Honest comparison
Continental vs Blacklane
Blacklane is a global chauffeur service originally founded in Berlin, now operating in 50+ countries. They use a contractor-driver network model (closer to Uber Black than to a fleet-owned service). Continental is fleet-owned, LA-only, and family-run.
Where Blacklane is genuinely good
We'll tell you where they win first.
- Global footprint, same booking flow in 50+ countries
- Strong mobile app + booking UX
- Pre-booked airport meet-and-greet included worldwide
- Multi-language driver options
- Carbon-neutral promise (offset purchases)
Where Continental wins
What you get with Continental that you don't with Blacklane.
- Owned fleet, every vehicle is Continental's, not a contractor's
- Full-time chauffeurs, not contractor network
- All Cadillac Escalade ESV, no vehicle variability
- Direct LA dispatch, owner-operated by Danny's family
- LA hotel partnerships you can't get from a global network
- Flat-rate pricing without Blacklane's per-market multipliers
Feature-by-feature
Side-by-side breakdown
| Feature | Continental | Blacklane |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic coverage | Greater LA | ✓50+ countries |
| Fleet ownership | ✓Continental owns every vehicle | Contractor-driver network (drivers own vehicles) |
| Driver model | ✓A small named roster we know personally | A contractor network that varies by market |
| Vehicle consistency | ✓Always Cadillac Escalade ESV | Tier-based (Business Class = various sedans/SUVs) |
| Pricing | ✓Flat rate | Variable by market + time |
| Booking UX | Web + phone | ✓App + web + phone |
| Meet-and-greet | Add-on ($30) | ✓Included on all airport bookings |
| Multi-city same-trip | Not offered | ✓Standard offering |
| Same chauffeur, multi-day | ✓Available on retainer | Not guaranteed (contractor network) |
| Average LAX-to-Beverly Hills | $135 flat | $130-$180 (tier-dependent) |
| Direct dispatch line | Real LA phone number | Global support, multi-language |
| Carbon offset | Not offered | ✓Included |
When each is the right call
Pick the right tool for the trip.
Continental wins when
LA visits where consistent, owned-fleet, family-run service is the priority. Hotel concierge recommendations. Multi-day retainers with the same chauffeur. Local hospitality clients who want the best LA-specific car service.
Blacklane wins when
International travelers who want one consistent booking experience across multiple cities. Tech-forward users who prefer the app-first model. Carbon-conscious clients who want offset-included transport.
Continental vs Blacklane, common questions
Is Blacklane the same as Uber Black?
No. Blacklane uses a vetted contractor network with stricter standards than Uber Black, but it is a network, so the driver and the car change market to market. Continental runs one all-Escalade fleet with a small roster of chauffeurs we know by name, which is what removes that variability in LA.
Does Blacklane use Cadillac Escalades?
Sometimes. Blacklane's 'Business Class' tier includes various luxury SUVs and sedans. Escalade, Suburban, S-Class, 5-Series, etc., chosen by the driver. Continental is always an Escalade ESV.
Is Continental's flat rate really cheaper than Blacklane?
Usually yes, by 5-25% depending on the route and tier. Continental's $135 LAX-to-Beverly-Hills is at the low end of Blacklane's $130-$180 Business Class range. Plus Continental's flat rate stays $135 regardless of demand spikes; Blacklane's varies by market + time.
Which is better for international VIPs visiting LA?
Continental, if they're staying in LA. Our LA hotel partnerships + concierge familiarity means front-drive staging at Beverly Wilshire / Peninsula / Maybourne is second-nature. For the airline-to-hotel transfer + LA itinerary, Continental delivers more hospitality than a global network can.
Can I use Blacklane in LA for some trips and Continental for others?
Absolutely, they're not exclusive. Many corporate accounts use Continental as the LA primary + Blacklane (or Carey) for ad-hoc out-of-market trips.
Try Continental
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Flat rate, professional chauffeur, 24/7 dispatch. Try one trip, you'll see the difference.
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