LAX Increases Uber, Lyft Fees to Ease Congestion

Airport officials say the fee hike is a "small overdue expense" for rideshare companies.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has unanimously voted to increase fees for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft for drop-offs and pick-ups of customers at LAX. The fees will jump from $4 to $12 per transaction in the more congested Central Terminal Area, with the goal of balancing traffic and easing congestion at the airport.

Why it matters

The fee increases are intended to help manage the high volume of rideshare traffic at LAX, which has contributed to congestion issues around the airport. The revenue generated will be used to fund infrastructure improvements and enhance the overall passenger experience.

The details

The new fees will apply to all commercial for-hire vehicles, including limousines and taxis, which previously only paid a drop-off fee. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft will now pay $12 for each pick-up and drop-off in the Central Terminal Area. Fees for pick-ups and drop-offs at the new Ground Transport Center on Aviation Boulevard will be $6. Airport officials noted that these fee increases are common at U.S. airports and the revenue will not come from taxpayer dollars.

  • The fee increases will go into effect once the automated people mover, SkyLink, opens this summer.

The players

Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners

The governing body that oversees operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

David Reich

Deputy Executive Director for Mobility Strategy at Los Angeles World Airports, the agency that operates LAX.

Matthew M. Johnson

Vice president of the Board of Airport Commissioners.

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What they’re saying

“Despite rideshare companies profiting heavily from LAX, the fees they pay to access our airport have remained unchanged for more than a decade, even as airports nationwide have increased both pickup and drop‑off charges.”

— David Reich, Deputy Executive Director for Mobility Strategy, Los Angeles World Airports (cbsnews.com)

“These fee increases are a small, overdue expense for rideshare companies, and will support substantial reinvestment in critical projects across the airport designed to enhance airport experience for employees, guests, and all Angelenos.”

— David Reich, Deputy Executive Director for Mobility Strategy, Los Angeles World Airports (cbsnews.com)

“There was a comment made earlier that customers already pay for this through their tax dollars. I think it's important to note that there are no tax dollars that are used to run or operate the airport. The only money that is used to run and operate the airport is revenue-centered, generated by and at the airport.”

— Matthew M. Johnson, Vice president of the Board of Airport Commissioners (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The new fees will go into effect once the automated people mover, SkyLink, opens at LAX this summer.

The takeaway

The fee increases at LAX are an effort to manage the high volume of rideshare traffic and congestion at the airport, while also generating revenue to fund infrastructure improvements and enhance the overall passenger experience. The move highlights the ongoing challenges airports face in balancing the needs of various transportation modes and ensuring a smooth travel experience for all.