Central Coast Shuttle

We had a great experience. It was our 1^st time using them. Rick was our driver & he was great. I had a horrible experience w/​another shuttle service that I reserved to pick us up from LAX. Rick pulled up just at the right time, so my family & I jumped in w/​him. He was such a great guy that he took my mind off the bad that had just happened. I will use Central Coast Shuttle in the future because of the great experience with our driver Rick!

When I first saw these reviews I was a little hesitant about booking this shuttle. However, I hate driving to and especially from LAX especially after a long flight. So for $ 128 round trip from Santa Maria Airport (which has a security guard, free parking, and has very good lighting at night) I thought I would try it just once. My drive down was on the bigger shuttle with Rick the driver. He’s very chatty and tries to keep people entertained. No loud music blaring, good temperature of the van, just a bit bumpy along the way. I do agree that the shuttles could get better suspenders so it’s not so bumpy, but it’s wasn’t a big deal for me. During the drive down we made 2 stops to pick ppl up and then stopped at a nice gas station to get snacks and use the restroom. We made it to LAX 15 minutes early! SCORE!
The trip back I rode in a van with 5 other passengers. He picked me up on-​time, however he had to make 2 loops around LAX which burned 25 minutes and we didn’t leave LAX until 30 minutes past my pick-​up time because the driver was kind enough to wait for another passenger. The bus had Good temperature, no loud music, driver was more quiet and I knocked out for the second half of the drive for about 1.5 hours. We got back to Santa Maria 10 minutes earlier than scheduled. SCORE!
Overall, cheapest shuttle to LAX, ok shuttle/​van, and I would consider taking it again because I love being able to nap. However, it’s not a luxury shuttle so don’t expect it because you get what you pay for.

Wonderful driver but this old van has terrible air conditioning. It is van #8. It is in the 90s today and we’re having to out the windows down in this van to get air.

Very disappointed with this service and the company seems mismanaged. The vans are old and the rear suspension and shocks are shot. You feel every bump and turn.
I arrived early at LAX and called to catch an early shuttle. The office said no problem as they would contact the driver. I later called after waiting 20 minutes and the office said no problem — the driver will be there in a few. Well…20 minutes later still no shuttle. Again the office lied and said to wait. Finally after another call the office finally said that the driver wasn“t answering the phone!!! I was forced to wait 2 ½ hours for the next shuttle.
And…the driver on the later van didn’t say a word. …Not hello or thanks… nothing …Very odd service.
Drive a bit and catch Santa Barbara Airbus, they are professional and the busses are well maintained.

I was so hopeful that Central Coast Shuttle would be my new way to travel from Santa Maria to LAX, since I live in that area. The shuttle was in bad need of updating. (The vans in the photo below, is not what we rode in either way) The shocks or gears… whatever, I felt beat up on during the trip down and back. For that price, the vans could be upgraded to be a more comfortable ride for 4 hours of travel.
The gentleman who drove down was very nice/​respectful of people taking this early morning shuttle.
The gentleman who drove us back… never introduced himself. We were picked up at 6:00 p.m. It took 45 mins more before leaving the airport. According to the schedule, we were due to arrive in Ventura at 7:00 and due into Santa Maria at 9:45. We arrived 10:45 p.m. It was a rickety, nosey ride. The music was loud mexican/​rap music filled with static. When it is 9:00 p.m., and after a day of travel, most people are trying to wind down.
At the end of the trip, most people were pretty rattled and the driver received few tips. A few of us were waiting for our rides and he came up to me and asked if I had tipped him. I quietly said, «Not this time»!
Would recommend going a touch further to Goleta to take the Santa Barbara Airbus. Less money, wonderful smooth ride, quiet and peaceful. Very professional. Unfortunately, I will not use this shuttle again.

I’ve used them quite a few times for both one way and RT LAX-​SM and they have always been very good with me. Punctual, polite, and friendly. My home is right on the route to Santa Maria airport so a few times they have dropped me off out in front of my home. I think they charge extra for that now, but it is still a bargain and very convenient.
Today I spoke with one of the office gals to confirm a reservation for next week. She was very polite, articulate, and has a sense of humor.
I love CC Shuttle!

