Karmel Shuttles As expected of a professional shuttle service like this, we found ease and simplicity in booking and using this shuttle. We booked the shuttle a few days in advance online. At one point we got a little confused so called in to ask a few questions. The operator was a very nice gentleman who told us what to expect and how to book it after answering all our questions. Later when we were ready we booked online on the website with a credit card and found that there was a small discount for AMA members. Booking for two people was just under $60 USD each for one way from LAX airport to Hyatt House Anaheim. After booking, we received a confirmation email and number with instructions on what to do when we arrived at the LAX airport. After we arrived and picked up our baggage, we followed the instructions to call the number from the email. A gentleman picked up and told us a vehicle would be arriving soon to pick us up in about 15 - 20 minutes. Another vehicle with the words "Karmel Shuttle" arrived soon after though to pick up the people next to us. Another group joined us soon and it looked like they were waiting for the same shuttle. About half an hour later our vehicle arrived, a friendly driver helped us load our luggage and off we went. They stopped first at the other group's hotel which was very close to ours, then dropped us off at our hotel. The drive was about an hour from LAX hotel to Hyatt House Anaheim with one quick stop. The driver was very friendly and we had a fun engaging conversation. He told us all about the area and gave us tips on where to go. Karmel Shuttles is very professional and is an excellent shuttle service to use. We will not hesitate to use them again next time and highly recommend them to our family and friends for LAX to your hotel. read more

Great shuttle service. Got to Anaheim and they were waiting on us(even though I forgot to confirm). For the return trip, the confirmation time was 10:50, they were there on the dot! The driver Jermaine was great and personable! read more

I have used Karmel on a number of times at both LAX & LGB. HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FRIENDLY and had excellent service. read more

Their policy is to get you to the airport 2 hours before your flight for domestic flights. They don't leave it up to you to make the decision what time you need to get to the airport- they make it for you, based on your flight time.,As a result, we got to the airport at 5:30am on a Sunday morning for a 7:45am flight and the attendants weren't even open yet to take our bags. Next time we'll find a shuttle that treats their customers as adults. read more

Horrific service, we (my family of 5 with 3 small kids) were told the shuttle would arrive this morning within 15 minutes and it took 55. My kids were going crazy. I'm furious. Seriously I want a refund or discount. Please message me or contact me to make this right. I flew in on an earlier/pricier flight on purpose to maximize time at Disney and your tardiness has ruined that... read more

We used Karmel Shuttle twice- To and from LAX to our hotel 1st- Pick up- waited 20 min at LAX (not too bad), the driver put luggage in the shred Van. Then told us that we would be sharing a ride for about 3 hours before we would be taken to our hotel which was just 40 min away from LAX. Not okay, when you are traveling with small children!! I called Karmel, at first they said that's because my travel agency booked a shared ride there was nothing he could do. I then reminded him about the total time it would mean and he then sent another shuttle. Added another 20 min wait time. The total time standing on the curb with our children was an hour. 2nd- Drop off at LAX- GIve our first experience I called to confirm our pick up time for 9:17 pm at the hotel. They told me our actual time was 6 pm. And said that my travel agency told them the wrong flight time ( this is not true as I have emails the say differently). We had dinner plans for 7:30 so this added stress. They said they could pick us up at 7:15. after changing our dinner plans. I called back to confirm. They then said that the time was no longer worked and we would be picked up at 6:45. I just went with, knowing we could Uber as a backup.... So we were able to have dinner and be waiting for our ride by 6:45 and guess what... they didn't show up until 7:45...So after changing our dinner plans which a was a Charter dinner at Disneyland hotel, rushing to get done and get our bags we again waited on the cub for an hour. I did have to call many times throughout this progress. Overall for families with children, I would not recommend Karmel. It might be okay for a large group but make sure you request your own van, do not ride share. Oh and the van smells, the drivers take personal phone calls.... read more

Let's face it. All shuttle services have dicey service. I've used Super Shuttle and I've used Karmel. I prefer using Karmel because in general they have great customer service. When making my reservation for a 3am pickup, They offered me a AA discount without me asking to help with the off-peak charges - which are understandable, since I had a ridiculously early flight out of LAX and I live all the way down in San Clemente. read more

