The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Santa Monica, California

Planning a group trip in Santa Monica? Whether you’re flying out for a corporate retreat, welcoming international clients, or organizing a student tour, navigating airport transportation can be one of the most stressful parts of your journey. The Los Angeles area is home to some of the busiest airports in the country—and with notorious traffic and confusing terminal layouts, getting everyone to the right gate on time isn’t always easy.

That’s where Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica comes in. We provide private airport shuttle buses for groups of all sizes traveling through LAX, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, and other Southern California airports. Our 24/7 team will help you find the perfect charter bus or minibus rental for your group, whether you need a quick transfer from baggage claim to a hotel or multi-day ground transportation between terminals and events across the city.

Keep reading this guide to learn more about the major airports near Santa Monica, and how we can streamline every step of your group’s airport travel. When you’re ready to book, call us at 424-525-1700 for an instant quote!

Quick Answer: What Should I Know About Booking Charter Buses to Airports In and Around Santa Monica?

In short: it’s easier than ever to arrange seamless, stress-free airport transfers for groups of any size thanks to Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica. We offer access to a huge fleet of vehicles, from 15-passenger minibuses for small teams to full-size 56-passenger charter buses for large delegations. Your reservation specialist will work with you to customize pickup/drop-off schedules, routes, and onboard amenities based on your needs and budget.

Our team has extensive experience providing group transportation to all major airports around Santa Monica, including LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, and Ontario. We know the best places for buses to load/unload at each terminal, and we’ll plan routes that avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible. With us, you get door-to-door service between the airport, hotels, convention centers, offices, and anywhere else your itinerary takes you.

On board, passengers can stow luggage in spacious bays below the bus, then relax in plush reclining seats with free WiFi, power outlets, climate control, and even restrooms (on larger models). No crowded shuttles, expensive rideshares, or split-up carpools—just one comfortable, private ride that keeps your entire group together and on schedule.

LAX: Los Angeles International Airport

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from Santa Monica: ~10 miles / 20-30 minutes (can vary with traffic)

As the second-busiest airport in the U.S., LAX handles nonstop flights to over 70 international destinations and hundreds of domestic cities. It’s the primary gateway for most groups flying in or out of Santa Monica and West LA, but its size and crowds can make navigation tricky—especially for first-timers.

Each terminal has designated commercial vehicle zones for charter buses to pick up and drop off passengers. We recommend scheduling pickups outside peak hours when possible to minimize delays. If you have VIPs or attendees with limited mobility, let your reservation agent know so we can arrange curbside service or ADA-accessible vehicles.

With us handling ground transportation, your group can bypass the LAX-it lot, skip waiting for hotel shuttles, and enjoy a direct, private transfer to any destination. Heading straight to a conference at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium? Need a sightseeing tour along Pacific Coast Highway before check-in? We’ll get you there quickly and comfortably.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Address: 2627 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Distance from Santa Monica: ~23 miles / 35-50 minutes

Formerly known as Bob Hope Airport, BUR is a favorite for groups looking to avoid the congestion of LAX. It offers nonstop service to major hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and New York via Southwest, Alaska, American, and United. While smaller than LAX, Burbank’s two terminals are easy to navigate, and its location makes it ideal for groups with business in the San Fernando Valley or Hollywood.

Charter buses can load and unload passengers at the island curbs outside Terminal A and Terminal B. Our team is familiar with the airport’s layout and will coordinate precise pickup times to keep your group moving. After collecting luggage, passengers can settle into their private shuttle and head directly to studios, meetings, or events across LA—no need to transfer between trains or taxis.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach, CA 90808

Distance from Santa Monica: ~27 miles / 40-60 minutes

Groups seeking a laid-back alternative to LAX often choose Long Beach Airport. Known for its Art Deco architecture and open-air concourse, LGB serves select West Coast cities via Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines. Its smaller footprint means shorter lines and quicker baggage claim—perfect for tight schedules.

Commercial vehicles, including charter buses, can stage in the Ground Transportation Center adjacent to the terminal. We’ll arrange for your bus to arrive just as your group exits, ensuring a swift transition from plane to pavement. From there, enjoy a scenic ride down the coast to hotels in Santa Monica, or make stops at local attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific or Queen Mary.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761

Distance from Santa Monica: ~58 miles / 1-1.5 hours

Located east of downtown LA, Ontario International is a convenient option for groups based in Inland Empire or attending events at the Pomona Fairplex, Ontario Convention Center, or San Bernardino venues. ONT offers nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, Mexico, and Taiwan, with carriers like Southwest, Frontier, American, and China Airlines.

Charter buses can pick up and drop off passengers at designated zones outside Terminals 2 and 4. Our team will monitor your flight status and adjust arrival times if needed, so you never have to worry about missing a connection or waiting in the heat. Once aboard, your group can relax during the drive back to Santa Monica, checking emails or watching movies with onboard WiFi and monitors.

Private Aviation: Santa Monica Airport (SMO) and More

If your group is arriving by private jet or charter flight, we also provide ground transportation from Santa Monica Airport and other regional airfields. SMO is located just 3 miles from downtown Santa Monica and caters to corporate travelers, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals who value privacy and efficiency.

We can arrange discreet, secure shuttles from the FBO directly to luxury hotels, offices, or residences. For multi-leg trips, keep the same charter bus on standby throughout your stay, ensuring consistent service and branding for your company or event. Onboard amenities like leather seats, wood flooring, and tinted windows create a VIP experience from runway to driveway.

Why Choose Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica for Airport Transfers?

Coordinating airport transportation for a group is no small feat, especially in a sprawling metro like Los Angeles. By booking with Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica, you eliminate the stress of split arrivals, lost luggage, and missed connections. Our 24/7 support team will handle every detail of your ground transportation, from tracking flight delays to adjusting routes on the fly.

With a private charter bus or minibus, your passengers travel together on their own schedule. There’s plenty of room for suitcases, golf clubs, AV equipment, or anything else you need to bring. Onboard features like reclining seats, climate control, power outlets, and restrooms keep everyone comfortable and productive en route. And with a dedicated bus, there’s no risk of leaving anyone behind at the terminal or hotel.

Whether you’re planning a one-way airport transfer or need ongoing shuttles for a multi-day event, we’ll tailor our services to fit your itinerary. Our statewide network and flexible packages make us the preferred choice for businesses, schools, tour operators, government agencies, and more.

Book Your Santa Monica Airport Shuttle Today

Ready to upgrade your group’s airport transportation? Call Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica at 424-525-1700 anytime to get started. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer questions, recommend vehicles, and provide instant quotes—often in under 30 seconds! Just tell us your travel dates, group size, and must-have amenities, and we’ll build a custom package that meets your needs and budget.

Don’t leave your airport transfers to chance. With a private shuttle from Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica, your group will enjoy safe, reliable, and comfortable ground transportation to and from any airport in the region. Focus on your flight—we’ll handle the rest.