Most of the time my wife and I booked a flight from Los Angeles Airport even we are from San Diego because it’s a lot cheaper and we get more flight options. It’s about two hours to three hours drive depending on the traffic and it’s about 120 miles from our home. From past years we tried different transportations and figured out the cheapest travel option from San Diego to Los Angeles Airport.
Here are some travel options that might fit for your budget, and convenience if you plan to travel to Los Angeles Airport from San Diego.
San Diego To Los Angeles Airport – Cheapest Travel Option
Ask Parents/Relatives or Friends
Here is the best and the cheapest way to get you to Los Angeles airport. If you know somebody who is willing to drive you more than 100 miles to the Airport, do it. But the downside is that not always you have this option. Yet it’s the cheapest way to get you to Los Angeles Airport.
Cost: Free
Advice: Just don’t forget to offer them gas or treat them to a restaurant to say thank you.
UBER or LIFT
Aside from regular taxi, everyone knows Uber and Lyft, and yes you can rideshare from San Diego to Los Angeles Airport. Many of us now used this but the downside of using Uber or Lyft is varied on your location. If you’re living in South San Diego, East County or North County, the price may vary, and traffic can cost you little more than usual rate. You may also think of your luggage because compact cars don’t have enough compartment space.
Cost: UberX $100 to $200
Advice: I do not recommend this option if you’re traveling more than two people because of luggage
Group Shuttle/Van
Group Shuttle Van is different from Super Shuttle or Blacklane, although you can take that option too but will cost you more. Group Shuttle is like you will go to a certain location or a meeting point on a certain time schedule then the shuttle will bring you straight to the airport. Just make sure you to book ahead of time two weeks before because the van gets full fast. There are many Group Shuttles all over the city around San Diego. They usually don’t have websites at all but I know one in National City inside the Park and Ride in Sweetwater rd.
Cost: $50 to $80 Advice: Book two to three weeks early to get seats and schedules before your flight.
Planning to go on a cruise? Check out our Important Things To Bring On A Cruise Trip
Car Rental
This is the cheapest and the most convenient way to travel from San Diego to Los Angeles Airport. We actually weigh in all the options from a single traveler to groups and we thought that Car Rental will save you most money and time. The only downside is if you don’t know how to drive, then get the Group Shuttle option or Uber. Car rental prices vary on pick up location but we know the cheapest rate would be in airport locations like in 3355 Admiral Boland Way. All of the car rental companies are here in one building. We usually get Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise because it’s the closest to LAX. Our last trip only cost us $45 for the two of us already. We got the car for $30 then we fill gas for $15 near the airport before we returned it.
Cost: $45 to $80
Advice: Find the best price online and compare them, get the one without hidden fees or drop-fees. I usually used Kayak, Expedia or Priceline for Rental Cars
Other Travel Options
Of course, there are other options that could get you to Los Angeles Airport from San Diego but we thought that it’s not convenient and it’s not cheap.
–Metrolink and Amtrak Trains
It’s cheap but may take you 5 to 7 hours and a lot of transfers. Not recommended if you have big luggage.
-Taxis, Private Cars (Blacklane)
May cost you $150 to $300. Expensive!!!
-Public Transportation Buses (Greyhound)
If you’re not in a hurry and you don’t have luggage, fine. Try this route. You get some walking and exercise too.
-Fly.
Flying is the quickest but may cost more too.
Video
We made a short YouTube video while we are waiting for our flight to Rome in the Los Angeles airport.
That’s about it, we hope you enjoyed reading this blog and picked up some tips when you travel to Los Angeles Airport from San Diego. Whether you traveling solo or group, taking a train, driving a car or fly, the best choice is on you.
If you have any questions and suggestions that is not included in this post, please feel free to sign-up and comment below.
