When you’re traveling, there are so many details to think about especially when it comes to flying. In order to make your trip as smooth as possible, it’s wise to think ahead about getting transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
There are plenty of options available, depending on your budget and the amount of patience you have once you arrive at your destination.
Where to Start
Before we dive into the tips on types of transportation, here’s how you can start the decision process on which suits you best:
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Check Out Your Hotel’s Website
- It’s very likely that your hotel will have transportation information listed on their website. In most cases, the site will list the hotel’s address, how far it is from the nearest airport, and modes of transportation (sometimes including their costs).
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Check Your Airport’s Website
- In most cases, the airport’s website will have just as much information as the hotel’s. At South Bend International Airport, we have rental cars, along with taxis, ride-sharing, private cars, the train, and the bus.
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Investigate Using Uber or Lyft
- Before you even leave the house, open your Uber or Lyft app, put your hotel as the destination and the airport you’re flying into as the pickup location. That can give you an idea of the price before you leave – especially if you test it out at the same time of day you’ll need it when you’re traveling.
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Call the Hotel’s Front Desk
- Above anything, talking to the front desk at your hotel will give you the most tailored information. They can tell you what’s fastest, what’s cheapest, and what’s safest regarding your specific needs.
Remember, it’s not always about finding the lowest price. In some cases, what’s most convenient should take the front seat, especially if you’re traveling with small children or a large amount of luggage.
Tips on Modes of Transportation
How you get from the airport to your hotel is up to you, but you have a lot of options.
Use the Hotel Shuttle Service
Many hotels offer a shuttle service that will take you directly from the airport to your hotel. While this is convenient, you don’t control the times of the shuttle, so you might end up waiting longer than you would for a ride-share service or your own private car. You’ll also be traveling with a group of people, so if you’re ready for some alone-time after your flight, this might not be the best choice.
Shuttles do have a fixed rate, though, which means you don’t pay for the amount of time you spend in the vehicle like you’d do for a taxi.
Hop on Public Transportation
In most major cities, public transport is a viable option – especially if the city has a transport-friendly infrastructure.
If your hotel is close to a public transport stop, that information will be listed on their website. As long as you have your GPS app of choice downloaded and you’re not traveling late at night (or with tons of luggage), this is a good option for those looking to save a few dollars.
Check Out Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft have made life incredibly easy both at home and when you’re traveling. All you have to do is figure out where you should get picked up and wait a few minutes, and you’ll be in a car that will take you directly to your hotel.
If you have a large amount of luggage or a large travel group, you’ll want to specify your need for a bigger vehicle and call for an UberXL or an Uber SUV so everyone can fit comfortably.
Hail a Taxi
While it’s true that riding in taxis is definitely not as popular as it was a couple decades ago, taxi drivers are still around and doing their job. A lot of the time, it’s easier to hop in a cab than it is to try to maneuver a ride-share pickup or find the way to public transport – especially if you don’t have great phone service.
Just be aware of the fact that taxis charge for as long as you’re in the vehicle and for distance, so you’ll pay more if you get stuck in traffic.
Hire a Private Car
If the drive to the hotel is longer than thirty minutes, a private car is something you should consider for comfort’s sake. In many cases, you’ll have to wait for the driver to pay for parking and get their vehicle, but the wait is well worth it.
You’ll know in advance how much you’re paying, and that fare won’t change. This is something you’ll book online and pay for up-front before you even leave for the airport, which is a relief to many people.
This option is also great if you’re headed to a luxury event. Who doesn’t want to feel fancy in their own private car leaving the airport?
Rent a Car
If you’d rather be behind the wheel yourself, you can always rent a car and drive to your hotel on your own. This can be somewhat of a hassle in major cities, but if you will need transportation throughout the duration of your stay, a rented car is often the most convenient choice.
We recommend making your rental car reservations ahead of time. This is the most failsafe option because you won’t run the risk of the rental car companies being sold out, leaving you scrambling for another option. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Headed Out?
Depending on the type of transportation that you choose, pre-booking is often the best option. If you’re using a private car, ride-share options, or a rental car, you’ll save yourself many headaches by booking your ride in advance. Some companies even offer discounts if you book ahead online.
South Bend International Airport wants to make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free. We offer nonstop flights to 12 destinations with quick and easy transportation options, along with a variety of connections worldwide. To book your next trip, check out the airlines who fly with us.
