1. Overview
In this article, we explore various budget-friendly transportation options to and from airports, aiming to enhance your travel experience while saving money.
2. One-Way Car Rentals
A one-way car rental won’t work in every location or with every car rental company; however, it’s worth checking into if you live some distance from a major airport. When you find a rental company that doesn’t charge a drop-off fee, consider joining its loyalty program. Consequently, you can lock in any corporate discounts for which you might be eligible.
Moreover, Zipcar is a car-sharing service that rents cars by the hour and offers one-way car sharing from airports in several states nationwide, including New York, California, Colorado, and Texas.
1. Public Transportation
If you’ll be traveling to a major city, never forget to check the public transportation arrangements from the airport to the downtown area. It’s frequently far cheaper to take a train or a bus than a taxi.
Some people complain that they have to go to a specific address that is far from a rail station or bus stop. This strategy still saves money; chances are good you can take public transportation to one point and then perhaps a cab the remainder of the way. Your cab fare can be significantly lower by supplementing with cheap public transportation when practical.
Travelers who don’t utilize efficient packing strategies might balk at this suggestion because it’s not easy to climb in and out of trains or buses with a host of heavy bags in tow. However, if you can practice one-bag travel, this is a wonderful strategy.
2. Airport Shuttle
Shared ride airport shuttles are not the most popular choices among travelers. Budget-conscious travelers tolerate them because there is money to be saved. However, you’ll find that the shuttles stop at various hotels before heading to or from the airport, which can be frustrating if you’re already running late. Moreover, shuttle prices are sometimes still quite high. With that said, a well-timed shuttle pickup can be a money-saver.
Go Airlink Shuttle offers deals to airports in the New York area that might start as low as $16 for a shared ride van. Naturally, the prices increase significantly for private rides, which allow you to arrive more swiftly and comfortably.
It’s wise to compare airport shuttle rates against standard cab fares. To find these prices, you can use a website such as TaxiFareFinder.com. For instance, between LGA and Penn Station, a cab fare (including tip) is about $38. Hence, a shared ride airport shuttle that’s only a few dollars less may not be worth the savings.
3. Pay Someone to Drive You
Sounds a bit awkward, right? Most of us would feel uncomfortable asking someone to drive us to the airport, especially if there is a long distance involved. However, if you offer to cover expenses (like gasoline and tolls) and propose a reasonable fee based on the driver’s time commitment, you might be surprised by how many people will accept the offer. It goes without saying that this should be someone you know well, with references from trusted sources. The driver’s record and insurance considerations are also crucial.
Many markets offer ride-sharing applications such as Uber or Lyft, linking individuals who need rides with willing drivers. Generally, costs are lower than taxi fares. However, these ride-sharing apps face scrutiny from governments at various levels because they do not collect taxes or pay the same fees that cab drivers must manage. Therefore, if you use a ride-sharing app, it’s advisable to stick with well-known options that have a solid reputation, such as Uber or Lyft.
4. Park and Fly Hotels
Park and fly hotels are practical solutions when you cannot find a workable transportation option with a one-way car rental, public transportation, an airport shuttle, or a hired driver. In these cases, you will need to drive your own car and leave it at the airport.
If airport parking is required for more than a few days, expect to pay handsomely for parking close to the terminal. In some cities, the charges start at $18 per day.
Park and fly hotels enable you to park in specially designated areas of their lots for free with an overnight stay. These arrangements are pre-arranged, not simply assumed by overnight guests. Consequently, on a longer trip where parking costs could exceed $100, why not get a room for the night included with the parking fee?
