LAX to Disneyland: Rideshare versus car rental experience?

[LKing]

So instead of rental agency shuttle buses going around to the terminals, there will be a people mover that will take everyone to the rental area?

You can find more info (including pictures) on the LAWA website: https://www.lawa.org/transforminglax/projects

LAX has always been a busy airport, but construction over the past several years has made it much worse. Hopefully it will be finished soon.

 

[Becca43]

The car rental shuttles stop at each terminal and take you directly to their car rental lot. Upon your return, the shuttles will drop you off at your termajl. As noted, LAX is building a consolidated car rental facility that will eventually be reached via elevated automated train. While some car rental agencies like Avis have already moved into the consolidated facility, they are still using their own shuttles until the complex goes live.

No tolls between LAX and Anaheim. I always recommend taking the 405 to the 22, then getting off at Harbor or Haster. There is far less traffic in the 405 (south of the airport) than the 5.

Traffic is far more manageable outside of Los Angeles, like around Orange County. It may seem intimidating at times but it’s really not that bad, especially in the GPS era.

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed re: info about how rental cars work at LAX! Am I correct in assuming each rental company runs its own shuttles or are they close enough together that each shuttle is able to stop at more than one car rental lot? And any chance anyone knows if there’s a shuttle schedule?

 

[Becca43]

Like the OP I have no choice, I have to fly into LAX as I am international.

Its not helpful to keep sugessting SNA, when the OP has asked for help from LAX.

I use Midwilshuttle for pickup from LAX. Its a set charge, agreed before the pick up. As a solo female, I feel safer using a company, than just UBER or Lyft.

Midwillshuttle have a WhatsAp number to text when you land. The messages go to the driver. As its a private car service, they can pick up curbside. When you text that you are at the pick up area they send the make of car and the drivers name. The fare is paid in advance, so there are no surges and getting stuck in traffic does not increase the cost.

In June 2024 I used public transport to get from Disneyland back to LAX.

I got on the 460 Metro bus at 1.30pm. This cost $1.75 with my TAP card. The bus stop is at the pedestrian entrance to Disneyland, on Harbour Boulevard, underneath the Monorail track.

I arrived at Norwalk train station at 2.55pm and got the 3.00pm C Line Metro train. I used my TAP card again, and as I was transferring from bus to train , I was not charged another fare. There was an elevator but I didnt use it. I was able to haul my 50 pound 4 wheel spinner case and carry on bag down the stairs, from street level to the platform.

I got off at Aviation and LAX station at 3.30pm. This time I took the elevator from the platform down to street level.

The shuttle bus to LAX airport is clearly marked and there were a few other people waiting for the bus.

The bus arrived at 3.40pm and then it was direct to LAX. The bus drops off and picks up at the arrivals level of each terminal.

At 4.00pm I was in the check in queue for my airline in Tom Bradly International Terminal.

The journey from outside Disneyland to the International terminal at LAX was very smooth and efficiant. It cost me $1.75 and took about 3 hours. I am used to public transport, and used to hauling my luggage on and off busses and trains. I would do the journey again, but only in the daytime. As a solo female I wouldnt do the journey after dark.

By 5.00pm I was through TSA and it was time for some food.

Thanks for these suggestions! I appreciate your perspective as a fellow solo female traveller and I’m going to look into Midwillshuttle also

 

[LAS2AMS]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed re: info about how rental cars work at LAX! Am I correct in assuming each rental company runs its own shuttles or are they close enough together that each shuttle is able to stop at more than one car rental lot? And any chance anyone knows if there’s a shuttle schedule?

Yes, each rental company has their own shuttle although it may be shared with brands that share common ownership. The brands will clearly be marked on the bus. The lots are spread out and some rental agencies have moved into the consolidated terminal.

There is no shuttle schedule. The “premium” rental agencies like Avis, National and Hertz try to have busses pick-up every 5-10 minutes. The “value” rental agencies like Fox schedule them every 30-45 minutes.

While it’s possible to ride to one lot, and walk to another (if you know the layout and who is nearby) I would never recommend it.