
Guide · Updated October 2026 · By Artisan Limo
LAX Car Service vs Uber
At LAX, the biggest difference between a car service and a standard Uber or Lyft is where you get picked up. Standard rideshare and taxis pick up at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, which you reach on foot or by shuttle. A private car service picks you up at the terminal curb. This guide compares the two on pickup, price, waiting, luggage and child seats, using LAX's own rules, so you can choose what fits your trip.
Reserve your ride
Terminal curb pickup · Real-time flight tracking · 60 min included wait on domestic arrivals, 90 min international (sedans and SUVs) · Price shown before you book
Comparison
Side-by-side comparison
Pickup facts from LAX's LAX-it pages. Rideshare prices change with demand. With Artisan you see the full price before you book and a professional chauffeur drives.
| Compare | Artisan car service | Standard Uber or Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup at LAX | Terminal curb, outermost lane on the arrivals level | LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, by walking or free shuttle |
| Price | Full price shown before you book | Changes with demand |
| Flight delays | We track your flight and adjust the pickup | You request the ride after you land |
| Waiting | Sedans and SUVs: 60 minutes domestic, 90 minutes international | Request when you're ready at LAX-it |
| Inside the terminal | Optional $25 meet-and-greet, chauffeur waits inside | Not offered |
| Child seats | In SUVs, up to 2, requested in advance | Check the app before you ride |
| Groups | SUVs for 6, Sprinters and coaches by written quote | Larger cars on some ride types |
| Booking ahead | Reserved in advance | On demand |
Pickup
Pickup: curb vs LAX-it
According to LAX, taxis, Uber and Lyft pick up at LAX-it, next to Terminal 1. You can walk there on a signed route from outside baggage claim, or take the free shuttle from the green stops on the arrivals level. LAX says the shuttles run about every 7 minutes in dedicated lanes.
LAX also says "LAX-it does not affect limousine or executive car pickup." Limousines and town cars pick up at the outermost curb on the arrivals level outside baggage claim, and so do premium app rides such as Uber Black and Lyft Lux. Full details: LAX-it pickup.
Price
Price: fixed before you book vs demand pricing
Starting fares are the minimum for each vehicle class, not a fixed airport or destination fare. Your complete price depends on the exact addresses, time and options, and you see it before you book. Required trip costs are included. Gratuity is optional.
Standard Uber and Lyft prices change with demand, so the same trip can cost different amounts at different times. If you compare, check both prices for your actual time and address. For a premium curbside rideshare, compare against Uber Black. Black car options: black car service Los Angeles.
With Artisan, you see the full price before you book. Rides start from:
| Vehicle | Passengers | Starting from |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Sedan | Up to 2 | $135 |
| Executive SUV (Suburban) | Up to 6 | $155 |
| Luxury SUV (Escalade) | Up to 6 | $185 |
| Luxury Sedan (S-Class / 7 Series) | Up to 2 | $235 |
Waiting
Flight delays and waiting
When you add your flight number, we track your flight in real time, so your pickup follows your actual landing. Domestic arrivals in a sedan or SUV include 60 minutes of waiting and international arrivals 90 minutes, counted from wheels-down. For Sprinters, vans and coaches, waiting is set in the written quote. With a rideshare, you request a ride when you're ready at LAX-it.
Kids
Traveling with kids
LAX says the LAX-it shuttles don't have seat belts to secure a car seat. With Artisan, child seats are available in SUVs only, up to 2 per vehicle. Request them in advance with each child's age, weight and height. Child seats are subject to availability.
Which to choose
When each one makes sense
How to pick a car service company: best LAX car service. Book an LAX pickup: LAX car service.
Choose a car service
When you want curbside pickup, a set price before you travel, flight tracking, help with luggage, child seats in an SUV, or a ride booked for someone else.
Choose a standard rideshare
When you're traveling light, don't mind the trip to LAX-it, and want a ride on demand.
Choose a group vehicle
When you have more than 6 people: Sprinters and coaches keep everyone together.
Departures
Departures: drop-off at LAX
LAX-it only changes pickups. For departures, both a car service and a rideshare drop you at your airline's departure level. With Artisan, your chauffeur arrives at the time you choose and waits 15 minutes at your door on a point-to-point booking.
Book
Book your LAX car service
Enter your flight and address in the booking form to see your price, or call the concierge at (888) 850-0420. All Los Angeles services: car service Los Angeles.
Personal attention, every mile
Before you book
LAX car service vs Uber FAQ
For your exact route, vehicle and timing, review the trip details and terms before submitting.
Speak with the conciergeIs it difficult to get an Uber from LAX?
Standard Uber rides pick up at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, so you walk or take the free shuttle there first. Uber Black and car services pick up at the terminal curb.
Are Ubers allowed to drop off at LAX?
Yes. LAX-it only affects pickups. Rideshare and car services drop off at the departure level.
Is it cheaper to get a taxi or Uber from LAX?
It depends on the time and destination. Taxis and standard Uber both pick up at LAX-it. Rideshare prices change with demand. With Artisan you see the full price before you book and a professional chauffeur drives.
How much is a car service from LAX?
With Artisan Limo, rides start from $135 in an Executive Sedan, $155 in a Suburban, $185 in an Escalade and $235 in an S-Class or 7 Series. Your exact price is shown before you book.
Does Uber Black pick up at the LAX curb?
Yes. LAX lists Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux XL among the rides that still pick up curbside.
Can I cancel a car service booking?
Standard confirmed transfers get a full refund when you cancel at least 48 hours before pickup. Inside 48 hours, any refund is at Artisan's discretion. Group programs use 7 days.
Plan the rest of your journey
Policies and planning
Artisan Limo