LAX to San Diego Group Transportation
Down the coast from LAX to San Diego with the whole group in one vehicle.
The drive
LAX to San Diego, I-405 then I-5
Downtown San Diego is 127 miles on I-405 and I-5 from LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal, about 2 hr 35 free-flow. The route runs south on I-405, the San Diego Freeway, through the South Bay and Orange County, merges with I-5 near Irvine, and follows I-5 down the coast past Camp Pendleton and into the city.
There is a shortcut: CA-73, part of it the San Joaquin Hills toll road, cuts the corner through Orange County — 124.7 miles by CA-73. The price is set on the free line; if the driver takes the toll road, the toll is on us.
This trip at a glance
- Distance
- 127 miles on I-405 and I-5
- Free-flow time
- about 2 hr 35
- Vehicles
- Sprinters for 12–14, coaches for 40–55
- Tolls
- Included, whichever road is used.
Prices
What a group trip to San Diego costs
One price for the whole vehicle, with any toll inside it. At over 120 miles the gap between a Sprinter and a coach is large in dollars and small per seat once the coach is full.
| Vehicle | Seats | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter Executive | Up to 12 | $995 | $1,990 |
| Sprinter Coach | Up to 14 | $995 | $1,990 |
| Executive Coach Bus | Up to 40 | $1,610 | $3,220 |
| Motor Coach | Up to 55 | $1,775 | $3,550 |
| Business Sedan | Up to 2 | $585 | $1,170 |
| Premium SUV | Up to 5 | $635 | $1,270 |
| Executive SUV | Up to 5 | $725 | $1,450 |
Who books it
Teams, conferences and tours
The groups on this run are the ones that fly into LAX because it has the flights and end up in San Diego because that is where the event is: a team for a tournament, a delegation for a conference downtown, a tour starting its itinerary on the coast.
For any of them, one vehicle from the arrivals exit keeps the group together for the two and a half hours, with the luggage, rather than scattering it across several cars that arrive at different times.
At LAX
Meeting the group at LAX
Coming out of arrivals, look for a sign with the group's name: that is the driver, who then leads everyone to where LAX lets a coach or Sprinter stand. Each flight in the group is watched, and an hour after touchdown is included before any waiting charge.
Split arrivals are common for a team or a delegation. On a drive of two and a half hours, holding one vehicle for the last flight usually beats running two part-full ones down the coast.
On the way
A stop halfway
Two and a half hours is long enough that many groups want a stop, and Orange County sits in the middle of the route. A meal or a rest can be built into the quote; tell us when you book rather than on the freeway.
Going back
San Diego to LAX for a flight
The return is the harder direction, because it ends at an airport with a deadline. TomTom's 2025 Traffic Index puts the average rush-hour speed in Los Angeles at 27.6 km/h, and the last stretch of I-405 into LAX is where that bites.
Work back from the airline's check-in cut-off, allow the drive and a generous margin, and tell us every flight in the group. We will suggest the pickup time in San Diego.
Nearby
More for Los Angeles groups
The group hub, the venues and the other long routes.
Booking
What we need, and what is included
The list of flights, a head count with the bags and any equipment, and where in San Diego the group is going — hotel, venue or convention center.
The quote already carries any toll. Gratuity is up to you, and a cancellation made a day or more ahead costs nothing.
The Los Angeles group hub covers the airports and the venues. Closer to LAX: LAX to Disneyland.
Frequently Asked Questions
127 miles on I-405 and I-5 to downtown San Diego, about 2 hr 35 free-flow.
From $995 one way in a Sprinter for up to 12, or $1,610 in a coach for up to 40.
Yes. If the driver uses the CA-73 toll road, the toll is inside the price.
Yes. A stop in Orange County is easy to add at booking and is priced in.
We price both options: one vehicle waiting for the second flight, or two vehicles. On this distance the single wait usually wins.
By a sign with the group's name just outside the LAX arrivals exit.
No — one figure covers the vehicle, however many of its seats are filled.