Key Takeaways
- At LAX, you can get an Uber by heading to the LAX-it lot, except for Uber Black or Lyft Lux rides which can pick you up directly at terminals.
- Taxis are a fast alternative to Uber at LAX, often available at the LAX-it lot without waiting.
- Uber fares at LAX vary, with a downtown ride costing between $30 and $83, depending on several factors like distance and time.
- For departures, Uber offers curbside drop-offs at LAX terminals, offering a straightforward process for travelers.
Can You Get an Uber at LAX?
Yes, you can get an Uber at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but Uber at LAX works a bit differently than at airports in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, or Denver.
Instead of curbside pickup at each terminal, you must go to a designated area called LAX-it, which was created to reduce airport congestion. From LAX-it, you can request an Uber, including standard and luxury options.
The facility includes conveniences like restrooms and phone chargers. This setup is used for airport arrivals, while departures enjoy curbside drop-offs at the terminals.
This system applies to most rideshare services, including Lyft.
The exception to this is if you’re calling an Uber Black or Lyft Lux. These type of rides can pick you up directly at the arrival terminal, without having to go to the LAX-it lot.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
Personally, I opt for a taxi instead of an Uber when I am traveling to Los Angeles. There are tons of them waiting for riders at the LAX-it lot.
My experience has been that taxis are a much faster option compared to taking an Uber or Lyft ride. Instead of having to wait for a rideshare vehicle, taxis are sitting there waiting, ready to go.
Taxi prices are usually about the same, if not cheaper, than calling an Uber. They also take both cash and cards, which makes it a very flexible and quick alternative.
Factors like time of day, surge pricing, and specific needs (such as traveling with family or hauling lots of luggage) usually help me quickly make my choice between one or the other.
Fees and Estimated Fares for Uber at LAX
On average, a ride from LAX to a downtown Los Angeles location like JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live may cost between $30 and $83, with the journey typically taking 25-30 minutes.
Uber fares at LAX are based on dynamic pricing, which varies depending on several factors such as the distance to your destination, the number of passengers waiting at LAX-it, driver availability, tolls, and the type of service requested.
Because of that, Uber pricing calculation can be a little tricky. Finally, if you’re worried about the actual price of your Uber trip, there are several ways to get free rides.
Arranging an Uber Pickup at LAX
If you’re planning to catch an Uber the next time you land at LAX, we can help. In this section, we’ll cover the step-by-step process of requesting a ride at the airport.
Step 1: Exit on the Arrivals Level
It’s best practice to wait until you exit on the arrivals level before you order an Uber ride. That’s because it’s usually tough to predict how long it’ll take you to get through airport security.
Plus, Uber drivers will only wait around five minutes for passengers before moving on to the next ride.
So, to ensure you don’t miss your car while waiting in line, it’s best to bide your time until you’re on the arrivals level.
Step 2: Assess Your Group and Luggage Needs
Once you exit on the arrivals levels, take a minute to assess the size of your group and your luggage needs. This will help you decide on the best service to use later on.
For small parties, the ideal choice is UberX, XL, or Comfort. Yet, when traveling with a large group and plenty of bags, an Uber SUV may be the best way to go.
Step 3: Launch the Uber App
Now, you’re ready to launch the Uber app. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to spend a little time creating an account.
The app will ask you for your name, phone number, banking details, and access to your location information. All you have to do is fill in the data and wait for a verification code.
Yet, if you’ve used Uber before, the process is slightly different. Fortunately, you can skip the basic information entry and jump straight to the location settings.
You need to update the app with your current position to ensure the Uber arrives at the proper meet-up spot.
Step 4: Set Destination and Choose the Appropriate Service
After you double-check your pickup spot, it’s time to set your destination. Click the “Where To?” field and fill in your desired drop-off location.
Then, the app will ask you to choose a service. Here are the available options:
- UberX
- Uber Comfort
- Uber Black
- Uber WAV
- UberXL
- UberBlack SUV
- Uber Lux
You can even choose to ride Uber Pool if you’re traveling alone with little luggage.
Step 5: Make Your Way to the Pickup Location
It can take a few minutes for Uber to pair you with a driver. In the meantime, make your way to the designated pickup location.
For UberBlack and Lux, find the nearest curb and wait for your driver to arrive. Yet, with any other Uber service, you’ll need to head to LAX-it.
The facility is next to Terminal One, but you should be able to get to it, no matter where you exit. Thankfully, there are plenty of signs around the airport that can guide you to the facility.
Alternatively, you can use the LAX-it interactive map or Google Maps to plot your trek.
Besides that, passengers can choose to walk to the facility or take a shuttle bus. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or children, we recommend you take the bus.
