Shuttle or cab from LAX to hotel

Hi everybody,

We are going on a transcanal cruise next February and wondering about the smartest way to get from Los Angeles Airport to our hotel in San Pedro. We are considering SuperShuttle meet and greet. Any suggestions? Discounts are appreciated too! .

Hi everybody,

We are going on a transcanal cruise next February and wondering about the smartest way to get from Los Angeles Airport to our hotel in San Pedro. We are considering SuperShuttle meet and greet. Any suggestions? Discounts are appreciated too! .

Well, I guess "smartest way" is a good way to put it. I always have a good laugh when people here ask "What is the cheapest way?"...Cheapest way is to WALK...It may take you several hours depending on your stamina and endurance, but it's the "cheapest"...

Now, the "smartest way" depends on your preferences, your budget and how you value your time.

For some people, it's an ordinary shared shuttle with one of the shuttle companies (Super Shuttle, PrimeTime Shuttle, RoadRunner, Karmel or others). Usually costs about $17 per person one way..It's cheap, but somewhat inefficient. Problem is that they don't usually leave the airport until they fill up the van...and they often make other stops to drop people off on the way to your destination. Sometimes you get lucky and it's quick (Say a lot of people get off the plane at one time and are all going to the same place). If you have lots of time to kill and don't mind sharing a van, it's really not all that bad.

A better solution for most is a car service or an exclusive van. The idea here is that you don't waste time since the ride is only for you, so it's more efficient and direct. Super Shuttle has it's "Execucar" and "Execucar Express" services which work just fine for this--and typically at a decent price. The difference between the two is that one is a "meet and greet"--where someone waits for you at baggage claim with a sign, then helps you out to the car--which will be waiting in a short term lot across the street from the terminal. Typically less expensive is the Express service. You are given a number to call when you have collected your luggage...you then meet your driver at the curb right outside baggage claim. There may be a slight delay because they are typically waiting for you in the "holding lot" and may encounter a small bit of traffic making the loop around the airport to the curb by your terminal. Personally, for the price difference, I don't see that much advantage to the meet and greet. There are also a couple of other shuttle companies who will provide similar exclusive service.

Limo companies...and there are literally hundreds in LA...will provide similar service, but typically much costlier.

Uber is another option. You typically get a very good price and they are very responsive in picking you up. If there are issues with Uber, it's 1) That you have to find your way to the pick up spot--which is on the second level...and 2) That you are at the mercy of the Uber system--which may, at times, not have cars available--especially in the area of a busy airport like LAX--and you may have to upgrade to a more expensive UberXL or Uber Black...and 3) You may get hit with "Surge Pricing"--which happens when they are extremely busy--which is likely often in the LAX area...so, your ultimate pricing may be unpredictable and not the bargain you intended.

I really don't recommend taking taxis to do this trip. Taxis in LA tend to be very expensive...and, because that meter just keeps on running, very unpredictable.

Thank you for a very thorough answer. I think we will go with the SuperShuttle meee and greet. No reason to waste valuable holiday time just to save a little money!;)