airport transportation questions

[teril]

I'm traveling by myself with my young daughter and want the easiest and fastest transportation from the airport to the DL hotel. I hate having to wait and get real nervous when things are not well planned out. I prefer to have something set up and waiting....as well as know exactly where I'm going and what I have to do. In DW we used a towncar and loved it but the prices look alot higher in CA. so 2 questions:

1)Does anyone have any suggestions for great, fast and easy transportation (company names and phone no. would be great!)




2)If we use airport shuttle or Taxi do you have to reserve or call ahead or do you just show up at curb side and take what's there.

 

[NancyIL]

Are you flying into LAX or Orange County?

 

[teril]

most likely we will fly into LAX but I'm also looking into Orange County. Where ever I can get the better flight or transportation.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

Here's what I've found from LAX

Cabs-
~~AAA $65.00 each way
~~Yelow Cab $75.00 each way

Driver Service
~~Best Transportation (800)827-7411 ONE WAY Van $118/car $125 (includes taxes and tip)
~~LBS Executive Transportation (800)417-3326 ONE WAY car $90.00 plus 10% tax and 20% tip

Shuttles
~~Super Shuttle www.supershuttle.com ONE WAY $42.00 per adult, $9.00 each additional passanger
~~Airport bus www.airportbus.com ROUND TRIP $25.00 adult, $16.00 child (3-11)

We have decided to use Airport bus. My father just went to DL and used them and said it was painless and quick. Took about 45 minutes to get to DL from LAX and dropped him off in front of the hotel. They run every hour from LAX, we are arriving at 1:30 pm so I'm hoping to catch the 2:00 bus. If we miss that shuttle, I don't think I will want to wait an entire hour for the next, so then I might have to use super shuttle or a cab.

If you use a cab, try asking for a flat rate. Should be no more than what I listed above. I called the cab companies and asked for their rates. From SNA the rate should be about $35.00

 

[Snurk71]

We used a taxi from Orange County with no problems. I believe it was $30 plus tip each way. Here's a little information that helped me - http://www.ocair.com/taxis.htm

I was also worried about needing to reserve, but they told me that it wasn't needed, and it wasn't. I'm not even sure who we used from the DL Hotel to the airport - it was whoever drove up first when the bellman signaled. We just made sure to state that we wanted the flat $30 charge (that we had read about on these boards).

 

[peagreenid]

I haven't tried GOLDEN WEST EXPRESS before, but we have reservations with them for a town car service for 5 of us, for a total of $64 each way. We made reservations. I used Express shuttle last year, but their RATES went up this year. I am not a bus fan, I've been stuck on it before, going to every hotel Imaginable.

The link for Golden West http://www.gwexp.com/reservationinput1.htm

I'll post next week how it works out. We did make reservations in advance.

smiles Patty

 

[teril]

That sounds like a great rate....be sure and let me know how it goes!

 

[teril]

Are you using golden west express from LAX or Orange County Golden West Express. Would the fee be the same?

 

[peagreenid]

We are flying into LAX. I like flying into Orange County (SNA) better, but unfortunately there has been at least a $50 price difference per person on airfare. It is always cheaper for Transfers from SNA, It is about 1/2 the distance.

Have fun
Patty

 

[Sonya in Boise]

Patty,

Are you back yet? How was the transportation? How was your trip?

 

[peagreenid]

I had to let you all know, That the trip was wonderful, BUT, THE TRANSFERS were FANTASTIC. We carried our luggage on, so didn't have to stop and get it, I stopped at the first payphone that I found in the concourse and called the 1-800 # provided, they told me they were enroute and would arrive to the airport in about 2 minutes. We were picked up in a black suburban with leather interior, brand new and nicely kept. There were 5 of us, our driver helped load our luggage and whisked us away. I set up a time for the return, the same driver arrived 20 minutes early and took us back to the airport. The driver was a little on the Quiet side, but, I didn't fear for my life, Like a driver we had previously w/a different company, he was helpful, answered questions. Again, it was $64 for 5 people one way from LAX to the Grand Californian. It took us about an hour to get each direction.

