Where to Grab Taxis, Uber, Lyft
This is the first in an on-going series about the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP).
Major infrastructure projects are transforming Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). With a goal to improve travel experiences, the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), is a multi-billion dollar modernization program comprised of numerous critical infrastructure projects that will create a fully connected airport.
The Automated People Mover (APM) — expected to be complete by 2023 — will ultimately connect the terminals to ground transportation options at two Intermodal Transportation Facilities. During construction, travelers have to navigate a bit to access ride-hailing services as the loading areas have changed.
Departures
There are a variety of taxi services that operate to and from LAX. Additionally, Lyft, Opoli, and Uber are the authorized providers for ride-share services at LAX.
When dropping off at the airport, taxis or the other services can take passengers directly to the terminal curb for their airline on the upper level for departures.
There’s an app for that
The ongoing construction often requires lanes in the central terminal area to be reduced or reconfigured. Thus, in October 2019, it became necessary to temporarily move taxi and ride app pickups.
Today, taxis can be found inside Parking Structure 3 between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3, and at the far end of Terminal 7 outside of baggage claim.
But for anyone arriving at LAX, one of the best ways to access a taxi or other ride-share service is to use the LAX-it (pronounced LA Exit) app. Go through the app to schedule your ride.
Free shuttles outside baggage claim on the lower level take travelers to an expanded LAX-it pick-up area, a lot east of Terminal 1 at World Way and Sky Way. After picking up your luggage, simply exit the terminal and follow the green LAX-it signs. Get a ride on the LAX-it shuttle at the inner curb outside of baggage claim areas. Once you alight the shuttle in the LAX-it lot, you can locate your taxi, Lyft, Opoli, or Uber. Any passenger who needs assistance getting into or out of the shuttle may ask the bus operator for help.
Two other options
It’s worth noting that passengers comfortable with walking can access the LAX-it lot on foot. From Terminals 1, 2, 7 or 8, the walk is a few hundred yards and should take fewer than 10 minutes; simply follow those green LAX-it signs.
Curbside pickup is still available for those who want it. Some limousine and transport services, including 24-7 Ride, Blacklane, Limos4, Lyft Lux, Uber Black, and Uber Black SUV hold Transportation Charter Party permits that allow for pickups at the outer island median of the arrivals level.
As LAMP progresses, airport guests will find a more easily accessible LAX that is a first-class, convenient, and reliable transportation experience. “We believe that we are going to be making Los Angeles International Airport, one of the best airports in the world, a place that customers will look forward to coming to,” says Justin Erbacci, chief executive officer of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
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