If zero stars were an option this company would have earned that rating. Karmel Shuttle has terrible service and is way too expensive. I opted for a private shuttle service instead of getting an Uber because I thought it would mean prompt and professional service, even though I paid an exorbitant amount. Unfortunately it meant neither. The vehicles were in disrepair, including a broken seatbelt where my 6 year old was going to sit. I reserved and paid for a private shuttle both ways as a health precaution because my child is high risk but my reservation was disregarded, without notice, and we were put in shared vehicles both ways. The driver on the return trip made an inappropriate sexual comment and was on his phone while driving in heavy traffic which scared me to the point of speaking up (he did not stop even after being asked to focus on driving for safety). Customer service has been terrible and non-responsive. I will be escalating this if only to shield others from this same experience. read more

This is my 1st time using this shuttle. It was a package deal with our vacation. Making the reservation and confirming it was very easy and convenient. When we arrived at LAX the representative who answered our call was kind and courteous when directing us on where to wait for the driver. I had been up for 24 hours at the time so I called Karmel a few times to make sure I was clear on where to wait and how long it was going to be. I was told about 15 to 20 minutes. Almost an hour later, the driver arrived. He was gruff and barely said anything to any passengers. No apologies for the long wait or welcome to CA, nothing. I have no idea what his name is because he didn't even greet us or say anything. The driver didn't help anyone into the van. We just helped him load our luggage into the back of the shuttle. There were 3 different parties waiting to board the van. About 8 passengers total, were on this particular shuttle. An elderly couple was apart of this particular ride. The driver didn't even attempt to assist them in or out of the vehicle. The elderly couple was the first ones to be dropped off at their hotel. The elderly man hit his face really hard on the van's door, as he was exiting the van. All of the passengers gasped loudly when it happened. We were all fatigued at the time and seat belted in. I was even paying attention to the fact that the driver was not helping them off the van. I only realized it when the elderly man hit his face on the door as he tripped out of the van. The passengers felt terrible for not assisting the man as he got off. I was not near the man so I couldn't catch him as he fell. The driver didn't say or do anything. He was in the rear of the vehicle unloading their luggage. I was completely flabbergasted! The driver drove like a race car driver. He sped over bumps and potholes in the road. You had to hold on for dear life as he made quick, abrupt turns like he was the only person in the vehicle. Again, he didn't say anything during his atrocious driving. No, "Sorry", for hitting that bump like my life depended on it! No, "Hold on", while I whip this turn. No, "Oops, my bad" for flying us around while he navigated his route. Again, none of us said anything to him. I think we were all so surprised at the way he was driving and we have no idea where we are going, since we are tourist. I was afraid I would not make it to my hotel if I complained. The whole time, I was planning my Yelp review in my head. My 11 year old daughter and I were the last to be dropped off. I was so relieved to be getting off that shuttle in one piece. I held onto my child that entire ride. I even turned on goggle maps during the ride to make sure we were headed in the right direction. I think that driver should be fired! He put himself and his passengers at risk with his reckless driving behavior. But again, I don't know his name and I didn't want to ask. I just wanted to get to my hotel with my child, in one I am updating my review to add 2 stars. Like I previously mentioned, this shuttle was a package deal with my travel plans. The driver was prompt on picking us up at our hotel. We were not ready. Oops . He waited about 15 minutes for us to come to the shuttle. He was a nice man. I felt horrible when I got into the shuttle and I saw it had several other passengers. I apologized but no one said a word. (Side note: Why are mainland people so antisocial & rude? ). The driver had to drive a bit faster to get the other passengers to their flights on time. I appreciated his efforts but I feel bad for the inconvenience we caused. I don't remember his name but he was an African American, older gentleman. He made up the bad experience I had with this shuttle service. I wish they had more drivers like him. read more

Used in August 2019, van was fast at coming once we had phoned up on arrival, driver was really friendly and my husband and I settled into good conversation with him. Will use again. read more

Driver was rude telling my mother in law to "be quiet lady". Halfway to the airport he forgot to pick another passenger up and we had to stop. Needless to say that jerk got no tip. read more

