Private car service from LAX to downtown and reverse

Question

I've checked Yelp, but I'd like advice from Trip Advisor forum. Recommendations, please. Thank you.

Answer

Traveling between LAX and Downtown Los Angeles is very common, and many visitors prefer a private car service for convenience, reliability, and avoiding the hassle of rideshare pickups at the airport. The good news is that LA has several reputable options that locals and frequent travelers consistently recommend. Most services offer curbside pickup at your terminal, and for return trips to LAX, they provide reliable, on-time hotel pickups.

If you’re seeking professional drivers, clean vehicles, and smooth door-to-door service, the services below are considered among the most trustworthy in the city. These are not the ultra-luxury limo companies—just dependable, well-rated private transfers used often by business travelers and repeat visitors.

Here are the most recommended private car services for LAX ⇄ Downtown:

Karmel Shuttle & Private Car – Well-established in Southern California. Offers sedans, SUVs, and private vans. Known for reliability, good communication, and professional drivers. They also allow pre-arranged meet-and-greet service which makes airport pickup easier.
Blacklane – Excellent if you want a higher-end but still reasonably priced black car service. They operate internationally and have strict quality standards. Advance booking is seamless, drivers are punctual, and you get fixed, all-inclusive pricing.
Prime Time Shuttle (Private Car Option) – While they used to focus on shared shuttles, their private car tier is more dependable and budget-friendly. Simple, straightforward service, good for travelers who don’t need luxury but want something guaranteed.
ExecuCar (by SuperShuttle) – A popular choice with many business travelers. Clean sedans/SUVs, easy to book online, and reliable for early morning return trips to LAX. Prices are usually moderate compared to Blacklane.
Luxor Limo – Local Los Angeles company with a good reputation for professional, well-trained chauffeurs. They offer sedans, SUVs, and town cars. Good choice if you prefer a more traditional chauffeured-car experience.

All of the above provide true private service—not rideshares, not pooled rides—and allow you to pre-book a specific pickup time. Prices vary depending on vehicle type and time of day, but in general, expect about $85–$150 each way between LAX and downtown for a standard sedan.

If you don’t mind a simpler option, some visitors also use Uber Black or Lyft Lux, which offer premium cars but without advance reliability on exact drivers. Still, for peace of mind and scheduled pickup, a pre-arranged private car service is usually the better choice.

If you would like help comparing prices, scheduling for early flights, or choosing the most comfortable option for your group size, feel free to ask.