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Understanding Shuttle Services

What to expect from hotel and parking lot shuttles, and how to plan your arrival around them.

Shuttle service is what makes hotel-and-parking bundles work — but shuttles vary widely between properties. Here's what to look for and verify before you book.

Common Shuttle Models

  • Scheduled — runs at fixed times (e.g. every 30 minutes from 4am to midnight). Predictable but inflexible.
  • On-demand — you call the front desk when you're ready. Faster for off-peak times.
  • 24/7 — runs around the clock, usually scheduled with on-demand fill-ins overnight.
  • Limited hours — common at budget hotels; check carefully if your flight is very early or late.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

  • What are the shuttle's operating hours? Do they cover my flight time?
  • How frequent is the shuttle?
  • Is it free, or is there a per-person charge?
  • Does it serve all airport terminals or just one?
  • Does the return shuttle require a reservation or just a phone call?

On Travel Day

Plan to be at the shuttle pick-up 15–30 minutes earlier than you would otherwise leave for the airport. On busy travel days, shuttles can be full and require waiting for the next one.

When you land, call the hotel from the baggage claim to time the pickup with your arrival.


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