California note
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley can make Newport Beach easier
Newport Beach's free 2026 trolley runs summer weekends and listed holidays, with 22 stops, an Avon Street park-and-ride lot, and room for limited gear.
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley is free, but it is a summer service rather than a year-round bus. In 2026 it runs from May 23 through September 7 on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, the observed July 3 holiday, July 4, and Labor Day. Service hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The route has 22 stops along the Peninsula. Trolleys are expected about every 15 minutes, but beach traffic can slow them down. The vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Each trolley can carry up to two bicycles, and upright surfboards must be 6 feet or shorter. Beach gear and luggage are allowed when space permits.
The main park-and-ride choice is the Avon Street municipal lot near the start of the route. For the 2026 trolley season, use ParkMobile or the lot kiosk with code TROLLEY26 for free parking. That code applies only at the Avon lot, not at every city lot or street meter.
Before driving onto the Peninsula, open the live TripShot trolley map and save the closest stop number. Check the return time too. Traffic can stretch the 15-minute estimate. Service ends at 9:30 p.m., so plan another ride if staying later.
Where to see it
Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. Check the current trolley season, stops, and parking options before relying on it.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 28, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
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