Van Nuys Airport serves private aviation, so the ground transport options and pricing differ from what you would find at LAX or Burbank. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2026.
Pre-booked private transfer pricing
A professional car service from VNY to common Los Angeles destinations typically falls in these ranges:
- Downtown LA: $80-120
- Beverly Hills / West Hollywood: $70-100
- Santa Monica: $90-130
- Hollywood: $65-90
- Malibu: $110-160
- Burbank / Glendale: $50-75
- Pasadena: $70-100
- San Fernando Valley (local): $40-70
- LAX area: $80-120
Rideshare pricing
Uber and Lyft from VNY generally cost $30-70 to most LA destinations, but these prices fluctuate with demand. During surge pricing, a ride to downtown LA could jump to $80 or more. The base rates are lower than private transfers, but you trade price certainty for price variability.
What drives the cost
The two biggest factors are distance and traffic. A ride to Beverly Hills at 11 PM might take 25 minutes and cost $70. The same ride at 5 PM on a weekday could take 75 minutes, and some services apply a waiting-time surcharge. Peak hours are roughly 7-10 AM and 3-7 PM on weekdays.
Vehicle type also matters. Most VNY travelers prefer something better than a standard rideshare vehicle, and upgrading to an SUV or premium sedan adds to the cost.
Tipping
For pre-booked transfers in the US, a 15-20% tip for the driver is customary. This is usually not included in the quoted price. Rideshare tips are handled through the app.
Bottom line
If you are flying private into Van Nuys, ground transport in the $70-120 range for most LA destinations is the norm. The premium over a rideshare buys you a driver who knows where your FBO is, a guaranteed vehicle waiting, and a consistent experience. In a city where traffic can turn any trip into an unpredictable ordeal, having the ground portion sorted in advance is practical, not extravagant.