Need to make a trip to LA? Got a flight to catch from LAX?
Embarking on the journey from sunny San Diego to the bustling Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can be stressful. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a once-in-a-blue-moon traveler, we’ve got the scoop on the best, most hassle-free ways to make your voyage to catch your flight from LAX.
Buckle up as we guide you through the options, from the scenic to the speedy, making sure your trip goes as smooth as possible.
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Drive Your Car
Hit the road with your favorite playlist, some snacks, and maybe a friend or two for company so you can sneak into the carpool lane in the I-5. The drive can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours but up to 4 hours, depending on traffic, which, let’s be honest, is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a telenovela.
Pros: Complete control over your departure time and pit stops.
Cons: LA traffic could turn your hair gray.
Pro Tip: Consider off-peak hours for your journey unless you enjoy bonding with other cars in traffic.
Take a one way rental car
If you don’t want to drive your own car, you can consider renting a car for one-way from the San Diego airport rental car to LAX rental car.
Dropping off at a different location is always more expensive so understand the costs if you are looking to save some money.
Pros: You can drive and drop off your car at LAX and not worry about leaving your car there.
Cons: You still have to deal with LA traffic.
Pro Tip: Remember that the rental car station is not walkable from the San Diego airport – they have shuttles that will you to the rental car booking area.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic route along the coast. It’s like a sightseeing tour that just happens to end at Union Station in Downtown LA, from where you can hop on the FlyAway bus to LAX or take a ride share app.
This takes a 4 hour ride to get to Union Station from Old Town, San Diego but you can take a nap, relax or get work done on the ride. The Amtrak trains are clean and used alot by students to travel back and forth.
Pros: Stunning views, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi to Insta your journey.
Cons: Requires a transfer to reach LAX, adding travel time.
Pro Tip: Perfect for those who like their travel with a side of ocean views and a sprinkle of adventure.
Take a Bus or Shuttle Service
Several shuttle services offer door-to-door transportation from San Diego to LAX. Sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the driving.
Besides traditional shuttle services offering door-to-door transportation from San Diego to LAX, the FlixBus service emerges as a budget-friendly champion. This modern bus service not only promises comfort and convenience but also boasts prices that won’t break the bank, with one-way tickets ranging from $20 to $30. Sit back, relax, and let someone else navigate the notorious LA traffic, all while keeping your wallet relatively happy.
Pros: No parking woes or traffic battles, and FlixBus adds an economical option without sacrificing comfort.
Cons: Shared rides might extend your travel time, and departure times are fixed, so plan accordingly.
Pro tip: Perfect for travelers who appreciate the fine art of budgeting or enjoy guessing which passenger will be the first to ask, “Are we there yet?”
Call a Rideshare App
Uber and Lyft can provide a direct, personalized trip to LAX without the hassle of driving or parking. It’s a far drive so you might want to message the drive in advance to make sure they are okay with make the trip.
You can also schedule the ride in advance and drivers will accept the scheduled ride if they are okay with driving to Los Angeles.
Pros: Convenient, with the ride at your fingertips.
Cons: Can be pricey, especially during peak times.
Pro Tip: Bring your headphones.
Catch a Flight from SAN to LAX
It’s not ideal, being 120 miles away, but you can jump on a short flight and soar over the traffic below. Numerous airlines offer direct flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to LAX, with the airborne time being less than an hour.
Ideal if you’ve always wanted to spend more time in airports than in the air.
Pros: It’s fast, and you get to feel like a jet-setter.
Cons: Airport security and potential delays might just test your zen.
No matter your budget, schedule, or travel preferences, there’s a way to get from San Diego to LAX that suits your style. Just remember, the journey is part of the adventure—so choose the option that adds a bit of joy to your trip. And who knows? The stories you collect along the way might just be the best souvenir.
