Need taxi info - fast! (Santa Ana, Anaheim: power lines, renting, how much)

[Leiding]

Hey, quick question. I come from an area where we don't really have taxi's, so I need some help. Would it be possible to get a taxi ride from LAX to the Anaheim convention center, and back the other way a few days later? And if so, how much would it cost, somewhere around $120-$160 each way? That's the estimate I got from here (International Taxi Fare Calculator - World Taximeter), but I'm not sure how accurate it is.

EDIT: I was actaully just reading some other forums from google, and is there any other options that would work? I heard mention of a train ride, bus, or some sort of shuttle services?

[EscapeCalifornia]

That would be a very expensive ride. You're probably better off on an airport shuttle bus like Prime Time or Supershuttle. Nothing will be really cheap because its so far. The Anaheim convention center is near Disneyland so maybe there's a bus from LAX to Disneyland you can take.

[BRinSM]

a quick internet search found this shuttle, which would be exponentially cheaper than hailing a cab at the airport Southern California Gray Line - Sightseeing Tours (http://www.coachamerica.com/graylineanaheim/tours_shuttles.cfm/tour_id/1300/mode/tour_detail/location_id/1021 - broken link)

there aren't really any train options, it would take waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long.

[Coldjensens]

I have done it between LAX and SNA (John Wayne Airport), or between LAX and downtown Santa Ana. It costs about $112 if I remember correctly. The shuttles are considerably cheaper. (around $48 I think). However they soemtimes have to drop other people off at either end and can take a lot of extra time. There are also limosine services which I have heard are a little bt cheaper than a taxi.

Train is not an option. Somone in their great wisdom decided tha ttthe train should turn away from LAX a few miles before it got there. It was supposed to go to the airport, but the taxi and parking industry lobbiesbanded together and got the politicians to prevent it from going to the airport.

Taking a taxi from Union station is also impractical. I took a cab from LAX to union station one time. The cost nearly choked me. I do not remember what it was, but I have a vague recall of around $88. The cab said that it would be $40, but I stopped at an ATM to get cash to pay him, so it was an abnormal trip. I talked with a fellow traveller about it and he told me that there is always some reason that the advertised rates do not apply. He said that he has done it a dozen times and it always ended up costing him some astronomical amount ($70 - $80? My memory has faded). However, in addition tot he cab ride, you still need train tickets and a cab at the other end.

Maybe you can take a bus if you have all day. Not sure about that one.

A couple of times that I had to do this, I renteda car. It was some cheaper than a cab and much more convenient.

Good luck. Sorry to tell you this, but there is no good solution to this need. The one thing that works is what I do now. Have a friend drive me. However it has to be a really good friend. The trip to LAX can be long and awful. Figure on 1.5 - 2 hours to be safe, but it can take a lot longer. once took me 4.5 hours (someone hit a power pole and dropped power lines accross the 405 freeway).

My ultimate solution is to fly into John Wayne airport. Even if I have to spend $150 - $200 more for the flight. LAX is a horrible place and SNA is a very pleasant airport to fly into/out of. Option 2 is ontario, but then you are going to be renting a car.