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Back to Basics: Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel

by Mary Jo Manzanares on April 30th, 2008

As if getting to the airport isn’t tough enough, most of us have to figure out how to get from our destination airport to our hotel.  And this is another time when some planning, and asking a few questions, can be a real savings.

Public transportation:  I’m a big believe in public transportation.  When at all possible and practicable, I use a subway, train, or other form of public transportation to get from the airport to my hotel.  A call to the hotel usually will confirm what line I need to take, the stop or station where I need to get off, the fare, and how/where to buy tickets.

Recognizing, however, that public transportation is not always possible or practicable, there are other options.  I’d recommend checking out all of these options BEFORE you leave home.

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FREE shuttle:  Hotels often offer a free shuttle from the airport to their property.  Sometimes, a few hotels use the same shuttle.  A quick call to the hotel can get this information for you.  I recommend calling the hotel directly, rather than relying on information on a website or from a central reservation number, because I want to talk with someone who knows first hand how the shuttle operates.  Ask what sort of a schedule it runs on, or if it’s on demand and you need to call when you get your baggage. 

Community shuttle:  Some small communities offer a general shuttle from the airport to their community.  It may take you directly to a hotel, general plaza area, or a scheduled series of drop off points.  Community shuttles are usually FREE or low cost, and can offer a budget option, if not necessarily a speedy one.

Taxi:  If you can’t find a taxi at an airport, you just aren’t looking hard enough.  Follow the lines to the taxi stand area and queue up.  There’s usually an orderly procedure, and even if the line is long, it shouldn’t take long to get a car.  If it looks like you’re going to need to take a car, I’d recommend calling the hotel directly and asking the operator or front desk person what a typical airport to hotel fare would be.  In many places it won’t make a difference, but the front desk person may tip you off asking for a flat rate, using the meter, or a particular travel choice that they’d recommend.

Other service:  This could include things like a limo company, car service, or other forms of transportation that may just not come to mind.  Again, this is information that you can get from the front desk.  Hotels may have discount arrangements, or know where to pick up a discount coupon, so this could be valuable information.

Did you notice a theme here?  The hotel and a phone call. 

While I normally do most of my research online, this is one time when the personal contact really matters.  A helpful operator or front desk person will know the best way to get to their hotel and will be eager to share that information with their guests. 

Don’t overlook this valuable resource — it can save you a bundle!

Photo credit:  SXC

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POSTED IN: Air Travel, Back to Basics, Getting Around, Hotels, Money Saving Tips, Travel Tips