IMHO, the problem is that you simply cannot predict what the traffic will be like. 2 weeks ago it took me 2.5 hours from Irvine to LAX on a Thursday at mid morning. Normally that is a 45 min trip with light traffic or a 1.5 hour trip with moderate to heavy traffic. And I live here and know the various alternative routes. (for reference: San Diego to Irvine in light traffic is normally about 1h20 mins).

One particular note that has not been mentioned: once you are northbound on I5 from SAN, there is no viable alternate route until you get to the I5 / 405 split in Irvine. If there is any traffic accident between SAN and SNA going Northbound, on a Friday in particular, you could be in for a long drive.

I agree 100%

5:00PM flight out of LAX on Friday; leave downtown LA by taxi at ______?

Thanks.

2:30, no later than 3 if at all possible.

I'd agree with FlyinHawaiian...
With the proviso that I'd start an hour earlier if the flight was an international one. (i.e.: 1:30 or 2:00 at the latest.)

Thanks. I should have specified "domestic", but I'm all set now. Let's hope for an on-time flight. ;)

Expanded Union Station FlyAway Service!
 

The Los Angeles Times announced today that, due to increased ridership, the Union Station FlyAway will be adding 13 morning trips from Union Station during the weekdays! (No extra trips from LAX to Union Station.) The article also mentioned that ridership is doing well on the Van Nuys and Westwood lines.

Being a big fan of it, I'm excited to see this service doing so well! :cool:

Cool! Having done the Union Station one recently (I've done the Van Nuys one many times over the years), I'll agree that it's the best way to get between the two places, and you certainly can't beat the value. Quick trip even in traffic, too, since the bus can use the carpool lane. It's one of the best-run bus services I've ever used!

Location help?
 

I'm going to LA on a mini vacation, and at the end of my vacation I'm dropping my car off at Dependable Auto Shippers to be shipped across country for my move. Dependable Auto Shippers is located at:

17905 S Broadway
Gardena, CA 90248

I will need to get from there to LAX for an afternoon flight. Would it be possible to call a cab to pick me up from there? Approximately how much would it cost? I could also rent a car and have my wife follow me, but I would rather avoid this unless someone would highly recommend that plan of action.

That location is about 13 miles from LAX, maybe a $30 cab ride. It is also 4 miles from the Metro Green Line, if you have more time than money.

Thanks. It sounds like the cab is the way to go. Is that a location that I could just flag down a cab on the street, or will I have to call one ahead of time? Can you provide me with a cab company that services that area?

Thanks,
TJtv

I used United Taxi weekly. They are very nice and honest.
(800) 411-0303

A serious question (I'm not just being facetious): Are there any streets in L.A. where you can flag a cab down? Maybe along Sunset or Hollywood Boulevards (the touristy parts, anyway), but short of that, I think I would always plan on calling a cab. Don't think phone-dispatched cabs are any more expensive than hailed ones in L.A., though I could be wrong on that. (Phone-dispatched ones are more expensive in NYC, right?)

1. Calling a cab is not more expensive than hailing a cab.

2. In LA they have some stupid ordinance that does not allow taxi's to randomly pick up people any where. They are forced to go to taxi stands throughout the city. Sometimes they will do it anyways but they are not suppose to. (they are trying to change that stupid ordinance). Of course hotels usually have one or you can ask them to call one. On Sunset or Hollywood Blvd's you shouldn't have any problem finding a taxi without making any calls.

3. In Gardena there probably is no random taxi or any taxi stands except for maybe at the Hustler Casino :)

Beverly Hills to Dodger Stadium
 

Hi,

I'm back with one more question. How can I get from the sofitel beverly hills(8555 beverly blvd) to dodger stadium(and back) on 10/15? I'd like to take a taxi if possible, but concern is finding a taxi after the end of the game. Is this possible? Game starts at 5:22pm.

Thanks

I have always seen cabs in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium after games; I'm not sure if they have been called ahead of time for specific riders or if they are just there for hire. Based on the number I see, I'd suspect the latter. I normally park behind right field, so that's where I see them. Not sure about other locations.