On time and professional. I booked with them and had no problems getting to my hotel from LAX. Clean vehicle and curtious driver.

negative stars if i could. this shuttle service is by far the worst in the world!!!!!! do not use this shuttle service!!! avoid at all cost! i would rather walk to my destination then take this shuttle service if it was the last choice on earth!!!!! terrible service!!!!! take super shuttle!!! much better!!!!! read more

We were forced to loop around and around for nearly 40 minutes in the airport! There were already 6 passengers in the van and young children who were really tired. I would never use this shuttle service again. Very, very disappointed. read more

The negative google reviews speak volumes. No willingness to help, no initiative to contact a customer if there is an issue, solely to avoid any sort of responsibility. Insulting Customer service that isn't afraid to belittle you if it means they get you off the phone (aside from the manager). read more

I must say I have used them twice on this trip already and they are by far the worst organisation period. My first encounter with them was at LAX (was already in a bad mood due to their service, but that's a different story all together). Our plane was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances (which happens when you are flying) once we disembarked we waited for Karmel's driver to pick us up. When he did arrive he had the nerve to tell us off for being late and making him come and pick us up at such an inconvenient time for (don't worry about us, we've been on the plane from Sydney to LA) after giving us attitude on arrival and making us load and unload our luggage off the van, he had the audacity to expect us to tip him and because we didn't he had a little hissy fit (tantrum). My second encounter was my transfer from our hotel to our next destination, again Karmel's driver arrived giving me attitude because apparently I was late (don't know how this could be as I had checked out way ahead of time and was waiting for him with four Luggages and a coffee) but apparently I was too conspicuous for the driver as he said I should have spotted him arriving at the hotel, not the other way around, cause you know the customer is always in the wrong. After giving me attitude about my punctuality, he hopes back into his little van and drives off leaving me and my bloody Luggages at the hotel Now, on both occasions, I did not expect the driver to apologise in anyway (I actually apologised on the first occasion; don't know why as it was out of my control, but eh, it's common courtesy just to be polite) nor did I expect the drivers to bend over backwards for me. But to have them give me attitude upon collecting me and expect me to take it like a bitch because they are driving me, you have got to be kidding me! Don't get me started on their dispatch team at their call centre!!!... If I were the owner I would shut the business down and re-open it under a different name, so that way they can screw over more customers. read more

What a disappointment! Having been a big fan of Karmel for several years, I always used them primarily for their direct service - no trolling around and multiple stops. Unfortunately, they have apparently changed their business model. On Saturday, I was headed to LAX when we made a stop to pick up another passenger. I called them to inquire as why and they stated "this has always been the case. " I pointed out that the website states they do not make multiple stops. The person on the phone stated that they do not make "multiple" stops but that one stop in between the airport and my home doesn't constitute "multiple" stops. This is a new, deceptive practice which is extraordinarily disappointing. i have cancelled my return ride and will NEVER use Karmel again. As a warning to everyone - this is evolving into the same as SuperShuttle with the extra stops. If they changed, they should at least disclose but it now just feels very dishonest. STAY AWAY!!! read more

If I could give this company no stars I would. Sal, the general manager, is the most sexist person I've ever encountered. We called upon arrival to return our rental car which is located very near the air port, he told my mother in-law they weren't going to pick us up from there and to find a way to the air port and that she was wrong. When she refused because the paper work stated to call to confirm the pick up location, Sal then told her to "find her own ride" and informed her that he sent the van that was waiting for us back. And after calling back to secure a refund the manager, after yelling at my husband about how women need to show him some respect, only gave half of our money back because we didn't cancel 12 hours before pick up time. No kidding. Save yourself the stress and irritation. read more

Had 11:40 pickup scheduled. Van arrived at 12:40. Driver blamed the construction at the airport. True. They are rebuilding LAX but only early AM and Kate PM. The driver was really nice. Kept us entertained. But the vans suspension was like riding in a '42 Willy. And grooooossss filthy inside. Inside temp of the van was about 90. Finally got the prison break proof window to open so we could get some fresh cool LA freeway air moving through. read more

