Anaheim Convention Center via OCTA from SNA

Question

Can I take OCTA from SNA to the Anaheim Convention Center? There is a 53 bus that runs along Main Street to Anaheim, but how to get to it from SNA or is there a better OCTA option? Doesn’t seem like OCTA and SNA are not public transit friendly. Just one backpack and I think I qualify for their senior fare.

Answer

Traveling from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to the Anaheim Convention Center using OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) is possible but not very straightforward, as SNA is not directly connected to most public transit lines. OCTA does operate bus routes in the area, but you’ll need to plan carefully.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options:

Bus 53: This bus runs along Main Street towards Anaheim and passes near the Anaheim Convention Center. However, there is no direct stop at SNA. You would need to get to the nearest bus stop outside the airport area, which could require a shuttle or walking about half a mile to the nearest stop on MacArthur Blvd or via the SNA airport shuttle to a local transit hub.
Alternative OCTA routes: Some travelers use a combination of OCTA Route 76 or Route 46 to connect from SNA to Santa Ana or Garden Grove transit points, and then transfer to Route 53. This involves multiple transfers and may take over an hour depending on timing.
Senior fare: As you mentioned qualifying for senior fare, OCTA provides discounted fares for seniors 60 and older. Make sure to bring a valid ID when boarding to receive the discount.

Given the limited public transit options directly from SNA, many travelers find these alternatives easier:

Airport shuttle or rideshare to a major bus stop: Taking a Lyft or Uber from SNA to a key transit stop on Main Street or in Santa Ana can simplify your trip and reduce walking.
Direct rideshare: For one backpack and a single traveler, Uber or Lyft may be more convenient, even if slightly more expensive, as they drop you directly at the Anaheim Convention Center without transfers.
Consider a combination: Take a short rideshare from SNA to a major OCTA hub like the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, then take Route 53 directly to Anaheim. This reduces the number of legs on your trip while still using public transit for the bulk of the route.

In summary, while it’s technically possible to use OCTA from SNA to the Anaheim Convention Center, it’s not the most transit-friendly setup. A short rideshare combined with Route 53 is usually the most practical public transit option, but if convenience is your priority, a direct Uber/Lyft from the airport is easiest.

Anaheim Convention Center via OCTA from SNA

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