How Far is Catalina Island from Disneyland? A Local Explains
WONDERING HOW FAR IS CATALINA ISLAND FROM DISNEYLAND?
If you’re planning a Southern California vacation and considering visiting Catalina Island and Disneyland, you may wonder how far apart these two popular destinations are.
Well, you’ve landed in the right place because I live in Southern California and will share everything you need to know about how to get to Catalina Island from Disneyland. So, how far is Catalina Island from Disneyland?
The “Happiest Place on Earth,” the iconic theme park in Anaheim, is approximately 41.3 miles from Catalina Island.
Disneyland is about 41.3 miles from Catalina Island.
Traveling between these two attractions can take around 3 to 5 hours, depending on your transportation option.
Both are great winter sun destinations with kids.
Let’s get to everything you need to know about how to get to Catalina Island from Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
No time to read this whole article? No worries.
To get to the mainland of California to Catalina Island, you must take the Catalina Island Express. ⤵️
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
The Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Catalina Island.
If this is your first visit, know that Catalina Island is an amazing destination to explore and part of the fun is taking the Catalina Express Ferry.
how far is catalina island from disneyland
How to Get to Catalina Island From Disneyland
When planning your trip between Disneyland and Catalina Island, knowing the distance and available transportation options is essential.
The distance between these two popular destinations is approximately 41.3 miles.
While there isn’t a direct connection from Catalina Island to Disneyland, you can make the trip in a relatively short time in several ways.
Let’s review the four options for getting from Disneyland to Catalina Island.
The fastest and cheapest way to get from Disneyland to Catalina Island is to rent a car in California and take the If you need to rent a car from LAX, we recommend Discover Cars because of their competitive rates and free cancellation policy. 🚘
Car Plus Ferry
There are four ports the Catalina Express Ferry, and the Catalina Flyer leave from to get to either Avalon on Catalina Island or Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
- San Pedro — drops off in Avalon and Two Harbors
- Long Beach — Avalon
- Newport Beach — Avalon
- Dana Point — Avalon
❣️Important note: It’s best to be dropped off in Avalon. It’s the main hub on Catalina Island. Two Harbors is nice, but there is less to do. You can always take another boat once in Avalon to get to Two Harbors.
Long Beach and Newport Beach are the closest ports to Disneyland in Anaheim.
If you’re staying in Anaheim, buy a ferry ticket from Long Beach or Newport Beach, both drop off in Avalon.
Just make sure to get ferry tickets in advance as they do sell out quickly, especially in summer, which is peak season.‼️
how far is catalina island from disneyland
Destination Points in Catalina Island
There are two drop-off points on Catalina Island, Avalon and Two Harbors. The ferry from San Pedro is the only port that takes you to Avalon or Two Harbors. Make sure you pay attention to the destination when you book your ferry.
Avalon
Avalon is the central city on Catalina Island, offering a variety of activities and beautiful sights for visitors like you.
As a charming, picturesque seaside destination, it’s perfect for families and couples seeking a little relaxation or adventure during their trip.
While in Avalon, you can easily stroll down the quaint streets, visit shops, dine at various restaurants, and even take tours to learn more about the local history.
Among the popular attractions in Avalon are the Catalina Casino, Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, and the Descanso Beach Club.
Two Harbors
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Two Harbors might be an interesting option for you during your visit.
Located on the Island’s west end, it is more remote and offers visitors a different experience from Avalon, with a focus on outdoor activities.
Two Harbors is home to a single restaurant, a general store, and a few lodging options, giving you a more intimate experience with the Island’s natural beauty.
While here, you could enjoy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and even camping on the beach.
how far is catalina island from disneyland
Other Options to Get From Disneyland to Catalina Island
There are a few more options to get to Catalina that aren’t as cheap as taking the Catalina Express.
Car Plus Yacht/Boat Charters
You have the option to book boat charters from Los Angeles to Catalina Island, such as Los Angeles Yacht Charter and Luxury Liners.
However, it’s important to note that this is a more expensive choice, with yacht charters ranging from $750 to $27,000.
Car Plus Sailing
For a truly eco-friendly journey to Catalina Island, consider sailing with companies like Bluewater Sailing and Mariner Sailing Charters.
These sailing options offer a sustainable and environmentally conscious way to reach the island.
Car Plus Kayaking
It’s possible to kayak to Catalina. Embarking on a kayaking adventure to Catalina Island is indeed feasible, but it necessitates meticulous planning, thorough preparation, and prior experience in open-water kayaking.
Car Plus Helicopter
IEX Helicopters provides convenient flights from Long Beach or San Pedro to Catalina Island, with a quick 15-minute journey.
The round-trip prices for these flights range from $349 to $598.
Additionally, flights are available from LAX airport, Santa Monica, Burbank, Van Nuys, and Hawthorn, with round-trip prices ranging from $2,699 to $3,699. The flight duration for these routes can vary from 21 to 28 minutes.
It’s important to note that while helicopter transportation offers a faster and more direct option, it is also more expensive compared to taking the Catalina Express ferry.
Car Plus Private Planes
Private planes can fly directly to Catalina’s airport, known as “Airport in the Sky.” No commercial plans are allowed.
Check rates & availability for the Catalina Express.
how far is catalina island from disneyland
How Far Is Catalina Island From Los Angeles
Situated off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island lies approximately 29 miles west of Long Beach.
Spanning 22 miles in length and reaching a maximum width of 8 miles, the island offers a sizable expanse of land to explore.
It’s easy for Angelinos to get from Los Angeles to Catalina Island. We usually leave from Long Beach because the Long Beach Catalina Express has the most scheduled ferries.
how far is catalina island from disneyland
How Far Is Catalina Island From the Mainland
The distance between the mainland of California, specifically from the city of Los Angeles, and Catalina Island varies depending on the specific point of departure and arrival on the island.
