During the next few months, summer travelers will hit the road to gather with family and friends and enjoy seasonal events like the OC Fair and Laguna Beach art festivals as well as destinations like OC’s world-famous beaches, the Balboa Fun Zone and Disneyland.
Many will travel by car, yet in Orange County there are other transportation options that reduce harmful emissions and traffic congestion while providing safe travel. Some options are free or discounted.
Offering nearly 60 routes, OC Bus provides a convenient car-free way to journey throughout Orange County. Consider hopping on the bus to go to the mall, visit friends, or heading to Disneyland or the beach without parking hassles. Bus rides are free with the Youth Ride Free Pass (ages 6-18) and the Community College Pass (students at all OC community colleges). Riders can earn points toward OC Bus Passes with OC Bus Rewards.
With three lines and 12 stations in Orange County, the Metrolink passenger rail service is a convenient, comfortable way to travel locally and to other counties—and kids love it. For ideas about where to go and what do, check out fun and affordable Metrolink daytrips. Free and reduced fare options include the $10 Weekend Day Pass
(unlimited rides system-wide Saturday or Sunday; kids 17 and under ride free), $15 Summer Weekday Pass (unlimited travel M-F through Aug. 30) and Student Adventure Pass (free for students of all ages).
For those in parts of parts of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo, the OC Flex shared ride on-demand service is a convenient car-free option and travel between OC Flex and OC Bus and the local Metrolink station are free.
During the summer, OCTA partially funds trolleys in several Orange County cities. Several trolleys connect to each other and to transit and Metrolink stops, making it easier to travel to great destinations without a car.
For those who favor more active transportation, Orange County offers miles of cycling trails that connect to parks and beaches and more.