If you’re flying into a city and have no one to meet you at the airport, how do you find your hotel? Take a cab? Rent a car? One popular option is the airport shuttle service. An airport shuttle service is a company that operates vans, buses, and occasionally limousines to transport passengers to and from the local airport. Most airports of any size feature some kind of airport shuttle service, and the passenger can usually inquire about it at the airport’s information booth.
Price and convenience are the two main points to consider when choosing an airport shuttle. While usually cheaper than a taxi, airport shuttle fares may vary among companies. Some companies offer group discounts, so several people traveling together can help split the fare. If a person needs to be picked up at the airport and dropped off at the same airport in a few days, he may be able to get a discounted round-trip fare from the airport shuttle service. Many nationwide airport shuttle companies also have Web sites, so a traveler may be able to get an even better fare by reserving the shuttle online and taking advantage of any Internet specials.
The price may also depend on whether the airport shuttle service uses vans or buses, or if the traveler wants something like a limousine. Limousines and private cars are naturally more expensive. Some airport shuttle services have vehicles that utilize alternative fuel sources, which may be a bit cheaper since they do not use as much gasoline.
Convenience is another factor in choosing an airport shuttle service. Some airport shuttle services run only at specified hours, or only make a certain number of trips from the airport per day. A traveler needs to know whether service will be available if her plane arrives very early in the morning or late at night. She may also want to consider what the average wait time for an airport shuttle is, and choose a company accordingly, depending on what time her flight arrives.
Most airport shuttle services will drop off a person at a home, business or hotel, and will also pick up at these locations. An airport shuttle service is handy for those who do not own a car, or for those who do not wish to leave their vehicle in the long-term parking lot at the airport.