LAX Airport Transportation: Shuttle, Taxi, and Transit Options

LAX ground transportation pickup points are on the Lower/Arrivals Level or at the airport’s transit connections, depending on the service.

For taxis and ride-app pickups, LAX-it is the central pickup lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the free shuttle. The shuttle boards at green signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level and, according to LAX, arrives every 3 to 5 minutes.

Some arriving passengers can also find taxi pickups at other locations: Parking Structure 3, between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3, serves passengers arriving at those terminals. The far end of Terminal 7 serves passengers arriving at Terminals 7 and 8.

Scheduled-bus passengers should wait beneath the orange Shared Rides signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level, in front of each terminal, and confirm they board the correct operator’s vehicle. The Metro Connector shuttle links the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center.

Pickup arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

LAX has shuttle and scheduled-bus services, but the scheduled-bus operators named in its ground-transportation document do not identify El Monte as a destination.

The free LAX-it shuttle is for passengers heading to the central taxi and ride-app pickup lot. It is distinct from scheduled buses, which pick up at the orange Shared Rides signs in front of each terminal on the Lower/Arrivals Level.

The document names Antelope Express, Mickey’s Space Ship Shuttle, Santa Barbara Airbus, Shuttle One, Shuttle 2000 and Ventura County Airporter as scheduled-bus operators. El Monte is not among their destinations, so check each operator’s current route information before relying on a scheduled bus for that journey.

A Metro Connector shuttle provides another airport connection, linking the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center. LAX says it runs every day from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., averaging one shuttle every 10 minutes.

For the onward journey, compare the route options from LAX to El Monte for Aqua Inn Motel guests.

Passengers departing LAX use LAX-it to meet a taxi or ride-app vehicle, while arriving passengers can be dropped off at their terminal on the Upper/Departures Level.

Only taxis displaying an official seal issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation may pick up passengers at LAX. The airport names Bell Cab Company, Beverly Hills Cab Company, City Cab, Independent Taxi, United Checker Cab, United Independent Taxi Drivers (UITD), United Taxi of San Fernando Valley (UTSFV) and Yellow Cab as authorized taxi companies.

LAX identifies Lyft, Opoli and Uber as authorized ride-app providers. For a pickup after landing, head to LAX-it; if you’re being dropped off, the airport’s stated drop-off point is your terminal on the Upper/Departures Level.

Public transit from LAX connects through the LAX/Metro Transit Center, while FlyAway buses run to Union Station and Van Nuys.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center is served by the Metro C Line and K Line. The Metro Connector shuttle links it with the terminals. LAWA sets the regular Metro fare at $1.75 for one direction, including 2 hours of free transfers, with TAP Card as the payment method.

FlyAway buses connect the airport terminals with Union Station and Van Nuys seven days a week. LAWA sets the fare at $12.75 per trip and says cash is not accepted. Passengers can pay when boarding by tapping a contactless Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by using the LAX FlyAway app.

El Monte’s commuter shuttle connects El Monte Metrolink Station with the Flair Park Business District, Civic Center and El Monte Bus Station. It operates Monday through Friday during peak morning commute periods and at midday. For local connections from the station, consult this guide to El Monte Station and local transit.

The airport’s transit connections reach Union Station and Van Nuys, while the El Monte shuttle serves local destinations from El Monte Metrolink Station. Check current operators and connections when planning how to join those parts of a journey.

Where do you catch a taxi at LAX?

The central taxi pickup lot is LAX-it, next to Terminal 1. Additional taxi pickup points serve passengers arriving at Terminals B and 3, and at Terminals 7 and 8.

Which ride-app services are authorized at LAX?

LAX identifies Lyft, Opoli and Uber as authorized ride-app providers. Departing passengers use LAX-it for pickups.

Does a scheduled airport shuttle go to El Monte?

The scheduled-bus operators named in LAX’s ground-transportation document do not serve El Monte. Check the operator’s current route information before making plans.

What does the LAX FlyAway bus cost?

LAWA sets the FlyAway fare at $12.75 per trip and says cash is not accepted. Payment options include a contactless Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or the LAX FlyAway app.