A Guide To Airport Transportation Services

When you are traveling by air, planning your post-flight ground transportation is just as important as planning the flight itself. Some people expect to simply catch a local cab after they arrive at their departing airport, and while this works for many people it is not always the best solution. There are several other methods of airport transportation available to make sure you get to your destination safely and in a timely manner. Here is a guide to airport transportation to help you be prepared when you are ready to depart from the airport.

Airport Shuttle Services

Every major airport will have some type of shuttle system that you can take advantage of. These shuttle systems typically fall into two categories: on-airport transfer and off-airport transfer. On-airport transfer describes any shuttles that transport passengers within the airport. Airside shuttles are a common example. Airside shuttles are buses that deliver passengers to planes for boarding or deliver them from planes to a terminal. These shuttles are typically used in airports that do not have jet bridges.

Terminal shuttles are usually only found in large airports, like the Los Angeles International Airport, where terminals are spaced very far apart. Terminal shuttles create an efficient flow of passengers throughout the airport without any one terminal getting congested, while also being beneficial to the passengers by reducing their walking distance and providing heated transport around the airport. While some terminal shuttles are closed systems, many are also included as a part of the off-airport circuit.

Off-airport shuttles can provide free transport for customers to useful nearby locations such as hotels or rental car parks. If the off-airport and on-airport shuttle systems are not integrated, there will typically be designated loading zones near airport terminals. You can speak with a desk receptionist after you arrive for details about the off-airport shuttles and pickup locations.

Private Airport Rental Cars

There are several third-party companies that specialize in providing auto rental services for airport passengers, such as LAX Car Service. Many airports will allow you to rent a sedan through one of their partner rental companies, but you can also independently schedule a rental car pickup before you make your flight and will possibly find better rates by doing this.

Private car rentals have several advantages over using public transit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may find that using a rental car is actually cheaper than relying on taxis or buses for your commute around the city. If you are on a business trip, in need of extra luggage space, or simply want to experience the VIP treatment, you can choose to travel by rental limo. Your chauffeur will understand that you may want to take some time to relax after your flight and will give you all the peace and privacy you desire. Whether you choose to rent a limo or a sedan, you will have much more control over your trip than you would by using public transit.

Public Transit

While traveling from the airport by taxi or public bus is not as reliable as having a rental car waiting on you when you arrive, it may be a more familiar experience. This is especially true if you are coming from a city where travel by public transit is par for the course. You may also benefit from using this method of travel if the up-front cost of renting a car is simply out of your budget.

It is a common sight to see taxi vans waiting near a terminal until they are completely full of passengers. If you travel by taxi van, you should be prepared to make stops along the way for every passenger to get off. This can increase the time it takes to get to your personal destination, but some people will enjoy sharing the energy and excitement of being in a new place with others. If you do manage to grab a personal cab, you can take advantage of the driver's local knowledge. You will often learn about new attractions and events to visit in your free time on the trip.

Knowing what to expect from airport transportation when you arrive in a new city can help you get your trip underway as quickly and as hassle-free as possible. Be sure to use online research, advice from airport receptionists, and all other resources available to you so that you can choose the airport transportation method that is right for you.

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