Cab fare LAX-Beverly Hills?
 

Does anyone have an idea what a taxi would likely cost between LAX and Beverly Hills (the new Montage) early Saturday morning (and a return early on Sunday morning?) I'd normally rent a car, but as I'll be at the hotel or within walking distance the entire time, I'm not sure I want to be bothered.

I would say roughly 50 USD plus the LAX exit fee which you can avoid if you take a shuttle to any hotel and catch a cab there.

I will be staying at hilton Garden Inn LAX, Address
2100 East Mariposa Avenue
El Segundo, CA
United States, 90245

And I need to get to Los Angeles harbour for a cruise. I looked up some shuttle companies, and it seems Primetime is reasonable, but they had terrible reviews. I leave on Saturday so will need some suggestions. How much is a Taxi do you think? I was thinking of booking a Sedan, but they ranged from $70 each way, to $90 each way. Would I be best with just a Taxi?
I would not consider public transit, I have too many suitcases.

Thanks! :)

What were the negative reviews on Primetime? I've never used them--only SuperShuttle (which also runs in L.A.--maybe check them), but I'd suspect the complaints are probably similar: delays, uncomfortable ride, rude drivers, etc. I get carsick when crammed into the back of a van, and I'm cheap, so I would rather take a nice, spacious train or bus (even with suitcases), but I have had to use a shuttle service on the demands of traveling companions before, and it's not unbearable. If you can put up with even a little bit of hassle, it's worth the cost savings over a taxi.

According to this site, a taxi's gonna run you about $55 (including a 15% tip), plus or minus (not sure exactly where the cruise ships dock at the harbor--I think near San Pedro).

I looked at one-way car rentals, but Travelocity's one-way rental search couldn't find anything for a random date in March that I searched for.

Pilotboy,

You mentioned LA Harbour, which usually means San Pedro. However as an FYI one or two cruise lines leave Long Beach, which is 7-9 miles further.

I've used Primetime many times, but just personally prefer Supershuttle. Both can be irritating as heck, but since Supershuttle has a much larger market share, you seem to get out of the airport faster.

While I can not vouch for the $55 taxi fare to San Pedro, it might be a few dollars cheaper leaving from the Hilton Garden Inn, versus the airport. There is an city imposed airport fee that would be waived, and the hotel is probably $3 closer to your destination.

I think the $55 fare I saw at that site did mention that it included a $2.50 airport surcharge. So yeah, leaving from the hotel should save you that plus any reduced distance costs.

If the OP of that question is traveling with others (not just alone), the taxi may end up being more cost competetive, as Supershuttle et al. charge per person. If the first person in a party is $20 and the second and third are $10 each, well, then it's only another $10 for the comfort and speed of a cab.

Note that the taxi cost will go up if traffic on the 405 is stop and go, as the taxi meter will start charging for time when the cab isn't moving. Better to do this shuffle outside of commute hours.

Transfer from LAX to SNA?
 

Hey all, long time reader, rarely post.

I flew from SNA to MSY and met my uncle there, who said "Let's take my private plane to Charlottesville!" So now I'm in Charlottesville and trying to get a flight to SNA.

Flights to LAX are a fair bit cheaper, but my car is at SNA. Is there any decent way to get from LAX to SNA? A cab would cost $100+ and I only see shuttles to Disneyland.

I looked at this recently.. if you google "SNA to LAX shuttle" you'll find a couple of options... think they are generally $44-45...

Please continue this discussion in the Los Angeles forum. Thanks for your understanding.

Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator

lax to sna:

primetime $34
supershuttle $36

Another option:

• Flyaway Bus from LAX to Union Station -- $6
• Metrolink Train from Union Station to Tustin Metrolink Station -- $8.75
• Irvine iShuttle Bus from Tustin Metrolink Station to SNA -- $1

And another:

• LAX G Shuttle Bus from LAX to Metro Green Line Aviation/LAX Station -- $0
• Metro Green Line from Metro Green Line Aviation/LAX Station to Metro Green Line Norwalk Station -- $1.25
• Norwalk Bus Route 4 from Metro Green Line Norwalk Station to Norwalk Metrolink Station -- $0.75
• Metrolink Train from Norwalk Metrolink Station to Tustin Metrolink Station -- $7.25
• iShuttle Bus from Tustin Metrolink Station to SNA -- $1

I use Karmel shuttle often: http://www.karmel.com They tend to be a little more expensive than SS and PT but don't make a lot of stops and detours in parts of LA you never knew existed! I'm not sure if they are permitted to take you from LAX-SNA but if not, they can take you from LAX to the Hilton across the street.

The other option not previously listed is the coach from LAX-D'land then DL-SNA: http://www.coachamerica.com/grayline...s_shuttles.cfm Total cost $35 booked online.

BTW, only Metrolink trains stop in Tustin. Amtrak and Metrolink stop in Santa Ana and Irvine but there's no convenient transportation to SNA from there except a cab.

Unfortunately, the iShuttle only runs M-F.

There are some OCTA connecting bus routes between Tustin Metrolink and SNA. See Google Transit:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...8&z=14&start=0

You can force checking on weekends (otherwise it displays the iShuttle) by inputting your departure time by clicking "More Options" in the left-hand pane.

Not the most convenient, and $2 more than the iShuttle, but hey, it's an option...

Southern Cal rental car rates
 

Is it my imagination, or are rental car rates 2X or 3X higher than a couple years ago? Both LAX and SNA.

Probably too late now, but book on UA and fly via DEN, ORD, or SFO. Then ask to do a co-terminal standby into SNA instead of LAX. No charge and most agents will be willing to do it.

How Bad Will This Hurt?
 

I land at 5:40PM on Monday and need to get to West Hollywood as quick as possible. I'm thinking of either renting a car or taking a car service. How bad will the traffic be at that time (I'm assuming horrendous)?

Any route suggestions to beat the highway traffic?

Thanks

When factoring in the time it will take you to wait for shuttle bus, pick up the car, and then park, car service is always best.

Beating traffic at 6pm is tough, no matter which route. Taking the 405 to the 10 can be 30-45 minutes. That would be the easiest way but all are hit or miss. If the 405 is really backed up, jump off on Jefferson, Culver, or Washington/Venice and connect with this route. A good car service driver should know, especially if not being paid by the mile. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...41851&t=h&z=12

Thanks for the advice and the link. Now if I can only convince the driver to stop at In-N-Out on the way.

the Valley to LAX-- best option
 

not interested in the shuttles or flyaway. any good limo services
you can recommend that aren't rip offs?

I've no personal knowledge, but there is an established FTer with the handle of MRLIMO who I believe operates in Southern California.

Irvine (or Disney) to LAX
 

Best bet from Irvine to LAX? Supershuttle and Prime Time seem to be about $45 (with who knows how many stops). Also, a ride to a Disney-area hotel would be possible, to catch a direct bus service.

Suggestions?
Thanks

Eastbay- If you leave from DL or the larger hotels, the express bus and the popular shuttle services charge $15. Since there's a lot of volume and competition the fares stay low; going to LAX from a point just a few miles away can be $40-$60. One thing is they may spend time picking up passengers at other area hotels as you state, but once you're under way I'd expect a straight shot to LAX.

Whether you leave from Irvine or DL, try Karmel Shuttle. I've been happy with them over the years and never seen a complaint on any of several travel forums I lurk. Prime Time is reasonably good but I've read a fair number of complaints about Super Shuttle.

Another option is Metrolink or Amtrak from Irvine to LA Union Station, then the Flyaway bus to LAX. Or, rent a car...Enterprise is pretty reasonable and has convenient locations in the Irvine area. Check their policy and fees to drop off at LAX....one quirk about Enterprise is some locations don't allow ow dropoffs.

best way from LAX to Beverly Wilshire
 

Hi,
my family (wife and a child) will arrive at LA on 28 december ( monday) with BA at 15.20.
what do you suggest to go to the Beverly Wilshire?
taxi, shuttle,transfer managed by the hotel?

thanks