Consolidated "Getting to/from LAX" thread
 

Is there any public transportation from SNA to LAX? Thanks.

My guess - Super Shuttle

I believe one of the airlines has a shuttle between the two.... $$$.



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Askworldtraveler, EXP,4 million AA miles+++Hilton Gold (thanks to EXP)

Walk! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ft...orum/smile.gif LOL

Just kidding. Yeah, Super Shuttle, Prime Time, and if you want to go all out, a taxi http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ft...orum/smile.gif. You'd have to sell your first born to pay for the taxi.

I love LA, but our public transportation sucks!!! Also, major traffic jams on the freeways unless you go at 2am http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ft...orum/smile.gif, so do take that into account. Sad, but have to.

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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

If I arrive at LAX at 5am in the morning, can I make it to SNA for a 8:45am flight using Prime or Super Shuttle? Or will I have to shell out the bucks to get a approx. $65 one-way rental car for the short trip?

My one way (but overnight) weeknight rental a few months back at Hertz was under $50.

You could fly it for $149. UA 6292 departs LAX 6:40 AM and arrives SNA 7:15 AM.

You could also take the green line Metro train (G bus from the terminal) to Norwalk and the southbound Orange County Metrolink train at 7:08 AM, arriving Santa Ana at 7:34 AM (taxi to SNA? never been there).

[This message has been edited by JS (edited 04-19-2002).]

Best quotes I can get for my day of travel is $49.99 plus taxes/fees/surcharges/shuttle charge/concession fee/graft/rent/gas/electricity/etc, which probably comes pretty close to $60. I've seen rates go down as the day of travel gets closer, so hopefully that will happen. The cheaper car rental companies don't serve SNA, which might explain why it's more expensive to go there.

JS, the Orange Country metrolink sounds interesting, I didn't know about that option. But in this case I'll have to pass, since if I will only get to Santa Ana by 7:30 and still have to take a taxi to the airport, check-in, go through security, it is going to cut it too close for a 8:46a flight. Is it an easy connection to get from the Metro G line to the Metrolink train?

As for flying United from LAX to SNA -- would love to but the price rules it out for me http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ft...orum/smile.gif I think the quotes I was getting were for $200+

So far I think I'm going to take Super Shuttle. They're quoting me $20...but I have to wonder if they're going to drive all around SoCal dropping everyone else off before they drop me off. PrimeTime Shuttle is asking $41 for the same trip...anyone know why PrimeTime shuttle charges double? Are they a more reliable, fast shuttle service?

There is a shuttle between the end of the Green Line and the Metrolink station, although I haven't taken it myself.

I agree that arriving in Santa Ana 1:15 before the flight leaves from the SNA airport is cutting it close. That's the first outbound train of the day. Trains to BUR run more frequently.

Just curious, why did you book an itinerary like this? Leaving SNA just a little later would work out nicely via the train.

Taking the earliest flight out of SNA allows me to maximize the number of connections in my flight. This trip is a mileage run, which is why I am being so mindful of the costs.

Unforuntately, the red-eye is the only flight HNL-LAX on CO, so I don't have the option of taking an earlier flight from HNL. (Except maybe partner NW's afternoon flight.)

Consolidated "Getting to/from _____ in the Los Angeles area" thread
 

I may pop into Los Angeles for a couple of days and most of what I want to see is reachable on the various subway lines. Likely will stay at the Westin Bonaventure, and know there is a SuperShuttle between LAX and the hotel, but I also notice that several Green Line stations cannot be very far from the airport. Are there any transit buses that serve LAX which go to one of these stations? As a subway buff, I would like to ride as much of the new system as possible, in part to explore the public artworks on display.

I'm 99% positive there is a shuttle bus from LAX to the El Segundo green line station (board the bus outside baggage claim at the terminal you arrive at and keep an eye out for a sign on the bus that says "Green Line").

Yes you can get to downtown this way but it might take a LONG time. You'd have to take the bus to the green line station and take that to the blue line, then transfer to the blue line and take that to downtown. Not sure which station you exit to get to the Westin Badadventure.

