Guide · Updated October 2026 · By Artisan Limo
LAX Ground Transportation
LAX ground transportation is split between the terminal curbs and the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. Taxis and standard Uber and Lyft rides pick up at LAX-it. Prearranged car services, limousines and premium app rides pick up at the terminal curb. Free shuttles, the FlyAway bus, hotel shuttles and rental car shuttles each board at their own colored signs. This guide explains where each option picks up, what it costs where a price is published, and how to choose. Facts are from LAX and the City of Los Angeles, checked October 6, 2026.
Reserve your ride
Terminal curb pickup · Real-time flight tracking · Optional $25 meet-and-greet · Price shown before you book
At a glance
LAX ground transportation at a glance
LAX notes that construction has moved some loading areas, so follow the signs at the airport on the day.
| Option | Where it picks up arriving passengers | Sign to look for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prearranged car service or limousine | Outermost curb, arrivals level, outside baggage claim | Your chauffeur's instructions | Set when you book |
| Taxi | LAX-it lot; a few at Parking Structure 3 and the far end of Terminal 7 | Green LAX-it signs | Metered, or flat fare to Downtown |
| Uber and Lyft (standard) | LAX-it lot | Green LAX-it signs | Changes with demand |
| Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Lyft Lux | Terminal curb | App instructions | Changes with demand |
| FlyAway bus | Arrivals level in front of each terminal | Blue FlyAway columns | $12.75 one way |
| Free LAX shuttles (terminals, Metro, economy parking) | Arrivals level in front of each terminal | Pink LAX Shuttle signs | Free |
| Rental car shuttles | Arrivals level islands outside baggage claim | Purple Rental Car Shuttles signs | Free to the rental office |
| Hotel shuttles | Departures (upper) level | Red curbside pylons | Set by the hotel |
| Scheduled shared-ride buses | Arrivals level islands | Orange Shared Rides signs | Set by the operator |
LAX-it
LAX-it: taxis and standard ride apps
LAX-it is the pickup lot next to Terminal 1 for taxis and standard ride-app rides such as Uber and Lyft. From baggage claim, you can walk the signed route (luggage carts are allowed) or take the free LAX-it shuttle from the green-wrapped stops on the arrivals level. According to LAX, the shuttles run about every 7 minutes, 24 hours a day, in dedicated lanes and make at most two stops. LAX-it shuttles don't have seat belts to secure a car seat. For a step-by-step guide, see LAX-it pickup.
Taxi
LAX taxi: where to find one and what it costs
Where
Mostly at the LAX-it lot. A few taxis also wait inside Parking Structure 3, between the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 3, and at the far end of Terminal 7 outside baggage claim.
Flat fare to Downtown
The City of Los Angeles sets a $51.15 flat fare between LAX and Downtown, plus a $4 surcharge on trips leaving LAX.
Other trips
Metered at the city's posted rates.
Shuttles
LAX shuttle options
"LAX shuttle" can mean several different services:
Free LAX shuttles
Free LAX shuttles connect the terminals with each other, LAX Economy Parking and the LAX/Metro Transit Center. They stop at the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the arrivals level.
LAX-it shuttle
The LAX-it shuttle takes you from the terminals to the taxi and ride-app lot (green signs).
FlyAway bus
The FlyAway bus runs nonstop between every terminal and two destinations: LA Union Station and Van Nuys. The one-way fare is $12.75. Its Hollywood and Long Beach routes are suspended.
Hotel shuttles
Hotel shuttles from many airport-area hotels stop at the red pylons on the departures level.
Shared-ride shuttles
Shared-ride shuttles from private operators wait at the orange Shared Rides signs and may stop for other passengers on the way.
Metro
Metro rail to and from LAX
The LAX/Metro Transit Center opened in June 2025, with Metro's C and K Lines and several bus lines. Take the free shuttle from the pink LAX Shuttle signs to reach it. It's the lowest-cost way into the city, but most trips need a transfer, which is harder with luggage.
People mover
The LAX people mover
LAX's Automated People Mover train, which will link the terminals with parking, the rental car center and the Metro Transit Center, is not carrying passengers yet. In September 2026 its contractor targeted January 6, 2027 for passenger service and said further delays are possible, according to the Los Angeles Times. Until it opens, use the shuttles above.
Car service
Prearranged car service and limousines
According to LAX, "LAX-it does not affect limousine or executive car pickup." Prearranged car services, limousines and town cars pick up at the outermost curb on the arrivals level, outside baggage claim, so you walk out and into the car.
With Artisan Limo, your chauffeur tracks your flight, meets you at the curb or, with the optional $25 meet-and-greet, inside the terminal, and you see the complete price before you book. Rides start from $135. See LAX car service.
Which option
Which option should you choose?
Going Downtown? See LAX to Downtown LA car service.
| If you are… | Good options |
|---|---|
| Traveling alone with a carry-on, heading Downtown | FlyAway bus to Union Station, Metro, or a taxi at the flat fare |
| A family with luggage and car seats | Prearranged car service in an SUV (child seats on request) |
| A business traveler with a meeting to reach | Prearranged car service with curbside pickup |
| A group of 7 or more | Sprinter van or coach by written quote |
| Staying at an airport hotel | Your hotel's shuttle (check with the hotel) |
| Renting a car | The rental company's shuttle from the purple signs |
Family pickup
Being picked up by family or friends
LAX says private cars pick up on the outer curb of the arrivals level outside baggage claim. Drivers can wait for free at the airport's cell phone waiting lots on 96th Street and at Century Boulevard until you call.
Book
Book an LAX car service
Enter your flight and destination 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 ground transportation FAQ
For your exact route, vehicle and timing, review the trip details and terms before submitting.
Speak with the conciergeIs it cheaper to take a taxi or Uber from LAX?
It depends on the trip and the time. Taxis to Downtown have a $51.15 flat fare plus a $4 surcharge. Uber and Lyft prices change with demand. Both pick up at the LAX-it lot.
How does the LAX shuttle work?
Free LAX shuttles stop at the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the arrivals level and connect the terminals, economy parking and the LAX/Metro Transit Center. The free LAX-it shuttle to the taxi and ride-app lot stops at the green LAX-it signs.
How much does a LAX shuttle cost?
LAX's own terminal, parking, Metro and LAX-it shuttles are free. The FlyAway bus is $12.75 one way. Shared-ride and hotel shuttles set their own prices.
Where do car services pick up at LAX?
At the outermost curb on the arrivals level outside baggage claim. LAX says LAX-it does not affect limousine or executive car pickup.
Where does the FlyAway bus go?
Between every LAX terminal and LA Union Station or Van Nuys. It boards at the blue FlyAway columns on the arrivals level.
Is the LAX people mover open?
Not yet. As of September 2026 the contractor was targeting January 6, 2027, and said further delays are possible.
What is the easiest way to leave LAX with kids and luggage?
A prearranged car service in an SUV picks you up at the terminal curb. Child seats are available in SUVs only, up to 2 per vehicle, requested in advance with each child's age, weight and height, subject to availability.
Plan the rest of your journey
Policies and planning
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