transportation from Long Beach to DL

[vbecky]

Hi I am looking for a little hep to decide the easiest way to get to the Grand California from Long Beach Airport. We will be going in August and there will be 3 of us. Thanks.

 

[hlbtimes2]

We typically rent a car. Its an easy drive. Its pretty much one straight rode from the airport. You would need to make one turn when you got close to the hotel. We've had good luck using Alamo.

You could try super shuttle. Its about $15 per person, each way.

A cab would run you about $40 each way.

 

[MaiynaMouse]

We always rent a car. We can usually find a rental for about $100 give or take....mostly depends on how long we are staying. We priced it out at one point and for us, it was cheaper than shuttles or taxis but there are 5 of us so that makes a difference. The airport there is so easy to navigate and renting a car took us all of 10 minutes, literally. We landed at 7:00, got our car rental, stopped and grabbed a bite to eat at Mimi's by Disneyland, checked into the Grand Californian (they held our luggage until our room was ready) and were in the park by 9:30.
~mm

 

[avalon451]

I recommend reading Hydroguy's tip compilation, a sticky thread at the top. In it is one titled Hidden Time Losses when using a Car at DLR. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580 If you're staying at GCH, why pay to rent a car? You'll have to pay for parking at the hotel every day even though you're not using it.
Super Shuttle is supposed to be a good way to go. Or the Disneyland Express bus.

 

[MaiynaMouse]

Actually, the Grand has a free parking lot that we always stay in. We don't pay for the valet. At least, they did last time we were there. I'll double check on it later today. Why do we pay the money to rent a car??? Because we have family in CA that we like to visit (about an hour drive) plus we always like to take a beach day. Honestly, the car sits in the parking lot for the rest of the time but for us, it works out best.

Honestly, even if we didn't have family that we visit (which, we won't on our next trip as they are visiting other family back east while we are there) or a beach to go to, we'd still rent a car. It was so fast and easy and I like having a car to run to the store if we need to. Last time we were there my daughter got an awful cold and we needed motrin and cough syrup. Jumped in the car, ran to Target and had a happy baby again. I hate lugging all of our luggage, the three kids, car seats and strollers onto a shuttle. And, cost wise, renting a car was cheaper than the shuttle for all 5 of us.

That's why we pay to rent a car. I'm going to read HydroGuys Hidden Time Losses post later. I gotta get off the computer for now, though....

 

[pixiewings71]

The GCH does not have a free parking lot, what they do have is a self parking lot that is included in the resort fee. We stayed there in November and just did self parking for our family, the lot is right across the street, the resort fee was $11.50 IIRC. The valet fee was on top of the resort and it was $13 per day, whether you used your car or not. hth

GCH is a wonderful hotel!!! Enjoy your stay!

 

[MaiynaMouse]

I guess I considered it "free" because it's a resort fee. It's not just a parking fee, there are other amenities that accompany it (i.e free local phone calls, fitness center, internet, etc). For us, it is included in our package and I assumed it always was tacked onto the room but maybe not.
~mm

 

[BriarRosie]

You could try super shuttle. Its about $15 per person, each way.

A cab would run you about $40 each way.

Actually, $15 for SuperShuttle would be more like the price from the Orange County/John Wayne Airport.

I discovered that SuperShuttle wanted you to book in advance if you need to travel from Long Beach Airport. I used an online code and still paid over $30 each way.

At least now it's prepaid and I won't have to worry about ground transportation.

I would think a cab would be cheaper for a larger group, but for me going solo. SuperShuttle works for me best.

 

[zukeeper]

I found the taxi to be perfect. We stopped at the store on the way and they did not charge any extra. We walked across the street, asked for a taxi, and were on our way. $40 - but $60 for the return, ask the hotel to secure you a flat rate taxi and ask how much.

 

[Rhonna]

One time we got a car service. We were staying at a hotel in Long Beach and had to get to DLR. The hotel had some regular car services they use. That was the best choice.

A taxi would have been a lot more expensive.

Another time the shuttle service took FOREVER (from DLR to LB) with other people's stops along the way and bad traffic.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Wow, super shuttles rates have went way up in the last couple of years. We havent used them in a while (like 3 years!)

