Key Takeaways
- Lyft offers various services at LAX including Standard, XL, Lux, Lux Black, and Lux Black XL.
- Pickup at LAX is in the LAX-it lot; late arrival may incur fees or cancellation.
- Lyft’s new feature allows pre-ordering rides upon landing, locking in fares.
- Dropoffs use main loop; know your airline and have documents ready for check-in.
Is There Lyft at LAX?
Yes, it is possible to request a Lyft ride at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Travelers can use Lyft for both arriving at and departing from the airport.
Lyft offers various service options at LAX, including:
- Lyft Standard: Basic service for up to 4 passengers in a standard car.
- Lyft XL: Fits up to 6 passengers, usually in crossovers or SUVs.
- Lux: Premium cars with professional drivers for a luxury experience.
- Lux Black: Stylish luxury black cars for 4 passengers with top-rated drivers.
- Lux Black XL: Spacious luxury black SUVs for 6 passengers with elite drivers.
It is worth noting that Lyft Shared, Preferred, or Priority Pickup services are not available at LAX. By excluding these ride types, Lyft ensures that riders have space for passengers and luggage.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
It’s often worth comparing prices between Lyft, Uber, and taxis, especially during peak hours when one service could be cheaper over the other due to dynamic pricing.
For those on a budget, consider taking a bus to a nearby location like Culver City, or consider walking to a nearby location – like the In-N-Out Burger near LAX – before calling a rideshare. This can sometimes significantly reduce the fare.
A common strategy that I like to use is to take a free hotel shuttle out of the airport and then call an Uber or Lyft from the hotel.
This adds some wait time, but potentially halves the cost of the ride. Plus, it is cheaper than taking a bus.
However, for those traveling with families and a lot of luggage, consider taking a higher-end service like Uber Black or Lyft Lux. It might be worth the extra cost for the convenience of curbside pickup and extra room.
How Lyft Pickups Work at LAX
To ensure a smooth Lyft pickup at LAX, collect your baggage and head to the designated pickup area. Lyft’s designated pickup zone at LAX is conveniently located near Terminal 1.
Keep in mind, a fee is charged if you’re more than five minutes late to meet your ride. Make sure to be prompt to avoid being overcharged, or the driver cancelling on you.
The specific area where you’ll meet your driver is the LAX-it lot, identifiable by its prominent green signs, matching the color of the LAX-IT Shuttle buses.
For reaching the pickup spot, you have two options: either walk with your luggage or take the complimentary LAX-IT Shuttle.
If you opt for the shuttle, we suggest requesting your Lyft ride only after boarding the shuttle to prevent your driver from leaving prematurely.
The shuttle service is accessible from the lower arrival level outside the baggage claim area. Just keep an eye out for the green LAX-it signage to guide you.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
When I used the Lyft app during my last visit to Los Angeles, I had no issue finding my pickup spot, despite being unfamiliar with the airport or the Lyft pickup process there.
the Lyft app actually guided my to my pickups spot using a live map of the entire airport.
Just as it would when requesting a normal Lyft ride, the app displayed my live location as a blue dot, with a line going throughout the airport and arriving at my pickup location.
If there’s any sort of confusion while navigating to your pickup location, simply follow the instructions on the screen and cross-reference those with your map and live location.
If absolutely necessary, you can call your driver to request more time if you get lost. Just do your best to communicate as much as possible and set mutual expectations between you and the driver.
New Feature: Requesting a Ride Immediately After Landing
Lyft recently launched a new feature that allows riders to pre-order a ride immediately after their flight lands at the airport.
This service is designed to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of when to book a ride, especially for travelers at unfamiliar airports or those who are less frequent flyers.
The Lyft app uses location tracking to match riders with drivers as they near the pickup area, ideal for those with checked baggage as it reduces wait times. Preordering locks in the fare, protecting against price fluctuations at the airport.
This feature was initially rolled out to LAX, Chicago-O’Hare, and Chicago-Midway, but is now expanding to Austin, New York JFK, and Seattle, with plans for more airports in the future.
How Lyft Dropoffs Work at LAX
The dropoff procedure at LAX is similar for both Lyft and taxis. Drivers will use the main horseshoe loop to drop passengers at the terminal corresponding to their airline.
Request a car through the app, and then let your driver know which airline you’re boarding, and they will take you directly to the departure terminal for that flight.
Make sure to look at the schedule for your check-in and traffic, and ensure you request your car with plenty of time to account for traffic and other roadside delays.
Tips for Getting Dropped off Successfully
- Pack Efficiently: Ensure your bags are easy to carry or roll, facilitating a quick and hassle-free offloading.
- Know Your Airline: Be clear about the airline you are using. This helps the driver navigate to the correct terminal swiftly.
- Be Ready with Your Tickets: Have your tickets and travel documents handy as soon as you exit the vehicle, to streamline your transition to the check-in area.
Is It Better to Lyft or Taxi from LAX?
The choice between a taxi and rideshare services like Lyft at LAX largely hinges on personal preference.
It involves considering factors such as the amount of luggage you have, the terminal you arrive at, and your willingness to walk or take a shuttle to the LAX-it lot for a rideshare.
While a rideshare may offer a cleaner and more secure experience, a taxi provides convenience, especially with heavy luggage.
Additionally, airport signage and staff are readily available to assist, and if you opt for the LAX-it lot, there’s a good chance of encountering amenities like coffee trucks or food carts.
Alternatives to Lyft at LAX
If your party is too large or funding doesn’t provide for a Lyft ride, you may search for an alternative option.
1. Shuttles
The transit system is less expensive but more time-consuming than hiring a Lyft.
LAX offers the FlyAway shuttle, which leaves the airport and stops at four stations around the city near significant bus and train terminals for the local public transit system – in Van Nuys, Union Station, Hollywood, and Longbeach.
You can also book a shuttle to haul your party to your home or hotel if you’re traveling with several others.
2. Taxis
As described above, hailing a taxi or requesting a ride from a taxi service is similar to the rideshare services offered but less high-tech in most cases.
When you arrive at LAX, you will have the chance to call for a cab and wait in the pickup zone for one to come that can accommodate your needs.
You cannot hail taxis with a mobile app, so you’re less likely to encounter shared data or overcharges from system glitches. Taxis are comparable in cost and service levels.
3. Train
Pubic transit takes a bit of planning but can save a lot of stress and struggle to navigate an unfamiliar city, find parking, and avoid traffic.
The LA Metro has a robust public transit system, and you easily can purchase tickets for the public transit system online with LA Metro TAP.
The train is easily caught near one of the four FlyAway shuttle stations and can take you to nearly any part of the city from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should Lyft drivers pick up passengers at the LAX airport?
As a Lyft driver, you will be directed to the LAX-it lot to wait for your passengers. A recent addition to the Lyft app uses a four-digit PIN to match drivers with riders more efficiently.
When is the best time to drive Lyft at LAX?
Surge times are reliable during rush hour, so 7-9 am and 4-7 pm. These time slots will increase your pay rate per rider.
Driving regularly near the airport or registering for the airport driver queue will also put you in line for higher fares.
How much is Lyft from LAX to downtown?
The cost of a Lyft from LAX to Downtown will vary by size and lux level of your ride, as well as the time of day.
You can expect to pay between $40-45 for a base model or $120-130 for the Lyft Lux Black XL. The ride typically takes 20-30 min based on traffic.
