LAX Triples Uber and Lyft Pickup Fees to $12 to Ease Airport Congestion

The new pricing structure aims to encourage passengers to use the airport's upcoming transportation hub instead of curbside service.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a plan to increase rideshare access fees at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Under the revised system, companies such as Uber and Lyft will be charged $12 for trips that access the airport's central terminal area, up from the current $4 fee. Airport officials say the change is intended to help manage congestion at LAX while aligning the airport's rideshare pricing with other major US travel hubs.

Why it matters

The fee increase is part of LAX's broader $30 billion airport modernization program, which aims to enhance the passenger experience through improved transportation options like the upcoming SkyLink automated people mover system. The new rideshare pricing structure is designed to incentivize travelers to use the airport's consolidated transportation hub instead of curbside pickups, which can contribute to congestion.

The details

Under the new system, rideshare trips using the airport's upcoming Ground Transport Center will be charged a lower $6 fee, while trips accessing the central terminal area will be charged $12. Airport officials say the two-tier pricing is intended to encourage passengers to use the transportation hub instead of requesting curbside service directly at the terminals. The updated fees will take effect when the SkyLink system begins operations, providing travelers with faster and more predictable access to various transportation options.

  • The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved the new rideshare fee structure on March 10, 2026.
  • The updated $12 fee for central terminal pickups and $6 fee for the Ground Transport Center will take effect when the SkyLink automated people mover system begins operations.

The players

Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners

The governing body that oversees operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and approved the new rideshare fee structure.

Uber

A major rideshare company that will be subject to the new $12 fee for trips accessing LAX's central terminal area.

Lyft

A major rideshare company that will be subject to the new $12 fee for trips accessing LAX's central terminal area.

David Reich

The Deputy Executive Director for Mobility Strategy at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the governing body of LAX.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

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

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What’s next

The updated rideshare fees at LAX will take effect when the airport's SkyLink automated people mover system begins operations, providing travelers with improved transportation options.

The takeaway

LAX's decision to significantly increase rideshare fees is part of a broader strategy to manage airport congestion and enhance the passenger experience through investments in new transportation infrastructure like the SkyLink system. While the fee hike may be unpopular with some travelers, airport officials believe it will encourage greater use of the airport's consolidated transportation hub and ultimately improve overall mobility at LAX.