LAX Arrival Guide: How to Get from the Airport to the City

Welcome to Los Angeles! You’ve landed at LAX — now what? Here’s your cheat sheet to every smart way to get out of the airport and into the city.

🚖 1. Ride-Share Services (Uber, Lyft, Alto)

✅ Best For: Most travelers

💵 Cost: $30–$60 depending on traffic and destination

• Where to catch it:
  Take the free LAX-it shuttle from your terminal to the designated ride-share pickup area (about 5–10 min ride).

• Apps needed: Uber / Lyft / Alto (Alto is more premium & requires pre-booking)

• Tips:

  • Prices surge during rush hour (especially 3–7pm).

  • You can select “Uber Pool” or “Lyft Shared” for cheaper rides, though less common post-COVID.

🚕 2. Official Taxis (Yellow Cab, etc.)

✅ Best For: Travelers who don’t want to deal with apps

💵 Cost: Flat rate ~$50–$70 to downtown LA

• Where to catch it: Same as ride-share – take the LAX-it shuttle, then follow signs to the taxi stand.

• Pros: No phone needed, regulated pricing.

• Cons: Slightly more expensive than Uber/Lyft. May wait longer in line.

🚗 3. Rental Cars (if you’re brave)

✅ Best For: Explorers & road-trippers

💵 Cost: $40–$120/day (plus insurance and gas)

• Where: Major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, etc.) operate off-site.
  Take a dedicated rental car shuttle from the terminal.

• Driving in LA:
  Fun fact — traffic is technically classified as a sport here. Only rent if you’re planning to visit places outside the city.

🚐 4. Shared Vans / Shuttles

✅ Best For: Budget-conscious solo travelers

💵 Cost: $20–$35 per person

• Companies:

  • SuperShuttle Express (shared)

  • Prime Time Shuttle (shared or private)

• Where: You’ll get pickup instructions upon booking; some operate from LAX-it, some directly from terminal curbs.

🚉 5. Public Transportation (Metro + Bus)

✅ Best For: Budget travelers with light luggage

💵 Cost: $1.75–$9

• Step 1: Take the “LAX FlyAway Bus” to Union Station (Downtown LA) – $9.75

  • Direct, fast, and comfy.

  • Departs every ~30 min.

• Step 2 (optional): From Union Station, take the Metro Red/Purple Line to other neighborhoods.

• Alternative:
  You can also take a free shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Metro Station and hop on the Metro C Line (Green Line).
  (Warning: not great if you’re jetlagged or carrying three suitcases and a surfboard.)

👨‍✈️ 6. Private Drivers (Pre-Booked Car Services)

✅ Best For: VIP vibe, families, business trips

💵 Cost: $70–$150 depending on service

• Recommended apps/services:

  • Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, ExecuCar

• Pros: Meet-and-greet service, help with luggage, child seat options.

• Book in advance – they track your flight and wait if it’s delayed.

🧠 Pro Tips:

• Download apps before landing – cell service inside LAX can be unreliable.

• Avoid peak hours if possible (3–7pm weekdays is traffic hell).

• Going far? Consider taking the FlyAway Bus to Union Station and continuing from there — it avoids freeway madness.

• Tipping: Standard tip is 15–20% for drivers in the US.

💼 Best Overall Option?