Rent a Car or Public Transportation/Shuttle?

[Nomarian]

I am trying to decide if it is worth it to rent a car for the week we will be in California with our schedule or better to take public transportation or hire a van/car from place to place.

We plan on landing at LAX and heading over to DSL on Dec. 15th and will be there until the 19th. On the 19th, we head over to the Hilton Universal for 2 nights and will go to Universal Studios for one day and then head over to Warner Brothers Studio for their tour another day while going around Hollywood.

I see that the parking fees are pretty high, so does it make sense not to rent a car for this trip?

 

[ludari]

Based on your itinerary I would recommend a rental car. You might be able to reduce the amount of time you have a rental car by taking a shuttle from LAX to Disneyland since you'll be at the park for four days and your rental car will just sit. I would definitely not use public transportation for your travels between Universal and Warner Brothers Studios.

 

[Nomarian]

Thanks. From what I remember reading, you can rent a car at Disneyland?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I also recommend renting a car. There is an Alamo rental agency at Downtown Disney. There are also some rental agencies near the parks on Katella.

Typically, when I research, I check to see if prices are less expensive if I return to same place, and if they pick up if I am at an area where I cannot pick up a car.

 

[JacksGirlz]

We always rent a car for runs to In N Out, the grocery store, Universal, Knotts, etc. With your itinerary, I would definitely rent a car.

 

[yaya74]

I was too debating on that question this morning. But DH prefers the freedom of having a rental car. We used to live in Irvine so it will be nice to drive in the old neighborhood. We booked our rental car through Costco Travel. Just hope that the rate would go down as the date gets closer to our departure date. I have seen rate like $28 for a 3 days rental from SNA throughout the summer. Hopefully that will be our rate soon!!!!

 

[Mr Snappy]

I would recommend a rental car. If you are flying into LAX, or another airport, just rent it there.

I can't imagine NOT having a car in Southern California. Disney World is just the opposite.

 

[bumbershoot]

We've used the National/Alamo rental location on Katella (right next door to Alpine Inn) to drop off. They even took DH back to the hotel in a shuttle! So they probably have a pickup service as well.

While checking rates, check ALL the rates. Going from LAX and including all the parking fees. Going from LAX, dropping off, then when it's time to leave picking one up. etc etc. I find renting a car to be more exhausting, when I'm trying to find the BEST deal, than finding airline deals!