Summary: The good: friendly driver, budget friendly, easy online reservation system, text message notifications The bad: the hour long wait for a shuttle, text message notifications (b/c as helpful as they can be, they seem to be part of the issue with the wait times) Comments: I decided to use this service because a friend who arrived a few days earlier than me had used it without a problem. I made my reservation online and as soon as I landed, as requested, I responded to the text message I received and quickly received a message with the number of a van that would be picking me up. I stood outside on the curb waiting 30 min before I called the dispatch number to verify the van was indeed coming. When I spoke to dispatch, they asked if I had picked up my luggage, and said they were going to send out a van, and gave me a different van number from the one I'd received in the initial text and told me it would be about 15-20 minutes (all as if I'd never responded to the original text message). I told him I'd already been waiting 30 minutes and he said he didn't know what had happened or why I'd been given a different van number previously. So, in all, I stood waiting on the curb at LAX for an hour before a shuttle finally picked me up. The driver was chatty, but personable (he kept butchering my name, but it happens) and there was only 3 of us in the van, so the trip was fine--although the seat belt was broken and uncomfortable for the ride and their were plenty of bumps along the way. I could have lived with the transpo issues for the price of the ticket, but waiting an hour for the shuttle because their is seemingly something screwy going on with their dispatch system. No thanks. SuperShuttle it is. read more

I WILL NEVER USE THIS COMPANY AGAIN! I have used Karmel for years and they were consistently reliable. NOT anymore! On a international flight leaving LAX on 9/11 (!) they were 40 minutes late for pick up. They never called to advise the status. When I called them I got a BS of an excuse and a lie about the drivers then current location. The driver was very unprofessional in his behavior and driving like a maniac, i.e. unsafely... When I returned from the trip and I called them to let them know I was ready for pickup, they told me 15-20 minutes. In the past it would have been 10-15 minutes... ok.. I waited... they picked me up after a 45 minute wait!!! Again, no callback to updateI on the status. The dispatcher's excuse when I called was "heavy traffic at the airport.." It was on Sat in the early PM and traffic was very light.. When I pointed it out to him he got short with me.. When the driver finally showed up he didn't even bother to apologize for the delay and his vehicle was filthy and unkempt (btw, so was he..) I glanced at his dispatch sheet and he was booked for pick up at both LAX and SNA at the same time.. Never again will I use this company! They are unreliable, rude and expensive. Please disregard all the good reviews dated before the summer 2012 - obviously this company underwent a major change for worse. What a disappointment. read more

Ride from Orange County Airport to Hotel was less than satisfactory. Van smelled like a fresh cigarette. The location of pickup was a very long walk from luggage pickup. 9 passenger van step was difficult for my wife to climb up due to handicap and they had no way to accommodate. Ride back to Airport from Hotel was in a better van. Still no accommodation for handicap step but we were dropped off at luggage check area. read more

This was the worst experience I have ever received from a transportation company ever. The system will not let me rate anything below 3 which is a laugh. I have traveled all over the world and have never had such poor service. I received a text on 12/22/18 advising that I had a 7:05 pick up at our hotel to the airport. I called as soon as I got the message upon returning to the hotel. I spoke to a gentleman who sounded as though I woke him and he told me I needed to call back in the morning which I did. This was the direct number. The woman I spoke to was rude and very uncooperative. I asked if I could move it to the correct time and she said the only time slot that was available was 4:00 pm. I had a brunch reservation and could not cancel as there were 22 people involved. I told her to cancel the appointment and I would make other arrangements and take care of this problem upon returning home. She said I had to cancel within 12 hours and I told her I had called at 18 hours and was told to call back. She advised there was nothing she could do about that. I asked for a supervisor and was told that due to the holiday weekend they had a skeleton crew and no supervisor was unavailable. I told her to tell the driver not to show up and I would make my own arrangements. She said I should do what I thought I needed to do. She also told me I submitted this information in August and should have had plenty of time to correct. I advised her this was incorrect. I did not have my travel info until the end of November so that could not have happened. That is when I made the initial reservation through Costco Travel. She said that was the info she had. The shuttle showed up at 6:05 for my son and his girlfriend. There was no one else in the van. They picked up one other person at a residence. There was plenty of room on that shuttle. At 7:10, I received a call from a very unhappy driver at the hotel asking where I was. He was never told not to show up. I cannot believe your company is so bad at customer service. The drivers were great, the man and woman on the phone were worthless and very rude. I travel to Disneyland every Christmas and have never had any problems. If there were hiccups, they were dealt with promptly and efficiently. I am sending a copy of this complaint to Costco Travel and will be posting to Yelp and Facebook. I would like a refund of the cost of the return trip to the airport for my husband and I. read more