Check out this website to see if it helps any more:

http://www.mta.net/

Here's another link:

http://www.lawa.org/lax/laxframe.html

Click the Ground Transport button, then Public Transport button for more info.

Enjoy your stay here in Los Angeles!

Thanks. I subsequently did some checking on the MTA site and there is a shuttle that does a loop around the terminals and then goes to the Aviation station. Supposed to take about an hour from there, even with the change to the Red line. Have lots of time.

You take theairport bus shuttle to the light rail "Green Line" Aviation Station. The buses run about every 15 min. Buy you ticket there. Its best to have coins as sometimes the machines will not accept greenbacks. www.metro.net

MisterNice

Take a "G - Metro Station" bus at the shuttle bus area which is remarked by blue sign on the arrival level.
It's a free service to 'Aviation - LAX' station.
You can pay the ticket by cash or coin.
I believe that LA metro doesn't accept credit cards or debit cards.

Thanks everyone. Just to update this for anyone else wanting to undertake this folly: it is the G-LAX shuttle bus that runs out to the Aviation station. You get it from the Blue Airport Shuttles bays on the lower arrivals levels. [You could take a B-Parking Lot shuttle and walk 5-minutes but not really worth it unless you want to look at the collection of exotic aircraft on the lawn of a local banquet hall: WWII fighters of all origins, some Korean War jets and even a Bell X series rocket plane!]

However, once at the station, the ticket dispensers only take cash [coins or $1 bills]. Best deal, unless you are just going to a city hotel, is a $3 day pass [$1.50 if you are over 62]. The Green route is all above ground and runs along the right-of-way of a major expressway. Service is about every 15-minutes and you will likely want to transfer to the Blue Line at the Rosa Parks station to get into the city centre. [Very poor signs but walk to the east end of the platform and take escalator or lift down to the Blue Line station.] This line also runs on the surface, but is more an LRT going through Black [great view of the Watts Towers] and Hispanic neighbourhoods. At 7th station you will likely want to change to the Red Line, a true subway which runs either to the Union Station or out in two spurs to Hollywood.

Total travel time between LAX [hotel shuttle to Green Line shuttle to station to Wilshire/Western station and transfer to bus for Beverly Hills, Museum Mile, etc.] is about 2-hours. However, as a tourist is does give one a peek at an LA that most seldom see. Once you figure it out, the LA Transit System is actually quite good and very cheap. There are also buses that go right into Santa Monica from the LAX transit centre, which also makes for an interesting drive. Just $1.75 each direction.

Biggest drawback is that the whole system is automated -- except for the drivers -- and I encountered just one fare checker in two days of riding the system, other than buses, of course. Thus it is impossible to get directions, etc. There is, however, one can get information and a very good transit/city map at the ticket kiosk at Union Station. However, you must take the escalator up to the "Transit Centre" there, and not the railway station at the opposite end.

This system is also known for its interesting public art at all stations. This also makes for an interesting "tour".

Good information. More than I knew and I live here
I guess this is why RTD (Rapid Transit District) changed their name to MTA (Metro Transportation Authority). Not very rapid. Just for comparison, the same trip during non-rush hour times - taking the 105 freeway to the 405 to the 10 (which runs right into downtown) -would be about 1/2 hour, or 1 1/2 hours druing rush hour. The airport and downtown essentially bracket Los Angeles east to west.

Really? I thought you couldn't miss this part of L.A.

REALLY?

Interesting to have an outsider's perpective on our much maligned transit system. To me it is completely inefficient and useless. The majority of Angelenos never ride the MTA because the Metro lines don't go where you need to go and the buses are disgusting and slow.

Cheapest Way of Getting from LAX to ONT?
 

Hi there!

I arrive at LAX on 12/21 at 9.30pm. I have a flight from ONT the next day at 6.00am.

What's the best way of getting between the two airports? Is there are shuttle bus that does that run? I thought I might hire a car for 1 day at around $56! Is there anything cheaper than that? There are three of us travelling - myself and my two teenage girls.

Thanks for your help out there.

