I check online for different services and found all the prices to be about the same.  We will be returning a rental the day we leave, so we just going to booke the Carnival Shuttle at LAX Airport and go that route.   Then once we disembark, the shuttle will take us back to LAX and we board the plane at 1:30 PM.

Hope this helps you

Nicol 

Where is your starting point in Los Angeles???

If you are flying into LAX, there are two shuttle services available.  One is red the other blue, the blue is SuperShuttle. We have used both, we have pre-reserved, which only means that you are paid and you do not need to complete a transaction with the driver.  Both shuttle's are comperable in price and service.  Both will get you the pier.  We prefer this to a cab or the cruise transportation, both of these are more expensive than the shuttle service.

If you want the shuttle, just exit out of baggage and look for the guy in the red vest (red Shuttle) or blue jacket (blue Shuttle).  They are located just out the door in the median area, can't miss them.

We are flying into LAX and need transportation to Downey which is right outside Long Beach because we are staying the night in Downey and then our cruise leaves the next afternoon. Any suggestions on the cheapest way to get directly to the hotel if not by cab? The hotel doesn't have a shuttle service of any kind.

we are planning on staying in downtown LA the Best Western a few days before we board in Long Beach does anyone know how long it takes to Long Beach and would a taxi or private transfer  [which is what we have used in the past] be better?

We are in the San Fernando Valley (NW end of Los Angeles) and always drive to the pier.  The parking structure is right across from the dock at Long Beach.  It is outrageously expensive to park there, but so much easier and convenient to deal with.

meg327:

thanks to everyone for your suggestions! we actually live in l.a., so we decided driving & parking in long beach will be the most convenient and inexpensive. :)

tassiedevil:

we are planning on staying in downtown LA the Best Western a few days before we board in Long Beach does anyone know how long it takes to Long Beach and would a taxi or private transfer  [which is what we have used in the past] be better?

We are neighbors!!!  We live in Encino.  The pier is an easy drive on the 405.  If the 405 gets backed up, we take the 101 to get to the Long Beach freeway.

meg327:

thanks, we are coming from the valley too (sherman oaks), so that's what we'll do. shuttles are even more expensive and more of a hassle than having your car there waiting for you! it sounds pretty safe and convenient.