Getting Around Santa Ana from the Hotel

SARTC is Santa Ana’s transportation center at 1000 E. Santa Ana Boulevard. OCTA’s station fact sheet says it was built in 1985, and Metrolink identifies it as the Santa Ana station.

The station brings several kinds of transit information together. Metrolink and Station Link connect there, and an OCTA bus connects SARTC and the Civic Center. Check the current details before planning a transfer.

If you’re using the station as a starting point, first confirm which service you need, then check its schedule and fare information with the operator. For an itinerary that pairs local stops with a day out, read the one-day Santa Ana itinerary.

SARTC connects passengers with Metrolink, OCTA buses and Station Link. OCTA’s Route 862 is described as a direct bus connection from the station to Downtown Santa Ana.

OCTA also describes Route 543 as a faster service between Fullerton and Santa Ana, serving 16 stops along Harbor Boulevard. The route provides connections to Metrolink, Amtrak or Greyhound at SARTC.

Route details and fares can change, so check OCTA’s Routes and Schedules information when choosing a bus. For rail connections, confirm the details with Metrolink as well. If you’re arriving by air, see this practical guide to John Wayne Airport and Santa Ana.

Orange station is another rail station to consider. It is about 44 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by car from the hotel. Use the station that best fits the route you need, and check its current services before setting off. For bus options connecting the airport area with Santa Ana, read what to compare for ONT airport transportation.

Walking and driving are two ways to make local trips around Santa Ana.

For destinations farther away, driving is an option.

Santa Ana has destinations including Discovery Cube, Yost Theater, California Coast University, Avila’s El Ranchito, Hilbert Museum of California Art, Chapman University, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center.

From the hotel, Discovery Cube is about 10 minutes on foot or 2 minutes by car; California Coast University is about 15 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by car; Yost Theater is about 23 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car; Hilbert Museum of California Art is about 45 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by car; Chapman University is about 52 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car; and Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center are each about 70 minutes on foot.

By car, Angel Stadium of Anaheim is about 10 minutes away and Honda Center about 7 minutes. Check transit operators for current connections if you plan to travel by bus or rail.

Check current operator information before you travel, since OCTA says bus stops can be affected by service changes and detours.

OCTA publishes route schedules and fare information on its Routes and Schedules page. Its Text4Next service lets you check when a bus is scheduled to arrive at a stop.

Metrolink says overnight parking is allowed at its Santa Ana station, with a 72-hour maximum limit. For current schedules, fares, stop details and parking information, check the official site before you go.

Where is Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center?

SARTC is at 1000 E. Santa Ana Boulevard in Santa Ana.

Does SARTC connect with Metrolink?

Yes. SARTC is also identified as the Santa Ana Metrolink station, and OCTA and Station Link are among its connections.

How can you check when an OCTA bus is due?

OCTA’s Text4Next service provides scheduled bus arrival information for a stop.

Is overnight parking allowed at the Santa Ana Metrolink station?

Yes. Overnight parking is allowed, with a 72-hour maximum limit.