Bewildered Aussie!

What did you end up doing?

I don't know what OP did, but I have a colleague who must commute daily from San Bernadino to the Venice/Marina del Rey area, and I can state with some confidence that United Express flies at least a few flights daily between LAX and ONT, mostly Brasilia 120s although I think they mix in an occasional CRJ.

Upon review, however, doesn't look like flying would meet OP's a) budget or b) time constraints! Eek!

There really is no cheaper way than the $56 you've indicated. You can also take shuttles, cabs, private limos,....but they are going to cost the same and even more expensive than hiring a private car. Public Transport is REALLY A HUGE PROBLEM in the LA basin. Heck I can get from SFO-OAK with BART for less than $10.

This is kind of OT, but in Chicago you can go from ORD to MDW and vice-versa for $1.75 on the "L."

Hi there,
I am brandnew to this very interesting + informative forum and this thread is actually exactly what I need to know as well.
In 2 weeks I will arrive on Saturday at 4pm at LAX Terminal B and need to travel on to Ontario, CA where I will have a meeting 2 days later. So, my company urgently wants to know how I plan to do this... No idea ! This is my very first time to LA and I am not quite sure if it is that easy to rent a car and drive all the way on my own, as I think I have to drive throughout the whole town, right ?

@ rejunivated: What are these shuttles that you mentioned and where do they start (at LAX) and end (at ONT) ? Although they might be a bit (?) more expensive than renting a car, I would prefer it this way...

Any help / recommendation is really appreciated.

Thanks and regards.

Hi, Chris.

You have a few options:

1. Fly. UA Express (SkyWest) has 6 flights on Saturdays LAX-ONT. Often times UA has these on their "e-fare" specials at united.com for $90 round trip. This might be worthwhile if rental car prices at ONT are cheaper, or if you can get a free hotel shuttle from ONT airport. Plus on the return you would probably be able to check your luggage through to your final destination.

2. SuperShuttle. The website lists $48 one way from LAX to the 91761 zip code in Ontario. PrimeTime is the other major shuttle service but it has just temporarily shut down due to insurance issues.

3. Rail. It's a bit complicated but if you're not crunched for time, it's cheap:
a. Take the LAX Shuttle (free airport operated bus) from outside baggage claim to the MetroRail Green Line Aviation/LAX station.
b. Take MetroRail Green Line east to the Blue Line north to the Red Line east and get off at LA Union Station.
c. Transfer to Metrolink: the Riverside line stops in East Ontario, the San Bernardino line stops in Rancho Cucamonga. From there you'd be on your own in terms of calling a taxi, using local bus transit, or arranging for a rental car pick up. But the total price would be $9.50 one way. ($3 for a MetroRail day pass and $6.50 for the Metrolink.) More info on MetroRail is at www.mta.net, Metrolink is www.metrolinktrains.com

@ mizzou65201:

Thank you very much for your help and the links. ^
I think I'll take one of the Shuttles - or maybe even rent a car.. From Saturday evening until my meeting on Monday morning I'll have more than a day to find my way to Ontario...
;)

Thanks again and regards.

Sounds good. One option might be to stay in the LAX/Santa Monica/Westside area Saturday night and be a tourist, then drive to Ontario on Sunday morning when the freeways are practically empty and avoid the traffic headaches.

Trip in November
 

Hi, Shareholder et. al--

I'm planning to do a similar trip.

I will be dropping off my Thrifty rental car early morning -- perhaps 4 a.m. -- and need to get to Union Station to catch the 6:05 Pacific Surfliner to San Diego for the day. As a railfan, I'd rather ride the subway system than take buses (even though I have done the entirety of L.A.'s MTA rail system).

Using the MTA's R/G/B (heh) line timetables -- and assuming the trains aren't too late -- I've found that, in order to arrive at Union Station with an acceptable minute margin to catch the Surfliner requires the following:

BEST OPTION:
Depart Aviation Blvd. (Green Line) by 4:28 a.m
Arrive Union Station at 5:34 a.m.

