As the main airport serving Los Angeles, California, LAX is one of the world’s busiest airports with more than 87 million passengers passing through every year. Thousands of passengers arriving at the mammoth airport each day use ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft for their LAX airport pickup service. Others simply grab a taxi from the curb. Until now, that is. To reduce congestion at the sprawling terminal complex, airport authorities, on October 29, 2019, banned ride-hailing vehicles and taxis from picking up arriving passengers at the curbside in the terminal areas. Curbside drop-offs are still permitted. Instead, after landing, passengers must find their way to a designated area from where taxis and ride-sharing vehicles will take them to their home or hotel.

LAX airport pick-up Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxis have been moved to a remote area called LAX-it (pronounced LA-Exit) which will serve as a centralized waiting zone for guests needing to be picked up by ride-hailing vehicles and taxis. The intent is to free up curb space as the airport undergoes major construction work until 2023 for a people mover train.

According to Keith Wilschetz, Deputy Executive Director at Los Angeles World Airports, the move was necessary because traffic would be unmanageable and unbearable without it. The management has tried to make it easy for arriving passengers with a dedicated shuttle lane and clear walking path to the LAX airport pickup parking for ride hailing and taxis. In theory, diverting traffic is a good solution to the congestion problem. In reality, it is complicated and chaotic. Drivers are confused about the new system. Disabled travelers have criticized the lack of accessibility. And people are already grumbling on social media about wait times ranging from 40 to 60 minutes due to gridlocks on the way out. What does the ride-sharing pickup ban at LAX mean for travelers?

Where is Uber pick up at LAX airport located?

LAX-it, the area from where arriving passengers will be able to grab an Uber, Lyft, Opoli or taxi, is located on the lower/arrivals level near Terminal 1. It is at the corner of Sky Way and World Way and can be accessed by foot or dedicated shuttles that will circle the various terminals. During peak hours, the shuttles will arrive every 3-5 minutes, according to airport management. The waiting area at LAX-it features a shaded area with benches and food trucks, cellphone charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms. 

How long does it take to walk to LAX-it?

Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines) are the luckiest. The walk to LAX-it is under 5 minutes from this terminal. If you have light luggage, then this really shouldn’t be a problem. The walk from Terminal 4 (American Airlines), which is the farthest from LAX-it, can take upwards of 20 minutes. Factor in heavy luggage, and you’re looking at a considerable trek to the new Uber pickup area at LAX. From Terminals 2, 7, 8, the walk will take an estimated 8-10 minutes. From Terminals 3,5,6 and the Bradley International Terminal, it will be a 15- to 20-minute trek to LAX-it where ride hailing drivers and taxis will be available for airport pickup from LAX.

How long does the LAX-it shuttle take?

If you don’t want to walk to your Uber or taxi at LAX, you can take the shuttle bus to LAX-it from the curbside at the arrivals level at the terminal. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes for a shuttle (ideally speaking). The ride will take about 15 minutes. The LAX-it buses will share the dedicated lane with parking lot and inter-terminal connector buses. According to airport management, the shuttles and waiting area at LAX-it are disabled-friendly. Once you’re at the new pickup area for Uber, Lyft, and taxis, you can queue up to get your ride home.

Do I have to wait for taxi pick up at Los Angeles airport?

Drivers have complained that the LAX-it lot for ride sharing cars and taxis is too small and there are long lines to get in and out of the area. Uber drivers pick up 500 riders every hour at LAX and the number doubles at peak hours. Airport officials, however, claim that the LAX Uber and taxi pickup area has sufficient capacity with about 90 bays for ride-hailing vehicles and 40 bays for taxi cabs.

What are the transportation options at LAX?

There are several options available for LAX airport transfers, including rental cars, airport buses, local buses, light rail, taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, taxi cabs, and door-to-door LAX airport shuttles to hotels. Here are some of the ways to get from LAX to your hotel or home:

• LAX shuttle and airline connections take passengers between terminals and from the terminals to the city bus center, metro green line, rental car depot, and parking lots.
• LAX-it is the new hub for arriving passengers to connect to their taxi, Opoli, Lyft, or Uber rides when leaving the airport. Look for the green LAX-it sign at the lower/arrivals level outside each terminal.
• FlyAway buses provide connections between LAX and Hollywood, Long Beach, Union Station, and Van Nuys.
• Private parking lots and LAX airport hotel shuttles are available as courtesy transportation for guests. The stops are located on the upper/departure level and indicated with a red pylon at the curbside.
• Rental car offices are located away from the airport terminals. Courtesy pickup and drop off for rental car customers at LAX are located on the lower/arrivals section and indicated with purple signs.
• Passengers who wish to use scheduled service buses and shared ride vans (LAX airport shuttles to hotels) are picked up under the orange shared ride signs in front of the lower/arrivals area at each terminal. 
• You can no longer grab a cab or Uber at the curbside in front of terminals. The new way to taxi and ride app pickup is LAX-it. Make your way to LAX-it by foot or shuttle to get your ride home.

Best LAX Airport Transfer

If you want to ensure your trip starts and ends in the least stressful and most cost-effective manner, book a LAX 24-hour transfer service (pick-up and drop-off) from/to your home or hotel. When you pre-book the Los Angeles Airport LAX pick up or drop off service, you’ll save any unnecessary hassle and can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. A comfortable 7-seater commercial vehicle will drop you off at the airport and pick you up curbside right outside the terminal upon arrival. Up to 6 people can travel together. You can book two or more vehicles for larger groups needing LAX airport pickup services. There’s no need to walk to LAX-it for a taxi or Uber or carry your luggage on and off airport shuttles to the ride-sharing hub. When you book an airport pickup from LAX, the driver will wait for 1 hour after your flight arrival (domestic flights) and 2 hours after arrival time (international flights). For LAX airport drop-offs, you will arrive well in time for your flight (2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights) and start your trip comfortably and hassle-free.

Looking for things to do in LA?

The City of Angels has something for everyone. First-time visitors can experience the ultimate LA with a Grand City Tour that includes all the must-see attractions. Celebrity watchers can take a tour of movie star homes and some of the most iconic sights in Los Angeles. For the budget traveler, there are many free things to do in LA, from beach time to hikes and museums to theaters. Don’t miss the Hollywood Walk of Fame where more than 2,300 celebrities have unveiled their brass stars. Stroll along Beverly Hills and mingle with the rich and famous or spend a relaxing day at Marina Del Rey. For theme park enthusiasts and families with kids, Los Angeles is home to some of the best theme parks in California. Head out of the city for a day trip to San Diego from LA or drive up the spectacular California Coast visiting Hearst Castle, Solvang, and Santa Barbara.

For more inspiration on what to do in Los Angeles, visit Tours4Fun and start exploring this amazing city. And to start your trip in the best possible way, don’t forget to book your LAX airport pickup service.