LAX Approves Rideshare Fee Hike for Uber, Lyft

New fees could add up to $8 to the cost of a single trip to or from the airport

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a significant increase in fees for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The new fee structure will add a $6 base fee for all rideshare vehicles entering the airport, plus an additional $6 fee for pickups or drop-offs at the Central Terminal Area, potentially resulting in a total cost of up to $12 per trip.

Why it matters

The fee hike is intended to alleviate traffic congestion at LAX and encourage travelers to use the newly opened SkyLink automated people mover. However, Uber has criticized the increase, warning that it will be passed directly onto riders and negatively impact drivers, who could lose around $1,000 in earnings per quarter due to reduced demand.

The details

Under the current system, rideshare companies pay approximately $4 per pickup or drop-off at LAX. The new plan will introduce a $6 base fee for all rideshare vehicles entering the airport, plus an additional $6 fee for pickups or drop-offs at the Central Terminal Area. In contrast, taxi companies currently pay $4 for pickups, while limousines pay $5, and neither are charged for drop-offs.

  • The fee increase will take effect once the SkyLink train is operational, which is expected to be in a few months.

The players

Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners

The governing body that approved the rideshare fee hike at LAX.

Uber

A major rideshare company that has voiced strong opposition to the fee increase, warning that it will be passed directly onto riders and negatively impact drivers.

Vanessa Rodriguez

The deputy executive director of external affairs at Los Angeles World Airports, who explained that the $2 increase for drop-offs is intended to encourage travelers to use the new SkyLink train.

Danielle Lam

The head of local California policy at Uber, who stated that the board's decision significantly increases the cost of getting to and from LAX.

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What they’re saying

“We support investments that improve the airport experience, but they must be transparent and balanced.”

— Danielle Lam, Head of local California policy at Uber (newsy-today.com)

“The board's decision significantly increases the cost of getting to and from LAX.”

— Danielle Lam, Head of local California policy at Uber (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The fee increase will take effect once the SkyLink train is operational, which is expected to be in a few months.

The takeaway

The LAX rideshare fee hike reflects a growing trend of airports increasing fees for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, often to manage congestion and fund infrastructure improvements. However, these increases can negatively impact both riders and drivers, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of transportation options at major airports.