Cool "text when ready" for pickup option for ride home from LAX but the driver was unprofessional. There was no greeting, no thank you and he hollered and screamed at other drivers while using his horn frequently. read more

Used their service and waited almost an hour and a half, causing us to miss our connecting ferry ride. It was the last ferry of the day so we had to get a hotel room for the night. VERY unhappy with this company and their lack of concern, not to mention they costed us an additional $185 for a hotel room. STEER CLEAR!!!! read more

Great service overall. We had a 9 passenger private van priced well below all their competitors. The driver arrived early and was very helpful with our luggage. He had his route to the airport already mapped out (which in the several hundred times I've used car services is surprisingly rare). Reservations and confirmation were both easily made. I would definitely recommend Karmel for airport shuttle service. read more

We had a good drive in and had good service. On our depart drive to the airport was when it all fell apart. Our flight was canceled and I had to call and try to change. Not our fault flights cancel sometimes. They would not help at all and said sorry we are to busy today. Even tho we had prepaid ! Called super shuttle and they saved the day ! 9 people to take to the airport from the hotel no problem for them ! Thank you Super shuttle for the perfect service at the last minute! At the same price. I will never call Karmel service again !!! read more

Early, extremely friendly drivers. Would definitely use this service again! One of our drivers even handed out Krispy Kremes!

My driver was very nice however the shuttle itself was horrible. It had a nasty smell the entire way from Anaheim to LAX. I will say as I was waiting for my shuttle at the hotel, I saw way more Super Shuttles come by that were extremely nice. If I had to do it again, I would go with Super Shuttle. Nothing against my driver but just the vehicle itself was not good. read more

Will never use again. They overcharged me an extra trip and would not refund me. Told AAA to stop recommending them . called 3 times and they refused to refund. read more

If there was a way to give negative stars, I would. We are speeding up from Disneyland to LAX as I type this review...IN EXCESS of 85 MPH! To top things off, our driver actually drove on the freeway with his knee to unwrap a piece of candy and put it in his mouth. This is a 9-passenger van with 6 passengers...3 of which are children. Unfortunately, this wild ride will negate the positive experience we had from the airport TO our hotel a few days ago. read more

Friendly drivers, drivers were on time. I was coming back from John Wayne airport and needed a ride back home to Monterey Park. Honestly, their price is reasonable and we were heading home at rush hour. Definitely would go to them again. Pleasant experience and would recommend to others. read more

Would give zero stars if I could. We received our confirmation saying "please call once you have collected your luggage" So we arrive in LAX and wait in customs for 2 hours then get asked to step aside for random security checks where we weren't allowed our cellphones. Anyway after 4 hours in LAX were released, get our bags, call the karmel and they tell us that they arrived when our flight landed and we were recorded as a no show and would not be send it another driver. So we tell them to cancel it and got a cab which cost $100 (we were going from LAX to anaheim) anyway a few days later Karmel still charged us $120. We called and was told we just needed to email the manager and get it sorted out so we did this and now, a month later, they are ignoring us and won't refund us. I can only imagine how much worse this would be if you were on holiday on a budget with children or even just no cash, and how they just straight abandoned us at the airport. read more

This company is not what it used to be. They used to be prompt, clean and professional. My last few trips had dirty vehicles and we've had to wait for up to 45 minutes at the airport curb to get picked up. Twice we have had a private vehicle and I wonder if they are licensed properly. Will not use this company again. read more

