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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top brands in Anaheim with Road Genius. From small economy cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Quickly scan options at the Anaheim Resort area or nearby airports like John Wayne Airport and LAX, add the extras you need and get on the road to Disneyland and Orange County beaches without the hassle.
Anaheim doesn't have its own commercial airport, but is well-served by several nearby airports and numerous local rental facilities.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Resort Area | • Walking distance to Disneyland • Convenient pickup/drop-off • No transportation needed to rental location |
• Can have higher rates • Limited vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| John Wayne Airport (SNA) | • Closest airport (13 miles / 21 km) • Multiple rental companies • Competitive rates |
• Airport fees added to rental rates • Requires transportation to Anaheim • Traffic on I-5 during peak times |
| Long Beach Airport (LGB) | • Good proximity (15 miles / 24 km) • Less congested than LAX • Quick processing times |
• Fewer flight options • Limited rental company selection • Requires travel via 405 freeway |
| Los Angeles Int'l Airport (LAX) | • Widest selection of vehicles • Most competitive rates • 24/7 operation |
• Approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Anaheim • Higher airport fees • Significant traffic delays possible |
| Location Type | Average Wait Time | After-Hours Service |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Resort Locations | 10-15 minutes | Limited after-hours service Most close by 6-7pm |
| Convention Center Area | 15-20 minutes | Limited after-hours service Key drop available at most locations |
| Airport Locations | 20-45 minutes at SNA 30-60 minutes at LAX |
Extended hours at all airports 24-hour service at LAX |
If staying at Disneyland before renting:
On average, car rentals in Anaheim cost around $91 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare pickup spots – run a quick price check between Anaheim resort desks, John Wayne (SNA), Long Beach (LGB) and even LAX. After airport surcharges and traffic hassle, SNA or an in-town lot often wins for short trips.
Rent only for the days you'll actually drive – if most of your time is inside Disneyland, rely on hotel shuttles or ART buses and pick the car up later for beach or LA day-trips. Fewer rental days = instant savings plus lower hotel parking fees.
Aim for off-peak booking windows – summer, spring break and December holidays do spike, so locking in 6-8 weeks out helps. For quieter months (Jan-Feb, Sep-Nov) wait until 2-3 weeks beforehand; suppliers discount to move stock.
Look for weekly rates – stays of 5-7 days often price out cheaper on a "weekly special" than separate daily rates, even if you return the car a day early.
Dodge the add-ons – bring your own phone for GPS, refill at stations a mile or two from Harbor Blvd to avoid resort mark-ups and toss a cheap booster seat in your luggage to skip $10-15/day child seat fees.
Skip agency toll programs when possible – Orange County FasTrak roads let you add the rental plate to your own account, avoiding the $3-$5/day "convenience" charge.
Disneyland Resort Parking: Daily parking available
Anaheim Resort Hotels: Overnight guest parking fees may apply
Anaheim GardenWalk: Offers limited complimentary parking when validated
Angel Stadium/Honda Center: Event parking available
| Rule Type | Basic Info |
|---|---|
| Basic Rules | • Drive on the right side of the road • Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise) • Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks • Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants |
| Speed Limits | • Resort area streets: 25-35 mph (40-55 km/h) • Residential areas: 25 mph (40 km/h) • Highways (I-5): 65 mph (105 km/h) • School zones: 25 mph when children are present |
| Enforcement | • California Highway Patrol monitors highways • Anaheim Police patrol city streets • Red light cameras at some intersections • Strict DUI enforcement (0.08% blood alcohol limit) |
| Theme Park Area | • Heavy pedestrian traffic around the resort • Follow parking attendant instructions • One-way streets are common in the resort district • Watch for tour buses and shuttles |
Orange County has several toll roads that may be encountered when traveling from Anaheim:
| Toll Payment Option | How It Works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Agency Toll Program | Automatically charges your credit card | Includes a daily convenience fee plus the toll cost |
| Personal FasTrak Transponder | Add the rental car's license plate to your account | Charges tolls at the normal rate without extra fees |
A rental gives you the freedom to explore much more than the immediate resort area.
Orange County beaches – Huntington Beach, Newport Beach
Los Angeles – Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory
Universal Studios Hollywood – studio tour, thrill rides
Laguna Beach & Dana Point – coastal art scene, harbor views
San Diego – world-famous zoo, Gaslamp Quarter
Palm Springs & Coachella Valley – desert resorts, outlet shopping
Do I need a car if I'm only visiting Disneyland?
If you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel or a nearby "Good Neighbor" hotel that has a shuttle, you probably won't need a car. Many hotels are within walking distance or offer a shuttle service, so you can get to the Disney parks without one.
Which airport is best for renting a car to visit Anaheim?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is the easiest to use. It's about 13–14 miles (21–23 km) away and has a direct route. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is your next best choice at about 18 miles (29 km) away. You can find more flights at LAX, but it's about 30–35 miles (48–56 km) away and you'll often hit heavy traffic.
How far in advance should I book a rental car for Anaheim?
For busy times like summer, spring break and the December holidays, you should book 6–8 weeks early. For less busy times, booking 3–4 weeks ahead is usually enough to get a good price and find the car you want.
Is it worth paying for a car if I'll just use it for airport transfers?
Probably not. Shuttle services from airports to Anaheim hotels range from about $30–60 per person each way, while rideshare services cost roughly $35–55 from SNA and $60–100 from LAX. Compare these costs to daily car rental rates plus hotel parking fees (approximately $15–30 per night).
What are the alternatives to renting a car?
You can use hotel shuttles, ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) buses, rideshare services and the OCTA public bus system. If you want to visit other places, look for tour companies that offer rides to popular attractions.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?
In California, children must use a car seat or booster if they are under 8 years old or shorter than 4'9". Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat, unless they are at least 40 lbs or 40 inches tall. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. You cannot use your cell phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device. Carpool lanes usually require two or more people in the car during posted hours. An approved Clean Air Vehicle decal will also let you use these lanes.
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