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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
Other than renting a car, what are the ground transportation options from
LAX to a central San Diego district, such as Old Town or the Gaslamp District? I think there is a rather cumbersome Amtrak option. Is there a reasonably workable Greyhound solution (possibly in combination with public transit)? Is there any service like SuperShuttle for this route? How about other options? What would you recommend? Traveler |
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town orGaslamp District)
Traveler wrote:
Other than renting a car, what are the ground transportation options from LAX to a central San Diego district, such as Old Town or the Gaslamp District? I think there is a rather cumbersome Amtrak option. Is there a reasonably workable Greyhound solution (possibly in combination with public transit)? Is there any service like SuperShuttle for this route? How about other options? What would you recommend? Amtrak isn't that cumbersome, since there are non-stop buses (Metropolitan Express) between LAX and Union Station. They pick up on the arrivals level. The trains also avoid the highway, which can be very congested at certain times of the day. The service is relatively frequent, with something like a dozen trains a day each way. I would certainly pick Amtrak over Greyhound. Limo/shuttle services are available from companies like Olympic or Xpress for something like $100 to $200 each way, with $170 the typical price. They quote travel time at 4 or 5 hours. |
#3
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
"James Robinson" wrote in message ... Traveler wrote: Other than renting a car, what are the ground transportation options from LAX to a central San Diego district, such as Old Town or the Gaslamp District? I think there is a rather cumbersome Amtrak option. Is there a reasonably workable Greyhound solution (possibly in combination with public transit)? Is there any service like SuperShuttle for this route? How about other options? What would you recommend? Amtrak isn't that cumbersome, since there are non-stop buses (Metropolitan Express) between LAX and Union Station. They pick up on the arrivals level. The trains also avoid the highway, which can be very congested at certain times of the day. The service is relatively frequent, with something like a dozen trains a day each way. I would certainly pick Amtrak over Greyhound. Limo/shuttle services are available from companies like Olympic or Xpress for something like $100 to $200 each way, with $170 the typical price. They quote travel time at 4 or 5 hours. I will second Amtrak as the most sensible. It comes out way ahead when you compare it to the Security delays (crap) at airports, the Congestion on the Hi-ways and the Confines of a bus. |
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
"James Robinson" wrote in message ... [snip] Amtrak isn't that cumbersome, since there are non-stop buses (Metropolitan Express) between LAX and Union Station. They pick up on the arrivals level. The trains also avoid the highway, which can be very congested at certain times of the day. The service is relatively frequent, with something like a dozen trains a day each way. I would certainly pick Amtrak over Greyhound. OK, this sounds better than I thought. Limo/shuttle services are available from companies like Olympic or Xpress for something like $100 to $200 each way, with $170 the typical price. They quote travel time at 4 or 5 hours. I doubt I will take this option, but it's good to know about. Thanks for the information. Traveler |
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
I take that train all the time. They are now using the Superliners so you sit
one story up and get to see much more. Be sure to sit on the right side of the train (facing the front if you are southbound-you'll get amazing views of the water from San Clemente south) They also have a first class car (they call it custom class) for a few $$ more. More leg room, free newspaper or juice on some trains. |
#6
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 08:46:10 GMT, "Traveler"
wrote: Other than renting a car, what are the ground transportation options from LAX to a central San Diego district, such as Old Town or the Gaslamp District? I think there is a rather cumbersome Amtrak option. Is there a reasonably workable Greyhound solution (possibly in combination with public transit)? Is there any service like SuperShuttle for this route? How about other options? What would you recommend? I have used both Amtrak and Greyhound and I consider neither ideal but both workable. Really it depends on your priorities. Greyhound is cheapest at about $25 round trip. Believe it or not it can be the fastest too, if everything works out right...... though LA traffic can change that equation dramatically. The down sides are this. Slightly harder to reach via public transportation for someone unaccustomed to using public transportation. Easy enough for someone who is comfortable on public transportation though. The Greyhound station is in a very "bad" neighborhood. I have no concern about my personal safety there but I would hesitate to send my mother there. If you are accustomed to big US cities you should be fine. If you are from the midwest or Europe you could find danger in the Greyhound station neighborhood. Personally it does not bother me but many it would. Also Greyhound buses attract some unsavory travelers from time to time though I've also met some of the nicest people on the trip. Many Mexican passengers and some of them are very friendly if you say hello. Amtrak is the classier and more comfortable option. Cost is more than twice the Greyhound fare at about $55 round trip. Amtrak will be more comfortable for more timid travelers. The travel time is longer than Greyhound on a good day but is consistent if you have to catch a flight and can be much faster than Greyhound on a bad day. Public transportation to Union station is not completely simple but easy for someone accustomed to public transportation and manageable for someone unaccustomed to riding busses. Both of the stations are poorly located. North east of LAX. It will probably take you an hour and 15 minutes to reach either and you will be traveling away from San Diego in the process. There are busses to both but I prefer to take the Metro Subway/light rail myself because it is about the same time and avoids traffic hassles. Amtrack Union station can be reached entirely by rail from the airport shuttle drop off point. Take the free airport shuttle to the Green line station. Buy your tickets and transfers. then take the Green line to the blue line. Get off and board the north bound blue line until you reach the red line. For Greyhound exit here. For Amtrak board the red line subway to Union station. For greyhound board the east bound bus 66 to the Greyhound station. This is the bad neighborhood by the way. Either option will arrive in Downtown San Diego. Both are immediately ajacent to the San Diego trolley which will take you directly to Old town. Or very easily to Gas lamp with only a single change of trolleys. San Diego is a piece of cake. I would not attempt either journey based only on this post. I have left out many important details to keep it short. Also since I do not use the busses from LAX to Amtrak or Greyhound in LAX I have omitted that but it is a very good option as well. I will leave it to others to fill in those details. Other options exist for the advanced traveler such as metro rail to Greyhound in either Compton or to Long Beach which shortens the trip but has far les frequent scheduling. If you have a preference, let me know and I will try to fill in the details. |
#7
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Ground transportation options from LAX to San Diego (Old Town or Gaslamp District)
"Traveler" wrote in message news:mVsjb.3244$BS6.2899@edtnps84... Other than renting a car, what are the ground transportation options from LAX to a central San Diego district, such as Old Town or the Gaslamp District? I think there is a rather cumbersome Amtrak option. Is there a reasonably workable Greyhound solution (possibly in combination with public transit)? Is there any service like SuperShuttle for this route? How about other options? What would you recommend? If you're going in the near future, the MTA is currently on strike. Some of the bus and shuttle lines to Union Station are still running, and of course any private service is unaffected (but probably crowded). Amtrak and MetroRail are running as usual. Check on the strike status before you travel. Ken Ishiguro |
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