Wed. Jul 16th, 2025

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is once again rolling out the popular OC Fair Express bus service, giving residents and visitors a low-cost and stress-free way to get to the OC Fair on weekends.

The 2025 service begins Saturday, July 19, and continues every Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 17.

OC Fair Express will provide convenient, non-stop service from five locations throughout Orange County directly to the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, running from approximately 10 a.m. to midnight every Saturday and Sunday during the fair. (Schedules vary from each location, so plan in advance.)

“I’m pleased to say that the OC Fair Express is returning again this year, helping thousands of residents and visitors with a convenient, affordable, and stress-free way to get to one of Orange County’s most beloved summer traditions,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also the county’s Fourth District Supervisor. “This service makes it easier to enjoy the OC Fair while helping reduce traffic congestion and improving air quality in the process. We’re once again delivering a fun and sustainable transportation option that benefits the entire community.”

With traffic and parking often at their peak on weekends, OCTA’s OC Fair Express offers a smooth ride that saves both time and money. Adult riders can travel round-trip for just $4 (each way is $2), while youth 18 and under, along with Community College Pass holders, ride free – no pass or special ticket required.

Riders can catch the OC Fair Express approximately every 30 minutes from these five locations:

  • Anaheim – Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), 2626 E. Katella Ave.
  • Fullerton – Fullerton Park-and-Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave.
  • Huntington Beach – Goldenwest Transportation Center, 7301 Center Ave.
  • Laguna Hills – Laguna Hills Transportation Center, 24282 Calle de los Caballeros
  • Santa Ana – Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd.

OC Fair Express buses drop off and pick up passengers just steps from the OC Fair’s yellow gate entrance on the east side of the fairgrounds. Riders can enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with free Wi-Fi and phone charging outlets available on most buses.

OC Fair admission tickets must be purchased online in advance – tickets are not available at the venue.

To ride, passengers can use the OC Bus mobile ticketing app or pay with exact change when boarding. This year’s OC Fair is themed “Find Your Happy,” and the OC Fair Express makes that easier during your ride to and from the fairgrounds.

Kick-Off Celebration – Saturday, July 19

OCTA will also host a free kick-off event for the OC Fair Express at ARTIC in Anaheim on Saturday, July 19, from 9:30 to 10:35 a.m.

The event includes:

  • Games, photo booths, and giveaways
  • Crafts and entertainment for kids
  • Complimentary snacks and drinks
  • A visit from OC Fair mascots
  • A chance to win a $50 gift card to use at the Fair (must be present to win)

Attendees can hop aboard the OC Fair Express from ARTIC at 10:35 a.m. to head straight to the fairgrounds. To RSVP for the celebration and enter the gift card drawing, visit OCFairExpress.com.

OC Fair Express has served Orange County riders since 2011, taking time off during the pandemic before returning in 2024, giving thousands of fairgoers a clean, reliable, and fun ride to the OC Fair. The service is part of OCTA’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation options across the region

For schedules, station details, and more, visit: OCFairExpress.com.

About OCTA

The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail and active transportation. To sign up for more OCTA news, visit octa.net/GetConnected.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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