LAST MINUTE OPTION (before I cancel returning my rental car or take a cab)
Depart Aviation Blvd. 4:43 a.m.
Arrive Union Station 5:59 a.m

Again, these transit times are assuming none of the trains are sufficiently late to make me miss my transfers. I'd of course prefer to catch the 4:28 Green Line so that if one is late, I'll still be able to catch the following trains and make it in by 5:44, 5:49, or at the latest, 5:59.

My real question and reason for posting is: how long do I need to allow after dropping my rental car off to make it to the Aviation Blvd. station by 4:20 or so? Maps.google.com shows the Thrifty office is about 1.3 miles from the Green Line station. I guess I could walk it, maybe in about 15-20 minutes. Or, if they're open, would the Thrifty shuttle drop me off there? (Anyone familiar with that location's operating policies and procedures?)

Shareholder, based on your experience here, do you think this trip is doable? Should I allow myself even more time than I've given myself? Is this whole idea nuts? ;-)

TIA,
Jackal

Jackal, We did a similar trip a few years ago but were able to drop the rental car at Union Station for no extra fees. This worked perfectly for us. Don't remember which rental company though.

LAX to Burbank... options??
 

I have a meeting in the Burbank area (South of the Airport on Hollywood Way) on a Thursday afternoon. I then have a flight from LAX to TPE on SQ that departs at 11:25PM.

Let's pretend for a moment that the only flights that I can get to the LA area are into LAX....

Assuming that I arrive LAX around 8:45 AM how long will it take me to drive to the Burbank area? I'm assuming 30 - 45 minutes... 405 - 101 - 134 - Hollywood Way.

On the return suppose my meeting gets out at 5:00PM... How long will it take me to get to LAX (or should I catch a flight from BUR to LAS to LAX ;) )?

I know that I can take the MTR to Union Station and then Metrolink to BUR (and the same in reverse), but in looking at the timetables that's looking like potentially MORE frustrating than fighting traffic.

:D :D :D

You have never seen LA traffic, have you?

Couldn't help myself for a moment...

I'd skip the flight to LAS.

I'd say brings lots of map, if you're getting a rental car and allow 1 1/2 times non-rush hour traffic time in rush hour. Bring pen and paper also to figure out sidestreets in case the freeway is a mess because of an accident or something.

If you are going from airport to airport, you might want to consider the following:

http://www.supershuttle.com

http://www.primetimeshuttle.com

OMG! LMAO! :D

Ahem...sorry. You should try to get a flight directly into BUR. I know, you said, "let's pretend". Lucky your meeting is in the afternoon. The cross-valley or cross-basin trips could take you a couple of hours, or more. Very hard to tell with L.A. The 405 is usually a crawl. Fortunately you have scheduled your meeting in the afternoon and your departure on SQ is late at night. Expect to spend most of the day in your rental car.

M8

Morning traffic on the 405 North is actually not that bad once you get past the 10 interchange. Pretty much full speed from Westwood on... By then, most of rush hour should have passed, too.

Now that is just going to be UGLY, no matter how you slice it. I would do 134 E, 5S, 110S, 105W and be happy if it took only an hour.

Yeesh.. maybe that BUR-LAS-LAX flight isn't a bad idea...

Or, just find a jetBlue flight with an iffy nose gear ;)

Uggghhh......

Thanks everyone! I had a feeling that I wasn't going to like the responses.

I was hoping to take care of a business meeting at the beginning of a personal trip, but in retrospect it looks like a bad idea. I'm one of those people who gets pretty neurotic in advance of an international flight and I think that I might just completely lose it if I get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.... Even if I have 5 hours.

Looks like I'm going move the meeting up a couple of days and endure the HP RJ to BUR :(

My suggestion:

Due to time constraint, your best bet is to hire a car service that will pick you up from the airport and straight to your meeting in Burbank. (I've done this many times living in Toluca Lake a few years ago and having to jet for same-day meeting flights via LAX.)

By the way, your goal is doable, so don't be discouraged.

