Los Angeles International Taxi vs Uber

Real prices, official pickup locations, scam warnings and the cheapest way from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Los Angeles city centre.

Official Taxi
$50-70 to Downtown / $40 flat to Santa Monica
30-90 min (LA traffic)
LA Taxi Cooperative (LAX-authorized)
Uber
$40-80 (huge surge)
LAX-it lot exclusively โ€” no ride-share pickup at terminal curb since 2019

Cheapest way

FlyAway Bus to Union Station $9.75 โ€” 45 min. Metro C Line + K Line free to Downtown โ€” 60 min.

Where to catch an official taxi

LAX-it lot only โ€” free shuttle from all terminals to LAX-it pickup zone

How to avoid taxi scams at Los Angeles International

  • LAX has NO taxi rank at terminals since 2019 โ€” ALL taxis + rideshares depart from LAX-it lot only.
  • Flat rate to Santa Monica is $40 + tip. Downtown LA is metered.
  • Ignore anyone offering rides inside โ€” they're bandit cabs and illegal.

Skip the queue โ€” pre-book a fixed-price transfer

No haggling, no scam risk, driver meets you inside arrivals with a name-board. Locks price before you fly.

Getting out of Los Angeles (LAX)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer prices
Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.
Currency
USD
English-friendly
High
Tipping
15-20% is standard.

Mobile data for the United States

Get mobile data for the United States set up before you land.

Luggage storage in Los Angeles

Leave your bags somewhere secure in Los Angeles and see the city hands-free.

Airport lounges at Los Angeles Airport

Wait for your flight in a lounge โ€” one membership covers lounges at airports across the country and worldwide.

Where to stay in Los Angeles