elnap29

Does anyone have recent experiences with ground transportation out of LAX? We only need transport from LAX to the hotel (either Santa Monica-Ocean Blvd area OR Century City area).

I am taking my 85 yr-old mother to visit my daughter, who has to work late that day. We do not need to rent a car and only need transport one way. Is there a shuttle of some sort? Cost? Taxi only? Cost?
I've tried the LAX website, but haven't located clear info.
Help, anyone?
Thanks!

TrvlMaven

It's not that far from LAX to Santa Monica (a bit further to Century City)--given that you are traveling with your 85-year-old mother--I'd spring for a cab. They will be plentiful on the second curb.

cat111719

Second the motion for a taxi.

MBnancy

Taxi cost won't be more than $30, depending how far you are traveling into SM.

dmlove

I once took the SuperShuttle from LAX to one of the beach hotels in Santa Monica and vowed to never again take a shuttle. It took 1:15 (dropping off other people at other hotels), whereas a taxi will take about a half hour.

dawnnoelm

I too took a super shuttle one time. One time was all it took years ago in San Diego. Never again.

With your 85 year old Mom - I might spring for a limo ;-)

elnap29

Thanks for the advice. I had been thinking 'shuttle' - so I guess the taxi does make more sense. Do you have to prebook a cab or do they troll the airport frequently for customers?

dmlove

If it's like NY or San Francisco, you go straight out from the terminal to a taxi stand, and wait in line for a cab. They have to line up in turn (can't just circle/troll).

lvk

You just wait in the line designated for taxis when you come out of the terminal. If there is not already a line of taxis there, an attendant will call one. These lines can be very long if there are several flights arriving at the same time.

Honestly, though, you might consider a Towncar ride for you and your Mom, instead of a taxi. For Santa Monica or Century City, it should be around $50 and well worth it. Here is an example of one company's rates:

www.laxshuttlelimo.com/services.htm

You would have to pre-book, but at least your cost is a fixed, known quantity and you won't have to worry about costs going up if you hit a traffic problem. Besides, haven't you always wanted to see your name on a piece of cardboard held by a guy in a suit?

I've had mostly decent experiences getting taxis from LAX, except for this past Jan., when we got the death-trap from hell! We actually reported the guy to the taxi commission.

easytraveler

There's also a frequent shuttle that goes between UCLA and LAX. I don't know how often it runs or what its route is, but UCLA is pretty close to Santa Monica and your daughter could come and pick you up at one of the stops.

Just a thought.

elnap29

Thanks for that idea (shuttle to UCLA). However, won't work this trip - daughter has to work late that day and we arrive around noon (my mistake in booking the flight). Has anyone actually used the LAX Shuttle Limo Service Company(towncar)? That probably would be easiest for my mom.