Santa Barbara Airbus to LAX then Disney Express to DL?

[brenda1966]

I posted this in the CA thread but didn't get any reponses, so I'm trying again here...
Has anyone taken the Santa Barbara Airbus from Santa Barbara to LAX?

I will be in SB on vacation and then heading down to Disneyland.

Last year I had a rental car and the drive was not too bad, but all my car did was sit in the parking lot at DL. So, I've thought about not getting a car since renting a car at one location and dropping off at another is not cheap.

I also thought while riding the bus, DD and I can just watch a DVD on our portable player and relax. Then, when we get to LAX we can catch the Disneyland Express bus to our hotel and use that to get back to LAX when it's time to leave.

Any thoughts?

 

[disney_fan_fam]

What hotel are you staying at??


IMO Disneyland Express isn't efficient (as compared to WDW transportation) and drops you off a ways away from your hotel lobby, curbside at most. (with the exception of Fairfield Inn)

 

[Albort]

wow, flying from Santa Barbara is kind of short. but if you really want to relax, you can take the train. Nice and relaxing and no fighting the airport scene.

 

[DisQueen]

My inlaws live in SB and have taken the airbus to LAX. They say it's ok, but it's their only option other than leave their car in long term parking at LAX. When they travel down to us they either drive or take Amtrak. It's a pretty trip and more relaxing than a bus on the freeway and dealing with an airport. You could take a taxi from the station to your hotel. Of course, check the cost. It might be cheaper to rent a small car one-way.

 

[brenda1966]

I'll be staying at the Carousel Inn. My understanding is that there's a bus stop right across the street (at the entrance to DL).

No, I don't want to fly from SB to LAX -- I don't like those small airplanes much so would prefer a bus. I hadn't thought about a train. From what I've heard of trains from people who regularly travel that way is that they are very unreliable about keeping on schedule. I'm not sure where I would end up?

I can't imagine what a taxi to LAX would cost. When I took one from WDW to the airport it was almost $60 and it was a short trip.

I thought about renting a car just for a day, but I don't think there are any rental spots within walking distance from the Carousel Inn. Then I'd still need a way to get to LAX.

Taking the Airbus and the Disney bus actually costs less than renting a car in SB, keeping it for 4 days and returning it to LAX.

I guess I'm leaning toward trying the bus. I guess I'll find out just how much of a pain it turns out to be.

Thanks for helping me work through it.

 

[brenda1966]

Hold the phone!

I just looked up Amtrak and it would cost about 1/2 of what the Airbus costs. I knew you guys were smart! Now I'm going to check this out a bit more. It takes about an hour longer to get down there, but I could go straight to Anaheim rather than LAX.

Does anyone know how much a taxi would be from the Amtrak Station to DL? I'd be coming in on a Saturday in July at 1pm.

Then I could just do the DL Express bus one way to LAX on our way home.
So much to consider!

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

I'm looking at a similar senario. I'm flying into Burbank and then taking Amtrak to Anaheim. They have a station at the Burbank airport. It looks like the Orange County Transit Athority has a dedicated city bus line from the Anaheim train station to DL (actually not very far away). This looked like the best deal for me.

 

[WVMomof3]

Hold the phone!

Does anyone know how much a taxi would be from the Amtrak Station to DL? I'd be coming in on a Saturday in July at 1pm.

I was just looking at this also. It looks like it is about 2 miles (That was to Candy Cane Inn) so it should be around $8. Does this sound right?? I believe I saw it is around $2.50 for the flag drop and then $2.50 each additional mile. I have never taken a taxi in my life though, so could be wrong?? We will have 5 of us plus luggage. I assume we would all fit in a taxi???