Anaheim to San Diego- Is this a crazy idea?

[ozvisiter]

My 3 daughters and I are traveling from Anaheim to San Diego for 3 nights before returning to Anaheim. I am tossing up between the Amtrak or bus. Then I had a crazy idea-

Is it possible to get a town car or similar to drive us?

I realize this would be expensive but considering our cab trip to the train station, the fares x 4 and then cab fare to a hotel at the other end, it might not be too much of a difference. Also it would have the advantage of us leaving when we want to (not fitting in with their timetables etc). Also it would be easier for me as the only adult with 3 kids, luggage etc

What do you think?

TIA

 

[Itinkso]

Is "renting a car/drive yourself" not an option? You are only a little more than an hour away from San Diego and once you get to SD there are so many places to go and see. The train only gets you as far as Solana Beach so that isn't the best option.

 

[Disneyland Veteran]

Yea, if you could rent a car that would be your best bet. A town car would be kinda expensive and the train would be cheap and you could take the bus from disneyland to the train station at Angel Stadium. but when your in SD to get around will cost you in cab fare. If you do take the train just remember that some trains don't run on Sundays.

 

[ozvisiter]

Itinkso- I am not brave enough to hire a car, driving on the other side of the road, no other adults to keep me company and boost my courage etc

 

[bumbershoot]

Only you know your pocketbook! I can't imagine doing that, but then again, if I were visiting Australia I'm sure it would cross my mind to do something like that, when you would likely not do it.

I do like Amtrak though...can catch the train right from the downtown area and it drops you off not far from Disneyland...about a $13 cab ride away.

 

[jonsmom57]

We are travelling by Amtrak from Anaheim to SD. According to Amtrak's website, its $20 p/p and if you have AAA you can get a discount.

It serves the airport area. For us, $60 is well worth it, not having to worry about getting lost/traffic, whatever.

The Amtrak station is not that far from DL and if expense were a concern you could ride the ART.

 

[cats mom]

Just for reference:
Standard cab rates in So Cal are:
$2.95 for the first 1/4 mile
And .65¢ for each additional 1/4 mile

So if you figure 95 miles for the trip (might be a bit more or less depending on exactly where you're going - but that's in the ball park) you'd be talking about $250 cab fare, each way.

For that distance you might actually find a limo or town car service to be a better deal if you don't want to deal with trains or busses. Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations there since the only limo service I've used in the area went out of business recently.
It would still be pricey though.

I believe there is a shared shuttle service (similar to a super shuttle type thing) that does hotel to hotel transportation Anaheim to/from San Diego. I think a one way trip is in the $40 per person range. I'm not sure if they offer family deals or kids free or such though.

Edited to add:
You'd still be on their schedule though since I think they only offer set departure times.

Good Luck!

 

[wmah]

Most car rental places have gps rentals too.
There is one car rental place that has a chauffeur service at an additional cost too. But if it were me I'd do the gps and find my own way around.

I go on to both msn and google and look at maps and birds eye views of areas I'm going and the street view on google. That helps me get an idea of where I am going before I get there and I can see landmarks of the area and what the hotel looks like what side of the street it is on and maybe even what is across the street such as a store that I might want to go to.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think the OP is good to know her/his limits...I got a quick course in driving on the other side of the road while in Ireland, and it was HARD. And I had only one other adult as passenger, who could have kindly and quickly told me when I started to revert to American driving (she chose, instead, to wait until I scared her and do the quick passive aggressive intake of breath, for which I could have killed her). I wasn't traveling with kids who aren't really qualified to help.

I think that underestimating being on the other side of the road (and car, too, right? in Ireland it's the other side of the car) especially between LA and San Diego could set them up for a bad situation, so good for the OP for knowing limits!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

When are you planning on going to San Diego?

 

[ozvisiter]

Thank you Bumbershoot- I don't often know my limits so this is a real compliment!!!

We are going to San Diego on April 22nd for 3 nights before staying at the DLH for our last few nights (a treat for the kids) We are staying at HoJo's before that.

I am not really worried about catching the train but we will each have a suitcase and daypacks and I am worried about negotiating the luggage. My 11 year old will be fine but the 7 and 8 year olds may not do so well...

I'll also admit I am afraid by then they'll be exhausted and I may have a hard time getting them to the station on time...

So many things to worry about.....

 

[CookingMama]

Just take the Shuttle, try Primetime they have super nice drivers and you won't want to haul around on the bus with kids.
try googling shuttle disneyland san diego for their website

 

[oc_tony]

If you are staying Downtown, the Amtrak station is right there. If you are staying in Hotel Circle, there is the trolley. It will take you straight from Amtrak to the Town and Country Hotel/Fashion Valley. Where are you staying? What do you plan on doing while in San Diego?

 

[PoohBear1988]

Lux bus goes from Anaheim to San Diego. We took used them to get from Anaheim to Las Vegas and really liked it.
We got picked up from the bus stop in front of the Best Western (we were staying at the carousel) and then taken to LV. They played a movie, had really comfortable reclining seats, there is an attendant on board who serves drinks etc. And they just put what luggage you have under the bus so you dont need to worry about that. You would need to check where the drop off points are in relation to where you are staying though. Obviously will be more expensive then the train, but just another option i thought i'd suggest !

 

[goofycathy]

Lux bus goes from Anaheim to San Diego. We took used them to get from Anaheim to Las Vegas and really liked it.
We got picked up from the bus stop in front of the Best Western (we were staying at the carousel) and then taken to LV. They played a movie, had really comfortable reclining seats, there is an attendant on board who serves drinks etc. And they just put what luggage you have under the bus so you dont need to worry about that. You would need to check where the drop off points are in relation to where you are staying though. Obviously will be more expensive then the train, but just another option i thought i'd suggest !

This sounds like a great option, I wouldnt mind doing it while we are there, do you remember how much the trip cost?

 

[wendyinoc]

I really like taking the train. It drops you off downtown and across the street is the trolley station. I highly recommend paying extra and going first class on the train. Sometimes the train sells out so you will have to stand. First class guarantees a seat. It also gives you a nice snack package and one beverage (wine,beer, or soda.) If you plan to snack on the train it pays for itself. The ride is really nice and part of the ride is coastal.

 

[PoohBear1988]

This sounds like a great option, I wouldnt mind doing it while we are there, do you remember how much the trip cost?

our trip was booked through a travel agent, so not sure how much exactly, but this is there website http://www.luxbusamerica.com/index.php looks like they have some specials going at the moment (until early march anyway) and tells you what time they leave and get there etc

 

[smiley_face2]

our trip was booked through a travel agent, so not sure how much exactly, but this is there website http://www.luxbusamerica.com/index.php looks like they have some specials going at the moment (until early march anyway) and tells you what time they leave and get there etc

This is awesome! I've bookmarked it for our next trip, thankyou! Hubby gets tired of driving and would love to sit back and enjoy the scenery some time too! an overnight to Vegas, and one to San Diego would be great! And the prices are really good!