Tips for Los Angeles Airport Travel with Groups
A few things we’ve learned from years of navigating LAX, BUR, and LGB with groups:
- Use staging zones: No idling or waiting curbside. Drivers must stage off-site until your group is ready.
- Plan for traffic: The 405, 101, and 105 bottlenecks can easily add 30+ minutes. Be sure to build in buffer time.
- Coordinate with your driver: Share your flight number so we can monitor delays or early arrivals.
- Choose the right bus: Minibuses and sprinters work best for smaller groups; full-size coaches fit luggage-heavy travelers.
- Ask us for help: Our dispatchers and local drivers know every terminal’s quirks — from loading docks to hidden pickup loops.
Before you travel, check each airport’s official site for real-time updates:
Charter Bus Guide to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX (1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and arguably one of the toughest for group pickups. But with a little coordination, it’s completely manageable.
Curbside Pickup & Drop-Off
- Charter buses can drop off passengers on the Upper/Departures Level at any terminal curb, but may not idle.
- For arrivals, buses must load on the Lower/Arrivals Level outer curb once the group is assembled.
- The airport has designated Ground Transportation Waiting Areas where larger vehicles must stage until called.
Staging & Waiting Areas
- Your bus will wait in an approved staging lot just outside the terminal loop until the group is ready.
- Once your trip leader confirms everyone has luggage in hand, the driver will enter the loop for pickup.
- A helpful staging map is available at flylax.com.
Recommended Meeting Point
Inside baggage claim, near the information desk or rideshare pickup signage on the lower level.
When everyone’s gathered, text your driver and head together to the curb for loading.
Charter Bus Guide to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Burbank (2627 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505) may be smaller, but it’s a favorite for production crews, business travelers, and school groups flying regionally.
Pickup & Drop-Off
- Charter buses and shuttles use Terminal A Arrivals for loading.
- Curbside waiting is prohibited; drivers must remain with their vehicles or use the short-term lot nearby.
- Expect tighter curb space than LAX — communication is key.
Burbank’s airport loop can fill fast during early-morning flights. If possible, schedule your pickup slightly outside rush windows (6:30–9 AM).
Parking & Staging
- Oversize vehicle parking is available in Lot A, but space is limited.
- Most charter bus drivers wait off-site and return once the group is ready for pickup.
Common Itineraries from BUR
- Downtown LA hotels (25 min)
- Pasadena Convention Center (20 min)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (10 min)
Charter Bus Guide to Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport (4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808) is a low-stress option for groups heading to the South Bay, coastal OC, or downtown Long Beach.
Pickup & Drop-Off
- Buses load and unload in the Ground Transportation Loop off Donald Douglas Drive.
- Because LGB has an open-air layout, it’s easy to regroup after baggage claim.
- Allow 10–15 minutes for your driver to loop in once you signal readiness.
Parking & Waiting
- Oversize vehicles may stage in the surface lot adjacent to Airport Way and E. Spring Street.
- Contact airport operations in advance if you’re expecting multiple buses.
Ideal Group Types
- Cruise transfers to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (Carnival Cruise Line)
- Corporate groups bound for Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
- School trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific or shoreline parks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the bus circle the airport if we’re not ready?
No — LAPD and airport security actively move vehicles along. Your bus will remain in a staging area until you call.
What happens if our flight is delayed?
No stress. We track flight numbers and adjust pickup times accordingly.
How early should we arrive before our flight?
For domestic flights, plan 2½–3 hours early; for international, 3–4 hours. Add time for luggage loading and traffic.
Can we request an airport greeter?
Yes. Ask when booking if you’d like a meet-and-greet rep at baggage claim for large or VIP groups.
Do you provide transfers between airports?
Absolutely. We can shuttle you between LAX, BUR, and LGB — or to nearby hubs like John Wayne (SNA).
Book Your Greater Los Angeles Airport Bus Rental Today
Stop juggling rideshares and car caravans and let Greater Los Angeles Charter Bus handle your airport logistics from curb to hotel.
Our team coordinates pickup zones, staging times, and luggage loads across every major SoCal airport, so your group can focus on the trip ahead. Call anytime to get your free quote and travel like an L.A. local.
