs). Wait for the shuttle at that sign. In my opinion, the hardest part is dragging my 50lb luggage onto the bus.

The rideshare lot was supposed to be very temporary. The opening date for the people mover got pushed back which kept the LAX-it lot and shuttles operating longer than expected. Hopefully everything will be easier after the lot is moved and the people mover is running next year.

 

[fly girl]

As everyone stated, it's not overwhelming. Can it be a pain compared to other airports? Yeah. But it is definitely doable and not a major ordeal. Nuisance, really.

If you don't want to deal with the rideshare lot, use Uber/Lyft premium service with curbside pickup. Just did a quick search on the apps and it is around $50 more. Only you can say if it is worth the additional cost versus time and hassle. Personally, I would absolutely consider it if I went into LAX as opposed to our normal SNA.

You can always search for a private car service, but I think premium ride share would be the same price, if not cheaper. I used Karmel years ago when we needed booster seat, and when I looked just now it was more expensive than Uber Black.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Not at all “overwhelming” IMO although the procedure of how rideshare is handled is a bit different at LAX than other airports.

You just walk or shuttle to the transit center and when you request a ride rather than being assigned a car and driver you are given a pin # and just hop in the next available car in line, give the driver the PIN #, and go. I prefer it to the cluster at many other airports.

 

[wendlle]

I've used so many over the years.
But you've got a kid that is a teen so no need for car seats so If it was me I'd either use executive car service or for something fun get Caren Wolf to pick you up in her Lightning McQueen car.
Her prices are great.

i can't be bothered dealing with LAX-IT to get a ride share.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I've used so many over the years.
But you've got a kid that is a teen so no need for car seats so If it was me I'd either use executive car service or for something fun get Caren Wolf to pick you up in her Lightning McQueen car.
Her prices are great.

i can't be bothered dealing with LAX-IT to get a ride share.

The LAX ride share lot is a minor annoyance, but it took away hundreds of cars from the drop off area and made LAX a much easier airport to access. It’s a really easy way to save a few bucks, and it’s easier for the drivers to get to and from so you’ll spend less time waiting.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Amtrak is from Union Station, though, right? So you’d have to take the Amtrak bus from LAX to the train and then shuttle from the train to Disney. That seems way more complicated than just getting an Uber.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Amtrak is from Union Station, though, right? So you’d have to take the Amtrak bus from LAX to the train and then shuttle from the train to Disney. That seems way more complicated than just getting an Uber.

Yeah, it’s involved.

Take the FlyAway bus to Union Station ($9.75), transfer to Amtrak ($16) or Metrolink ($8.75) to Anaheim, transfer to ART bus ($4 or free transfer on Metrolink). So, $19 to $30 per person.

For the price of a Metrolink ticket ($8.75), you can take the free bus to the Metro Rail station, ride it to Norwalk, take the bus on a short ride to Norwalk station and then train to Anaheim.

I knew how to get around in my teens/ early twenties .

 

[wendlle]

The LAX ride share lot is a minor annoyance, but it took away hundreds of cars from the drop off area and made LAX a much easier airport to access. It’s a really easy way to save a few bucks, and it’s easier for the drivers to get to and from so you’ll spend less time waiting.

I'd 100% just take an Uber if I was getting off a domestic flight and didn't have kids.
But after 15 hours on a plane in economy with kids under 10, I don't need the hassle of going to LAX-IT and getting a ride share. i'd rather pay more and have someone collect me kerbside so I can start my vacay.