I have used this service numerous times, and they have never failed to be very late (usually between 30 – 60 mins late). The last time I used this service the driver complained about his health problems for the full length of the trip, making all the passengers uncomfortable, while blasting the A/​C on full in the middle of the night. It was absolutely absurd. To top it off he made an excessive number of stops at fast food joints, and was over an hour late, so we ended up being over 2 hours late. The prices are low relative to other transport, so I’m ok with some concessions like being somewhat late and making some extra stops, but this service has really failed me. Will not be using again.

Had a very convenient round trip from Santa maria to LAX! They were on time and actually very friendly. I would use the service again.

So I called this shuttle service to ask some basic questions about how the service works. Like how much it costs. …time pickups. …ect.
The totally lame gal that answered the phone was worthless. I eventually just hung up on her. It was as if I was annoying her time. Like pulling teeth to get an answer from her.
She has no business talking to customers. Not sure who the boss man is but you lost this order.

$ 60 per person gets you from LAX to your front door in Santa Barbara or Goleta, although I know others going to Vandenberg and Santa Maria had to pay almost twice that (prices are one way). I’ll pay the extra $$ for door-​to-​door service instead of hitching a ride to the Airbus station. Our driver was eccentric but extremely kind. Had no idea this particular bus service existed till tonight, and will definitely use them again in the future.
Previous complaints about being «unethical» are untrue– the driver always asked potential passengers if they had prepaid for the Airbus before encouraging them to get on his bus.

I have lived on central coast 29 yrs and used this company since it started. The drivers are polite and nice. I am glad we have this service… BUT the prices have skyrocketed! $$ 258 $ form2 ppl round trip is wayyy much gas is not that high anymore he needs to take prices down. I traveled from LAX ⁹⁄₂₀₁₄ and the van was so HOT I could smell the driver and others! We all was sweating. Kal the owner offered 10 percent off my next trip instead of a refund or free trip, he took a whole week to call me back after several calls. Abt the hot van!!! Sadly the customer service part stink, the vans need updated and the prices for a van is outrageous !! I will start seeking other options.$ 40 – 50 one way is resonable NOTHinG more for busted stinky vans

I have taken this shuttle twice back and forth from LAX to Santa Maria. It is the only shuttle servicing the San Luis Obispo area from LAX. Considering the alternative (cost of parking in LAX, cost of gas, hassle of driving in LA) these guys are reasonably priced and a Godsend.
Both times I had a good experience. The van was clean. The driver was friendly and helpful. He stops halfway through for gas at a nice place with clean bathrooms and a Mini-​mart so you may get snacks or drinks, saying to let him know if we needed to make other stops.
In my former life I took many a van from NYC to CT where, between the driver and the driving, I’d be clutching my Rosary beads in the fetal position offering deals to my maker if arrived alive. Be thankful for these guys, people.

BUYER BEWARE!
Slippery business behavior.

I just road Central Coast Shuttle LAX to Santa Maria. I thought I was in a rickshaw. The shocks and the springs on that thing must have been in dire need of replacement, and apparently the steering was extremely loose as well. Every bump and turn was felt and I was completely worn out by the time we finally got to Santa Maria. I couldn’t wait to get out of that van! I kept thinking I was going to see a peasant with a chicken or goat get on at any moment. Very third class. Never again. Reviewer Doug S. on 1÷3÷2012 must have been from the company because that van smelled awful. Really bad. It was anything but clean OR comfortable.

I missed my flight to San Luis Obispo, desperate I went outside the terminal at LAX, looking for a car rental bus, when I saw these folks parked out front. They accepted my credit card, and drove me the extra distance to the Madonna Inn where my wife picked me up.
Polite driver
Clean and comfortable van
Made several rest stops, Even a special stop for me to get a sandwich and a drink!