Step 6: Wait for Your Driver
After arriving at LAX-it, all that’s left is waiting for your driver. Luckily, the facility offers many amenities that can make your wait comfortable.
This includes restrooms, changing areas, and charging stations. On top of that, there are a few eateries nearby that provide the perfect setting for a snack.
Although, you typically won’t have to wait in line and place an order. Your driver should arrive at LAX-it in under 10 minutes.
If you have to wait for any longer than that, it may be a good idea to call your driver and ask for an estimated time of arrival.
How to Get to LAX-it
LAX-it is located near Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport and is easily accessible. It’s closest to Terminals 1, 2, 7, and 8, and signposts guide passengers who choose to walk.
The time to reach LAX-it varies depending on your terminal; for instance, walking from Terminal 1 takes about three minutes, while the shuttle might take 15 minutes.
The easiest way to get directions to LAX-it is to just route yourself there with Google Maps:
Alternatively, LAX-it has an interactive map on their site that will show you the different distances and route times from terminal to terminal:
It’s a bit harder to use than Google maps, but everybody has their preferences.
The shuttle service, marked with “LAX-it” signs, is a better option for those with more luggage or arriving at Terminals 3, 4, 5, and 6.
There are designated pickup spots at each terminal, with shuttles arriving every 3-5 minutes and are free of charge.
Related: LAX parking options to consider
Uber Drop-offs at LAX
You can order an Uber from anywhere in Los Angeles to LAX. To do that, launch the Uber app and enter your current location.
Next, navigate to the “Where To?” field and enter LAX. At that point, the app will give you a list of available drop-off points.
Take a minute to look through the options and choose the one that best matches your destination. However, if you want to skip this hassle, you can enter the name of your airline instead.
As we mentioned, Uber drivers can drop you off curbside, but you’ll have to be quick about it. You only have a couple of minutes to unload the car and enter the airport.
So, if you’d like a little extra time for goodbyes, it may be a good idea to stop at the LAX airport parking lot first.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Uber Experience at LAX
Navigating the airport can be an incredibly stressful experience. So, the last thing you want is a lousy car ride.
As luck would have it, there are a few ways you can ensure a stress-free ride. For starters, you have to be vigilant for any hustles like the “Say My Name” scam.
Besides that, remember that your luggage is your responsibility.
Drivers don’t have to help riders load or unload their bags from the trunk. So, if you’d like assistance, you can politely ask the driver.
Lastly, tipping your driver is always a good idea.
Other Options to Consider Instead of Uber
1. Book an Opoli
Opoli is a viable alternative to Uber, operating at airports like LAX. It offers door-to-door service without surge pricing, using a unique bidding system for fare negotiation.
2. Book a Lyft
As a popular rideshare option, Lyft often provides more affordable rates compared to Uber. Like Uber, most Lyft services require you to use LAX-it, but Lyft LUX offers curbside pickup.
3. Book a Taxi
Taxis are available at LAX-it and additional locations for Terminal 3 and 7/8 arrivals. They offer another convenient option, especially for those arriving at specific terminals.
4. Public Transportation
Utilize LAX’s free shuttle buses to connect to the LAX City Bus Center or the Metro Green Line at Aviation Station. The LAX FlyAway Bus offers routes to Van Nuys or LA Union Station, and various public buses serve different areas in and around Los Angeles.
SuperShuttle and Jayride are also alternatives for airport transportation.
Why Did LAX Ban Curbside Pickups?
LAX banned curbside pickups by rideshare companies to alleviate traffic jams and congestion.
This decision was particularly influenced by ongoing construction, which rendered 30% of the usual pickup and dropoff areas unusable. The measure aims to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce wait times for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LAX Airport Have a Taxi Service?
Yes, if you make your way to LAX-it, you should find plenty of taxis waiting at the facility. Cabs are typically faster and more affordable than most rideshare services.
Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Los Angeles?
The answer to this question will depend on when you request a ride. During peak hours, taxis tend to be the most affordable ride option.
How Much Does an Uber Cost From LAX to Downtown LA?
Based on traffic conditions and driver availability, it can cost anywhere between $30 and $100 for an Uber ride from LAX to Downtown LA.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, our complete guide on Uber at LAX. The service provides speedy, convenient rides to and from this busy airport.
As long as you stick to the designated pickup and drop-off location, using this service should be a breeze. So, the next time you’re at LAX, don’t forget to use our tips and guidelines to ensure a seamless, stress-free Uber experience.
This was very helpful. Which taxi companies are at the LAX-It location and do they have their own App ? I’m assuming using a credit card avoids the need of them using an app for their clients?