You’re standing in the shadow of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and you’ve got a sudden craving for boysenberry pie and world-class wooden coasters. It happens. But before you call an Uber or fire up the GPS, you're probably wondering about the logistics. How far is Knott's Berry Farm from Disneyland exactly?
Most people assume these two Southern California icons are worlds apart because they offer such different vibes. One is all about the "Mouse," and the other is a ghost-town-themed thrill seeker's paradise. Honestly, they are practically neighbors.
In terms of raw distance, we’re talking about roughly 6 to 7 miles. If you could fly like Peter Pan, you'd be there in seconds. But since you’re likely dealing with the 5 Freeway or the surface streets of Orange County, the "how far" part of the question is really about time, not just miles.
The Drive: A Tale of Two Cities (Anaheim and Buena Park)
If you hop in a car at the Disneyland Resort, you're looking at a 10 to 20-minute drive. That’s it.
The route is usually a straight shot up the I-5 North or a quick cruise down Ball Road and Beach Boulevard. If you leave at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, you’ll probably set a land speed record. If you try to make the jump at 5:00 PM on a Friday? Well, welcome to Southern California. That 7-mile stretch can easily turn into a 30-minute test of patience.
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Most locals avoid the freeway for this specific trip. Taking surface streets like Katella Avenue or Ball Road to Beach Boulevard is often more predictable. Plus, you get to see the transition from the polished "Disney bubble" of Anaheim to the more rugged, historical feel of Buena Park.
Public Transit: The Cheap Way Out
Maybe you didn't rent a car. No big deal. You've got options that don't involve a $40 parking fee at both ends.
The LA Metro Line 460 is basically the "Theme Park Express." It connects the two parks directly. You can catch it right near the Disneyland employee entrance or on Harbor Boulevard. It takes about 25 to 45 minutes depending on how many people are boarding. It costs a couple of bucks. It’s not fancy, and you might be sharing a seat with someone heading to work, but it gets the job done.
Then there’s the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART). This is the cute little shuttle system that zips around the resort area. They have a specific route (the Buena Park line) that hits Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times, and Soak City. It’s convenient, geared toward tourists, and keeps you from having to navigate the "Orange Crush" freeway interchange yourself.
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Rideshare vs. Walking (Don't Walk)
Don't walk. Just don't.
While 6 miles sounds like a nice morning stroll, this isn't a scenic hike. You'd be walking through busy intersections, industrial zones, and past endless strip malls. It would take you over two hours. Your feet will already be screaming from standing in line for Space Mountain; don't punish them further.
An Uber or Lyft is usually the gold standard here. A standard ride typically costs between $15 and $25. If there’s a big event at the Anaheim Convention Center or a "Scary Farm" night at Knott's, expect surge pricing. Even with a surge, it’s often cheaper than paying for a rental car and parking for the day.
Why the Distance Matters for Your Trip
So, why does everyone ask how far is Knott's Berry Farm from Disneyland? It's usually because they're trying to decide if they can do both in one day.
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Technically? Yes.
Realistically? Probably not.
Both parks are "full-day" experiences. Knott’s has some of the most intense coasters on the West Coast, like GhostRider and Xcelerator. Disneyland has the immersive storytelling. If you try to split the day, you'll spend a huge chunk of your time just moving between Buena Park and Anaheim, paying double for parking, and missing out on the night shows.
If you're staying in an Anaheim hotel, you are perfectly positioned. You don't need to move hotels to visit Knott's. Just treat it like a day trip.
Actionable Tips for Your Cross-Park Commute
- Check the Clock: If you’re driving, avoid the 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM windows. That 7-mile gap feels a lot longer when the brake lights are glowing.
- Use the Apps: Download the A-Way WeGo app for ART shuttles or keep an eye on the Transit app for the 460 bus.
- Parking Hack: If you’re visiting Knott’s for just a few hours to grab some chicken dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, they have a separate parking lot with a shorter free-time window.
- Stay Central: If your goal is to hit both, stay on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim. You're walking distance to Disney and a quick bus or Uber away from Knott's.
Basically, these two parks are close enough to be best friends but different enough to be rivals. The distance is negligible, but the experience change is massive. Plan for a 20-minute transit time, and you’ll be golden.
Now that you know the distance, go check the Knott's operating calendar—they often close earlier than Disney on weekdays, so plan your "boysenberry fix" accordingly.