Private transfer LAX to San Diego

Question

We are travelling longhaul and arriving at LAX. We dont want to use the slower and unreliable train, bus or shuttle this time around and would like a meet and greet and private transfer from LAX to San Diego. We dont need fancy limos or luxury. But want something reliable and safe.

Any suggestions please for two people. Uber arent reliable as the drivers dont accept.

Thank you for your assistance

Answer

If you’re arriving long-haul into LAX and want to avoid trains, shuttles, and rideshare uncertainty, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable and stress-free option for getting to San Diego. The LAX–San Diego route is common, and several reputable companies specialize in long-distance private transportation. You don’t need a luxury vehicle—standard sedans or SUVs are widely offered and perfectly comfortable for two people with luggage.

Below are solid, established options known for punctual meet-and-greet service directly inside the terminal or at the designated arrivals area. These companies offer fixed pricing, professional drivers, and guaranteed pickup regardless of flight delays.

Prime Time Shuttle (Private Black Car Option) – While known for shuttles, they also offer fully private sedans/SUVs with meet-and-greet. Reliable, licensed, and competitively priced for the distance.
Karmel Shuttle Private Car Service – Family-run and well-reviewed, offering private transfers from LAX to anywhere in San Diego County. Drivers wait for you at arrivals and track delays.
ExecuCar (SuperShuttle Black) – A widely used and dependable private car service that covers long-distance pickups. Clean sedans/SUVs and consistent service quality.
Blacklane – Internationally recognized car service with fixed upfront pricing and professional chauffeurs. Often one of the most reliable meet-and-greet experiences at LAX.
Empire CLS or LAX VIP Car Service – Not luxury limos unless you request them; they also provide standard comfortable sedans with highly reliable drivers.

Typical pricing for a private car (sedan or SUV) from LAX to central San Diego ranges from roughly $300–$500 depending on company, vehicle type, and time of day. The ride is about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic.

Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Request meet-and-greet inside the terminal so you don’t have to navigate LAX’s pickup chaos after a long flight.
Book a service that tracks your flight—all the companies listed above do this automatically.
Confirm luggage count so they send the right vehicle size.

Choose fixed-rate over metered rides

If you absolutely want a non-rideshare but also want simplicity, Blacklane and ExecuCar are usually the most seamless for international arrivals. Karmel and Prime Time Shuttle private services are more budget-friendly but also very dependable.

Any of the above will be far more reliable than Uber for an LAX-to-San Diego long-distance trip, and they all provide safe, professional drivers and guaranteed pickups.