The city of Avalon on Catalina Island is a popular destination, and you can reach it by taking a ferry from several locations along the Southern California coast, including San Pedro and Long Beach.
The ferry ride from these mainland locations to Avalon takes about one hour on average.
Catalina Island on a Map
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
Best Things to Do On Catalina Island
For a small island, there are many things to do in Catalina. Our favorite things to do is seeing the island by renting a golf cart, a great way to see the island. If this is your first time, we’ve highlighted some favorite tours that will give you a good taste of Catalina Island life.
⛳️ Golf Cart Tour: Take this top-rated 5-star Golf Tour to see a lot of Catalina at once. As we’ve mentioned, there are no cars allowed on Catalina, except for a few exceptions (you have to apply to get a car), so you’ll see many locals and tourists using golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note: this tour is very popular and likely to sell out. Please purchase tickets in advance.
⛵️ Glass Bottom Boat Tour: View what’s in the ocean without having to get in it! Discover life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Board the boat in Avalon and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail.
🤿 Semi-Submarine Tour: This is a great experience to do with children. The sub dives six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove in Avalon.
🎰 Catalina Island Casino Tour: This small-group tour gives visitors to Santa Catalina Island a chance to see spaces in the Casino that were long hidden from public view, including the historic projection room and green rooms used by stars including Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
Where To Stay On Catalina Island
There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island, here are some that I recommend:
Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn
Best Luxury: Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast (gorgeous views of Catalina!)
Best for families with little kids: Hotel Atwater
Check out the map below for the best rates and availability for all hotels on Catalina ⤵.
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
When is the Best Time to Visit Catalina Island?
The ideal time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on what type of activities you’re most interested in. If you enjoy water activities, the summer months are recommended because it’s warmer.
Conversely, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, the winter season will suit you best.
Spring: Spring means fewer crowds and mild weather.
👉🏻 See also: Spring Weather Info For Catalina Island: March, April, and May.
Summer: Warmer temperatures, great for the many water activities on Catalina Island. The best time to snorkel on Catalina Island is during the warmer months.
👉🏻 See also: Summer Weather Info For Catalina Island: June, July, and August.
Fall: Fall means fewer crowds and mild weather, and is one of the best times to visit.
👉🏻 See also: Fall Weather Info For Catalina Island: September, October, and November.
Winter: Winter means fewer crowds and a bit cooler weather. Great time to hike on Catalina Island.
👉🏻 See also: Winter Weather Info For Catalina Island: December, January, and February.
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland: FAQs
Yes, Catalina for the day is a very popular choice for a Southern California day trip. During the summer season and into fall, the earliest ferry is at 6:00 a.m., and the latest to leave the island is 11:30 p.m. There is plenty of time to take a couple of tours, relax on the beach, have dinner, and head back on the ferry. If you only have a day on Catalina Island, we recommend you book this 2-hour, 5-star Private Golf Cart tour. It’s the best way to see the island within just 2 hours with a local guide.
To get from Anaheim to Catalina Island, rent a car or take a Lyft and get to one of the closest ports to get on a ferry to Catalina Island. The closest ports to Anaheim are Newport Beach, where you’d catch the Catalina Flyer, and Long Beach, where you’d catch the Catalina Express. Both drop off at the main town, Avalon, on Catalina Island. The ferry takes a little over an hour to get to Catalina.
Two days on Catalina Island is plenty. However, if your intention is to unwind, explore hiking trails, or indulge in diving adventures, extending your stay to 2-3 days would be a more suitable and realistic option. Catalina can easily be done in one day as well.
Disneyland is approximately 41.3 miles from Catalina Island.
No, you don’t need a car on Catalina Island. Catalina Island restricts the number of vehicles allowed on the island. There is also no Uber or Lyft on the Island. The best way to get around Catalina Island is by renting a golf cart, taking a tour, or walking.
The ferry ride to Catalina Island typically takes about 1 hour. Keep in mind that travel times may vary depending on factors like weather conditions and the specific ferry service you choose. Catalina is conveniently accessible year-round, with frequent boat services offering up to 30 daily departures. You can catch these boats from various ports, including San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Situated just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is just an hour away by boat.
There are three ways to get from Disneyland to Catalina Island: Car plus ferry or bus plus ferry. The recommended option is to rent a car or take a ride-share app like Lyft (my preference) or Uber to Long Beach and then catch a ferry to Catalina Island. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the ferry terminal. A bus will take longer. Plan ahead and check ferry schedules to ensure a smooth trip.
While some hotels near Disneyland may offer shuttle services to various attractions, it’s best to confirm with your accommodation whether they provide transportation to Catalina Island specifically. Alternatively, you can explore local transportation options like Lyft or buses for your journey.
Catalina Island offers visitors a wide range of activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. One of the must-dos is taking this private golf cart tour that takes you to the must-see attractions in two hours. You have a personal tour guide, and the golf cart fits up to five people. It’s a ton of fun and an excellent choice if you only have one day in Catalina.
How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
Wrap-Up: How Far Is Catalina Island From Disneyland
With the above information in mind, you can plan your Southern California adventure accordingly and enjoy all that both Catalina Island and Disneyland have to offer.
Don’t forget to consider factors such as travel time, transportation, and budget to make the most of your journey.
Read More Fun Things About Catalina Island
- Best Time to Visit Catalina Island: Insider Tips From a Local
- Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island: A Local Explains
- What’s the Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island? A Local Answers
- Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting? 17 Reasons Why It Is
- Is There Uber On Catalina Island? [A Local Answers]
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
