How To Call An Uber From LAX
Knowing how to call an Uber from LAX is essential when you are traveling to Los Angeles! They implemented a policy a few years ago that disallows Ride App services from picking up passengers directly from baggage claim. This includes Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts.
They do make tweaks to the policies from time to time. I’ll be sure to keep this guide updated so you can be in the know next time you fly to LA. Keep reading for the current steps to get yourself an Uber, Taxi, or Lyft!
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First of all, if someone you know is coming to pick you up from LAX, they will be able to go into the regular loop and scoop you from baggage claim. Pro-tip: depending on when you land, it could be faster for you to go upstairs and have them pick you up from arrivals.
If your hotel offers an airport shuttle, these will also pick up passengers directly from the curb outside baggage claim. I have used these airport shuttles before when I’ve parked my car longterm at one of the nearby airport hotel parking lots. It is pretty simple to use, I would recommend this option if you are going away for less than a week. You can reserve these online in advance, and it’s a lot cheaper than parking at LAX or calling Ubers both ways.
LAX also modified its policy to allow UberBlack and UberBlack SUV to also pick up directly from the outer curb. So if you want to save time and the hassle, this is a good option.
Using the LAX-It Shuttle
As you’re exiting from baggage claim, follow the signs to Shuttle pickup. When you exit the airport and are outside, there will be signs for LAX-It Shuttles. You’ll want to look for these white buses with the big green LAX-It signs on them:
According to their official website, these shuttles come around every 7 minutes, so you should not be waiting long. When I just got back from Europe, I actually got really lucky and was able to walk right onto the next one. These are free of charge, and they will take you to the official pick up area for ride apps and Taxis.
The ride from the airport to the pickup zone is usually 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, you are then able to call your Uber or Lyft. The app will not allow you to call one until you are close enough in range. The taxis, Ubers and Lyfts each have their own dedicated lane(s) for pickup, so make sure you follow the signs to the correct one.
If you’re hailing a taxi, you will just get in line for the taxis and take the next available one to your destination.
If you called an Uber or Lyft, you will just wait in the zone until your ride arrives! Depending on the time of day, this can take anywhere from 1 minute to 20 minutes. If it’s a busy time, usually drivers will be waiting here already to get connected to a rider.
My sister and I had difficulty one time a couple years ago getting connected to an Uber. We ended up just hopping in a cab, which costs around the same. You can ask the cab drivers how much it will cost to get to your destination; it is typically a flat fee calculated based on your destination from the airport.
Good luck!! If you have any questions, or anything you think this is missing, please leave a comment below or send me a message on Instagram! Happy traveling to Los Angeles!
mariss
