Have you ever wondered or even thought about what’s the best way to get to the airport? For some people they don’t even think about it, they just use their own personal vehicle, rent a car, use a taxi/Uber or use a Limousine Service. In this post I would like to discuss the various ways (pros and cons) and why choosing a Professional Car Service is the best option. I used our Local service to Tampa International Airport as an example for Pricing.
- Drive Your Personal Vehicle:
- To park your car in Long term parking.
- TPA garage parking cost $18 per day for 7 days is $126
- Plus you have to remember where you parked your car and find your car when you are exhausted from traveling and just want to be at home.
- You have to allow about 30-45 minutes extra time to park your car and to get to gate to check in on top of the 2 hours TSA recommends.
- Will your car be secure while you are gone? Will it be broken into? Will it be damaged by another car?
- Use Valet Parking at the airport.
- TPA Valet parking cost $30 per day for 7 days is $210 plus gratuity
- Although you don’t have to remember where your car is, you have to wait for the valet driver to retrieve your car when you are already exhausted from traveling and just want to be at home.
- You can drop your car off at the curb with a trusted airport Valet service and walk right into check in.
- Will your car be secure while you are gone? Will it be broken into? Will it be damaged by another car? It’s parked in Short term parking garage and treated as such.
- To park your car in Long term parking.
- Cab/ Taxi service:
- Choose your service TO the Airport, but not FROM the Airport.
- Prices vary by cab/taxi company. Average rate is $2 for initial pick up plus $2.25 per mile after
- Example: From TPA to Tradewinds Islands Grand Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach is 30 miles and will cost approximately $70 plus tip
- TPA only allows certain taxi services to pick up at the airport.
- You never know who is driving and what kind of driving history they have.
- Taxi services do not guarantee that they will be on time or that they will even show up.
- You do not know the conditions of the vehicle that will be picking you up.
- Prices vary by cab/taxi company. Average rate is $2 for initial pick up plus $2.25 per mile after
- Choose your service TO the Airport, but not FROM the Airport.
- Airport Super Shuttle:
- Only $25 per person to jump on the van with multiple passengers who are also on their way to or from the airport.
- If there are 4 people in your party, you are paying $100 per trip.
- Not all passengers are going to the same location.
- Multiple stops may delay your arrival to the airport or to your final destination and put you at risk for missing your flight.
- You maybe the last stop on the route when you are already exhausted and ready to be at home.
- Riding with strangers can be fun but also stressful.
- Only $25 per person to jump on the van with multiple passengers who are also on their way to or from the airport.
- Uber:
- Uber has become the latest craze in shared rides; they tend to have newer cars and is the closest to a Limousine service.
- Legal approval from the PTC is still pending for Uber to be allowed at the Airport. (as of Oct. 2016)
- Uber drivers have Drivers license, car registration and car insurance checks but no driver is required Federal back ground checks unlike all of the other car services.
- The driver can reject your request at curb side if they don’t want to go where you want to go.
- Uber has become the latest craze in shared rides; they tend to have newer cars and is the closest to a Limousine service.
- Limousine Service:
- Many people think of Limousine as the long stretch, but Limousine is a service that no other company can provide.
- You can choose a Towncar, SUV or Stretch to pick you up.
- Average Airport transfer from anywhere in the Tampa Bay area will cost you about $75 (gratuity is optional)
- You know exactly how much you will pay at time of reservation. NO SURPRISE CHARGES!
- Some one will be at your home 10-15 minutes prior to pick up time to get you to the airport on time.
- When working with the same Limousine Service you develop a personal relationship with your driver who has had a Federal background check, is a safe driver, and protects your personal privacy.
- Regardless of how late your plane is delayed, the driver will be there with a friendly and familiar smile to welcome you home at no extra charge.
- You don’t have to drive or worry about getting to your destination, you can even nap or work while in the car.
- Many people think of Limousine as the long stretch, but Limousine is a service that no other company can provide.
You can see that there are various options available, their benefits as well as their drawbacks, but with a Limousine service you receive full service from a friendly face that’s easy and affordable.
All Points Limousine Service of Saint Petersburg Florida has been a trusted Car Service for all transfers for almost 10 years.
Call for your airport transfer ( 727- 367-5466 ) to have our professional chauffeur pick you up!
Written by Tara Homan – All Points Limousine Marketing Manager /Professional Chauffeur