 

[avalon451]

I just booked Super Shuttle today. My daughter and I are flying into Long Beach and going to HoJo's. It was $35. for the first person and $9. for each additional person. Plus we got an Entertainment discount of $4.00 (whoopee!). With an 18% gratuity that we pre-paid, it came to $47.20 for the two of us, one way. That's still better than a taxi would be, though, especially if you hit traffic.

 

[vbecky]

So is it not the 40.00 flat rate taxi fee anymore that it shows on the Long Beach airport website? Thanks for the info.

 

[avalon451]

ARrrgghh! I didn't see that flat fee thing! I thought it was $40. flat from SNA, and then only if you got a special voucher from the hotel, and I figure it would be more from Long Beach since it's a little farther. But maybe it's only flat fee from the airport to the hotel, and not on the way back? Don't know how that works.

Now I wish I'd gotten a taxi. On the other hand, with tip, it's probably about the same. Lorealle at HoJo's told me that while the super shuttle's cheapest option is "shared ride" she's only had to actually share the ride once in the many times she's taken it. She says it's usually direct from the airport to your hotel.

 

[vbecky]

it probablly is the same price I however have 3 of us so taxi is I think alittle cheaper? I don't know I have heard to, that you want the hotel to help with a taxi on the way back to secure the rate of 40 will see? I am traveling with my 2 sons so I know I don't want to rent a car and drive by myself?

 

[colbybug]

We just got back last night from DL. We flew into and out of Long Beach and it is a breeze! When we went last year, we walked just across the street from where they drop you off and there is a little hut looking thing and they called us a driver from "Go Fly" airport shuttle. We were so happy with it that we kept his card and I just called him up and asked him if he would pick us up again and there he was with a little sign waiting for us as we picked up our luggage. There were four of us and it cost $45 each way (total price for all of us) to the Disneyland hotel. He loaded us up in his Lexus SUV and he even stopped at a grocery store to let us pick up some milk and other drinks. He even made arrangements to pick us up 5 days later. When it was time to leave, he was right where he said he'd be. Absolutely no hassles or problems and very accomodating. If any of you are interested in his name and phone number, PM and I'll give it to you.

Kathy

 

[disneegrl4eva]

i have a question for you LB airport people....if I am picking someone up from the airport, is there an area I can pick them up at or do I have to park...if so where is it?

 

[disneegrl4eva]

bump

 

[colbybug]

I have flown into LG twice and it is my favorite airport hands down. It is VERY small and very easy to navigate. If I were picking someone up....I'd just have them wait right in front of the main airport doors (there's only one that I know of) and then I'd swoop in and pick them up in the loading/unloading area where the taxi's and shuttle's and everyone else appears to be dropping off or picking up. There just aren't that many people there. Big planes don't land there so there is not alot of hustle and bustle. Our shuttle driver dropped us off right in front (45 minutes before our flight, I might add), we walked inside and the ticket counter is right there. I have never seen a line. Security is just around the corner. The whole gate area is about as big as a basketball court. You walk out to your plane and up the stairs.... it's that small of an airport!!!

Kathy

 

[colbybug]

in case anyone else wants the info - that way you don't have to PM me if you can't send PM's yet.

The first time we went, the driver (Ron) gave me a business card that had GO FLY Airport Shuttle on the front of it. We just walked across the street from the loading/unloading area (where the rental cars are located). You have to walk past a little shack to get to the rental cars and that is where I stopped to inquire about how much it would cost. I can't remember how much I paid last year but we were happy with the service and must have thought it was reasonable because I kept his business card and called him again when I decided to go to Disneyland again this year. When I called him this time, he asked when I was coming in and what airline and there he was...right by the baggage claim with a little sign and everything. Last year we were picked up in a big van but this year it was a Lexus SUV...it was nice! I just asked him along the way if he wouldn't mind stopping at a grocery store so that we could pick up some milk and he was fine with that. He didn't charge me any more than he originally quoted me. On our return trip, we had cel phones with us so he called us to let us know that he had arrived at the hotel and would be waiting out front. It was great! He was just a little bit hard to understand because of his accent (Cambodian) and also because I don't hear as well as I use to !

His name is Ron and his new business card says VIP service (Kim Sontha Transportation). The number is (562) 396-8106 (company number) OR the number where he has always answered is 562-895-6713.

I hope he works out for you! At least you could call them and ask whatever questions you might have!

Kathy


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