For LAX airport transportation, the drive takes about 25 minutes. Taxis and ride-app vehicles pick up at LAX-it, while Metro serves the LAX/Metro Transit Center; plan the onward connection before you travel.
- Drive: About 25 minutes from LAX by car.
- Taxi and ride-app pickups: Use the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1.
- Transit connection: The C Line or K Line serves the LAX/Metro Transit Center, with a free shuttle between the center and airport terminals.
LAX at a glance
For a direct airport pickup, make your way to LAX-it, the central lot next to Terminal 1.
For public transit, travel to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and plan the onward trip.
How do taxi and rideshare pickups work at LAX?
Taxis and ride-app vehicles pick up at LAX-it, the central pickup lot beside Terminal 1. From the lower, arrivals level, you can walk there or take the free LAX-it shuttle.
To board that shuttle, look for the green LAX-it signs at the inner curb outside baggage claim. Confirm your meeting point in the app or with your taxi provider before leaving the terminal.
Only taxis bearing an official seal issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation can pick up at the airport. LAX names Lyft, Opoli, Uber and Wingz as ride-app providers.
For other shuttles, pickup and drop-off locations are at pink zones on the lower level. Follow the airport signs to the relevant zone rather than waiting at the terminal curb for a vehicle that must use LAX-it.
How do you plan public transit from LAX?
The C Line and K Line serve the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which connects to the airport terminals by a free, frequent shuttle. The shuttle leaves from bus bays 1 and 2 and serves all LAX terminals.
That airport connection gets you between the transit center and the terminals, but you’ll need to plan the onward journey, including transfers and the final leg. Check current routes, fares and service hours before setting out.
Metro’s online line-schedule listing includes Line 102, which runs from LAX/Metro Transit Center to South Gate via La Tijera Boulevard and Exposition Boulevard, and Line 210, which runs between South Bay/Redondo Beach Transit Center and Hollywood/Vine Station via Crenshaw Boulevard. These route descriptions do not establish either line as a complete trip to your destination.
Driving and parking
LAX is about a 25-minute drive from this Los Angeles hotel. If you plan to drive, allow time to collect your vehicle and use your chosen navigation route; the drive time can vary.
Choosing the right option for your arrival
A taxi or ride-app pickup takes you to LAX-it to meet your driver. For Metro, take the C Line or K Line to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, use the free terminal shuttle if needed, and plan the onward trip.
After arrival, how to get around Los Angeles from the hotel can help with local transport planning.
Allow time for the final leg from the airport, especially if you have plans across the city.
If your plans include the district, Koreatown’s food and landmarks make what to see in Koreatown another part of the trip to map out.
Before you go: Airport pickup rules and Metro service details can change, so check the official site before you go, including LAX and LA Metro.
FAQs
How long is the drive from LAX?
The drive takes about 25 minutes.
Where do taxis and ride-app cars pick up at LAX?
They pick up at LAX-it, the central lot next to Terminal 1. Walk there or take the free shuttle from the lower, arrivals level.
Is there a direct Metro route from LAX?
The C Line and K Line serve the LAX/Metro Transit Center, but you’ll need to plan the onward journey from there.