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 — Danny's family answers the phone
- 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 | ✓Full-time W-2 | Contractor partners (vetted but independent) |
| 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 | Included for first-time clients | 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-driver network with stricter standards than Uber Black, but their drivers are still independent contractors (not W-2). The driver experience can be inconsistent across markets. Continental's all-Escalade, all-W-2 model removes that variability for 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
Book a Cadillac Escalade transfer
Flat rate, professional chauffeur, 24/7 dispatch. Try one trip — you'll see the difference.
Book a ride →More comparisons