Excellent service. Pick up was prompt and our driver Rojen was very professional and courteous. He provided waters and offered Krispy Kreme donuts (we even had one!). read more

I booked through Expedia and aside from a confirmation email from expedia...I never received any info from the shuttle company on where to meet, how long it takes, what time I'd be picked up from my hotel for my ride back to LAX, etc. nothing. So the morning of my trip I called expedia and they gave me the shuttle company's phone number. Why that wasn't in the email with my expedia reservation I don't know! But why Karmel didn't contact me themselves is another issue! Once I got to LAX and had my bags, I contacted them and they gave me the number of the van dispatched. At this point I'm thinking, oh this is much easier now. But...they say 10 to 20 minutes and to call if it's longer than 20. So at 23 minutes I called, they said the guy hit traffic and he's 5 to 6 minutes away. I had already seen 2 other Karmel vans go buy. I waited another 10 minutes. So almost 35 minutes total! The driver said he was dispatched from Anaheim! Why on earth would they dispatch from there to LAX when 2 other vans drove right by me?! Then...the driver took a phone call and missed a turn-off, which I heard GPS say but he didn't. I used to live in LA and know the routes really well so didn't know what he was doing when he totally missed it. Then we hit traffic and the way he then had to go added on 10 minutes. Yes, I was not happy seeing as he missed it because he was on the phone!!! But GPS said it loud and clear. For my ride from the hotel back to LAX, still never heard from anyone at Karmel and I had to call again. The guy told me what time I'd be picked up as if I was already told or should have known. This was the first time I'd heard of it! So it seems sometimes people may be contacted? But I wasn't. I thought the pick up was way too early but he said it's cuz of multiple riders. Well, they should have the routes to look at and see who each driver is picking up and from where and time it better. Because I was the only person in the van and I was picked up 4 hours before my flight time! So I had 3.25 hours to sit in the airport. My advice is, use them for saving money. Do NOT use them for convenience. And remember to call them to figure it all out, they will likely not contact you. read more

My review seems to fall in line with the mostly negative reviews I have been reading. I wish that I would have read about this company's poor service before booking! My family arrived at John Wayne Airport and had to wait over 45 minutes for pick up. They gave us a BS answer that the driver had been detained by security. When the driver finally arrived he said he was not detained, and that he had only just been called to pick us up. The driver was dumb as nails and had no knowledge of where our hotel was, even though this was confirmed when we booked. Safety is also not their priority as our shuttle had only a few seatbelts that could be used, most were broken! When I complained, all they offered was a discount off our next trip. I found this to be a convenient offer on their part as they knew full well that we were from out of town and the chances of being back anytime soon were slim. I would not recommend these clowns to anyone. read more

Very good service. Easy pickup from LAX and a smooth ride to our Anaheim motel. I made a mistake and gave the driver $115 ($100 for van & $15 tip) thinking that my credit card was just to hold the van. I called the next day and they refunded my credit card $100. I guess the driver thought he was getting a mega-tip or he didn't look until he hit the road. However it was my mistake and they fixed it no problem. The trip back to the airport was also very good. The driver was right on time and knew when to talk and when to just drive. Smooth ride in a clean van. Nothing fancy but got us from point A to point B with no problems. If we go back to Disneyland I would use this service again. read more

I've used Karmel for almost two years. I travel 2-3 times a month. Their service is fantastic! Always on time and friendly drivers. I am always (99%) the only passenger so I get direct door to door service. Highly recommend and will keep using them!! read more

I was really unimpressed with Karmel Shuttle Services, we flew into Long Beach Airport and had pre reserved and pre paid for our shuttle service, the service actually went an uber to pick us up, the driver was nice enough but I expected a shuttle service I could have arranged an uber myself at a lower cost. Our return shuttle was rescheduled and again prepaid and the driver was almost 30 minutes late picking us up for the airport. The driver informed us there was construction on the way. I feel like it's literally your only job to be aware of those things and make arrangements for it. We paid a 80.00 fee to be picked up and driven 15 miles, where I live there is a DOT app that shows your route and any construction or accidents etc there are also multiple apps like waze that will inform a person of this type of thing. read more