With a flight arrival of 8:45a, you will most likely get out of the airport around 10a -- depending if you have baggages, etc. If luck is on your side that morning, you may even get out sooner. Anyway, even with a 10a departure from LAX, you will still make it to Burbank by 11:25a. At 10a, the freeways are more cooperative. Your driver will most likely take you via one of these routes - or tell him if he's not sure:

FASTEST:
1) 105 EAST > 110 NORTH > 5 NORTH.

IF 110 NORTH IS CONGESTED:
2) 105 EAST > 110 NORTH > 10 EAST > 5 NORTH

We have a side-street route we use in our company that provides our drivers with a 90% guarantee of getting there in 50 minutes, but it's too long to give that route here.

Upon leaving your meeting, it's best you hire the same car service (if you had a good experience with them in the morning) to take you to LAX. Your worse case scenario on a typical rush hour drive would be 2 hours. So you're safest time of arrival at LAX will be 8p -- which will still be enough time for your late-night flight.

I've done what you're planning to do many times, and it's gonna be okay. Car service will cost you around $50 each way.

Another solution is to take the Super Shuttle or Primetime Shuttle from LAX to BUR airport. (I know this exists via Super Shuttle, but I'm just not sure of the price.) Then you can switch shuttles when you're at the Burbank airport and head to your meeting. However, the car service may just give you less headache and stress -- and it may end up costing the same at the end.

Good luck, have a safe flight and positive meeting!

Doable, don't over react
 

What you have proposed is very doable. Agree that having a car take you to the meeting and back to LAX is the way to proceed. I think worst case scenario from LAX to Burbank will be 1.5 hours. Leaving Burbank area as late as 7:30 p.m. will still get you back to LAX with plenty of time to spare.

Unfortunately your arrival time and meeting time will put you in rush hour both ways. Yes, it's doable but plan on at least an hour or more in traffic each way. Car service is a good idea but I am not sure where you will find one for $50. My house (which is 3 miles from BUR) to LAX is $75-85 each way with everyone I have ever checked/heard of.

Definitely rental car. Definitely get one you don't mind sitting in for along time. You won't miss your flights, but you will be on the freeways for a good amount of time. No need to reschedule your trips though.

Also take some Xanax and get a rental car with XM satellite for sitting in Los Angeles gridlock.

If you are going w/ a car rental, I think you're a tad low in your time estimates, and would figure 60-75 minutes. Equally, I'd avoid the 101 as the 405 & 134 interchanges are both notorious for plugging up, even outside of rush hour traffic. Going N. on the 405 to Burbank Blvd. and then taking this surface street East (or dropping south to Magnolia Blvd. or Chandler Blvd. which are even better) is apt to save you real time instead of sitting in freeway congestion.

I'd figure an hour and a half to two hours at 5 p.m.... Although if you go out to dinner in the Valley, and save your trip "over the hill" until after 6:30, I'd guess that you're back to looking at an hour to an hour and 15 minutes total travel time. Maybe eat somewhere in Encino on Ventura Blvd, which has almost any cuisine your heart might desire.

Actually, if I were trying to do an "all public transit" routing, I'd try going mostly Metro light rail rather than trying to transfer to the heavy rail Metrolink. Take the shuttle to the metro green line, green line to blue line, blue line to red line. The last station on the Metro Red Line is at Lankershim Bl. & Chandler Bl....and you should be able to catch a taxi from the waiting zone there, as Hollywood Way is less than 2 miles. As near as I can make out the schedules, you'd be looking at 2:00 to 2:15 in travel time. (For the bargain concious, using a "Metro Day Pass", less the taxi(s) at the Valley end, the whole trip would cost $3 ;) )

If you do a mapquest directions search from the address of BUR to the address of LAX and then choose "avoid highways," you will get excellent directions for how to get from BUR to LAX on surface streets. The route provided (Hollywood Way -- Barham -- Cahuenga -- Highland - [the transition from Highland to La Brea is the only part of the directions I can't verify: I would cut over on Franklin] - La Brea -- Stocker -- La Cienega -- La Tijera -- Airport) basically combines my route from BUR with my route to LAX!