How to Get From LAX: Every Way Out of the Airport (2026)

Just landed at LAX? There are seven real ways out of the airport, and they board in different places. Rideshare and taxis leave from the LAX-it lot, the FlyAway bus and Metro connector leave from the lower-level curb, hotel shuttles board upstairs, rental cars are off-airport, and prearranged chauffeured cars still meet you at the terminal. Here is each option with where to stand, what it costs when the airport publishes a price, and who it suits.

Quick comparison

LAX-it: where rideshare and taxis pick up

The airport's LAX-it page explains it plainly: "LAX-it (pronounced LA Exit) is the new way to get to your Taxi, or ride app services (Uber, Lyft, or Prime Time Rideshare). Walk or catch the free shuttle outside baggage claim on level one to LAX-it." The lot sits next to Terminal 1. From Terminal 1 the airport estimates an 8-minute walk or a 15-minute shuttle ride; from the far terminals the shuttle is the realistic choice. Shuttles stop at the green LAX-it signs on the lower level, "arrive approximately every 7 minutes," and run "24/7, 365 days a year." The lot has restrooms and charging stations. The authorized ride-app providers at LAX are Lyft, Opoli and Uber.

What LAX-it is not: a terminal pickup. If you are carrying a stroller, golf clubs or a tired family, the shuttle ride and the queue at the lot are the part people underestimate.

Taxis

Taxis pick up at three places, per the airport: at LAX-it next to Terminal 1; "inside Parking Structure 3 between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3" for passengers arriving at those two terminals; and "at the far end of Terminal 7 outside of baggage claim" for Terminals 7 and 8. Fares are metered, so a Friday-afternoon crawl up the 405 costs more than the same trip at night.

Prearranged chauffeur: the one that meets you at the terminal

The same LAX-it page lists the services that "still pick up curbside in the terminals": Lyft Lux Black, Uber Black, and "limousines, town cars & private vehicles." A prearranged black car is in that last group. Here is how a Lux4Rides pickup works:

• You give us the flight number when you book. We track the flight and time the pickup to the actual arrival, not the schedule.
• Your chauffeur meets you on the outer curb of the lower/arrivals level outside your baggage claim, which is where the airport directs private pickups. Our terminal pickup meeting points page shows the door numbers.
• If you would rather be met inside, add inside-terminal meet & greet for $60 per booking; the chauffeur waits at baggage claim with a name sign.
• The fare is distance-based and shown before you pay, with no surprise pricing. On 2026-10-10 the examples were $110 to Beverly Hills, $111 to Santa Monica, $122 to Downtown and $165 to the Disneyland Hotel for a sedan. Booking the return at the same time saves 5%.
• Child seats or boosters are $25 each per ride (up to three). Gratuity is optional; 20% is preselected and adjustable at checkout.

Honest downside: it costs more than a bus or a standard rideshare for one person with a backpack. It earns its price with two or more travelers, luggage, a late arrival or a tight meeting. Details and booking are on the LAX car service page.

FlyAway bus

The FlyAway runs "regularly scheduled round-trips, seven days a week, between each terminal at LAX and the locations of Van Nuys and LA Union Station." Board "on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway columns." The airport lists "one-way fares are $12.75 each." Older guides still quote lower fares; the current figure is on the airport's ground-transportation page. It is the right call for Downtown or the Valley if you are not in a hurry and can handle your own bags at the other end.

Metro C and K Lines via the LAX/Metro Transit Center

Since the LAX/Metro Transit Center station opened on June 6, 2025, the Metro C Line, which "previously terminated at Aviation/LAX Station," now runs "directly to the LAX/Metro Transit Center," and the K Line stops there too. From the terminals, take the free LAX Shuttle from the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the lower level; the airport calls this the Metro Connector shuttle for passengers "going to the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station to connect to Metro Rail C & K Lines and Metro and Municipal bus services." Metro's regular fare is $1.75 with a $5 daily cap, paid by TAP card or phone wallet. It is the cheapest option by a wide margin; it is also a shuttle, a train and probably a transfer with your luggage.

Hotel and shared-ride shuttles

Airport-area hotels run courtesy shuttles; per the airport, their stops "are located on the Upper/Departures Level identified by RED curbside pylons." Scheduled shared-ride and regional buses wait "under the orange 'Shared Rides' signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands," and the airport advises confirming you are boarding the right operator's vehicle.

Rental cars

"Rental Car offices are located off airport, away from airline terminals," and the companies "meet arriving customers under the purple 'Rental Car Shuttles' sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim." Budget for the shuttle ride, the counter, and Los Angeles parking at the other end. Worth it for a week of driving; rarely worth it for a two-night stay in one neighborhood.

Being picked up by friends or family

Private cars collect passengers "on the outer curb on the lower level/arrivals level outside of baggage claim." Whoever is meeting you should wait in one of the free 24-hour cell phone lots, the 96th Street Lot at 6217 96th Street or the Century Lot at 5800 W. Century Boulevard, until you text that you are at the curb. We cover the details in picking someone up at LAX and the cell phone waiting lot guide.

Which option is fastest from the gate?

A prearranged chauffeur or a hotel shuttle, because both board at the terminal. Rideshare and most taxis add the LAX-it leg.

Which is cheapest?

Metro at $1.75, then the FlyAway at $12.75. Both trade time and luggage handling for the price.

Can a chauffeur meet me at baggage claim?

Yes. Add inside-terminal meet & greet ($60 per booking) when you book, or CALL (424) 209-8001 / TEXT (424) 209-2006 and we will add it.