I would use them again. And, as a travel agent, I will refer them to my clients as well.
smiles Patty

 

[teril]

Great thanks so much for the reply!! We'll try them.... do you know if they pick up from the orange county airport?

 

[KarenNY]

I have a reservation with Xpress Shuttle for an exclusive ride from LAX to the GC next month for $67. We're flying out of SNA, so we'll probably just use a cab for that.

 

[Barb]

Karen, is that $67 per person, or for the car? My son and his girlfriend will need a ride from LAX to the GC next month, too. I'd prefer to get them an exlusive ride than have them deal with trying to figure out which shuttle bus to catch. Thanks!

 

[peagreenid]

charges by the amount of people. We originally had reservations for 3 passengers from LAX to GC for $54 each way. That was in a town car. We added 2 more passengers for an Add'l $10 total and got the suburban.
XPress shuttle was the shuttle we had reservations with last year. Our ride over, the driver was okay, Although I was a little dismayed when they picked up other riders, who had supposedly missed their van. But, I was fine, when they dropped us off first, so I didn't have to wait for them. The ride back to the airport was another story. We had a set time, They arrived 2-3 hours Earlier than our intended time. We were staying at the West Coast Anaheim and we were walking back from the parks when the van stopped at the CHEVRON for gas. I was going to let my kids swim for an hour or so, but, as soon as we walked in the door the driver was asking for us. My kids still talk about the ride to the Airport. I think we left our claw marks in every portion of the back seat. Last year we paid $14 each for Xpress shuttle from LAX to West Coast or $42 total for 3, this year they quoted me $58 for 3. That and last years experience drove me to shop a little bit. There isn't a lot of info on here for shuttles, and I must have seen 20 different services while at LAX, just not sure how to go about finding them. I was very impressed with the service that we had. They were very professional, and they also took credit cards.
I hope this information helps those who need it........
smiles Patty

 

[peagreenid]

their website says that they pick up at Orange County (SNA) I would call their 800# and get a quote.

smiles Patty

 

[KarenNY]

Barb, $67 is the price for the car for the one-way trip.

 

[chocolatelover]

I go with my daughter about 3 or 4 times a year. We usually rent a car since it is cheapest and driving really isn't as bad as you may think. The very first time we went, we used supershuttle. They are right outside the airport. They take your name and ask where, when shuttle comes, they put your luggage on for you and it is very easy. After first time (3 years ago now) I learned it is cheaper to rent a car because there is so much to do in California! We visit Hollywood, Universal, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Etc. I always make sure rental place is a bit off airport though it will state "in terminal". Dollar rent-a-car is costing me 119. for a Saturday - Thursday. That is w/out tax. I use my own insurance. They are a few blocks away and this way I don't have to drive thru airport to get out. You just get on freeway to get to disney. This is how easy directions are to there to s. harbor blvd:
- Merge onto I-105 E via the ramp- on the left. 15.57 miles
- Merge onto I-605 N. 1.79 miles
- Merge onto I-5 S toward SANTA ANA. 13.98 miles
- Take the HARBOR BLVD exit. 0.31 miles
- Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp. 0.03 miles
- Merge onto S HARBOR BLVD.
And you are there!
I know you will most likely not rent a car for the first time. But if you go again, it is very easy driving..just a lot of cars!

 

[KarenNY]

Patty, your positive experience with Golden West encouraged me to get a quote from them. I just cancelled my Xpress reservation and booked Golden West for $52, 1 way LAX to GC.

 

[peagreenid]

Please keep me posted and let me know how it goes. I haven't known of anyone else that has tried them but me. Both of our transfers were GREAT! I just want to know what others think of them as well. Have a great time! The hotel is beautiful.

smiles Patty