I live near LAX and travel to and from the airport often. You’d think living nearby would make getting home easy and cheap but that’s not always the case. Getting to the airport is usually straightforward but getting home can be surprisingly expensive. RELATED: Alert: Don’t Fall For This Scam at Airports
The easiest but most expensive option is booking an Uber Black since they’re allowed to pick up passengers directly outside of baggage claim. Everyone else is directed to either walk or take the free LAX-it shuttle to a lot where you’ll find taxis, Lyfts and Ubers.
Most people wait for a rideshare, which can take time and cost more than expected. You could take a $2 bus but not many travelers want to deal with long walks or wait times with luggage in tow. A clever trick I’ve used is hopping on a hotel or rental car shuttle, then hailing a rideshare from there. It’s often much cheaper.
But here’s another option that’s making a comeback: Taxis. And yes, they’re also located at LAX-it.
A traveler recently posted this tip on Nextdoor:
“After arriving at LAX’s Terminal 6 around 9:30 p.m. we considered taking the bus home for just $2 total but the wait time and long walk with luggage ruled it out. We took the free shuttle to the ride-share lot where Uber quoted over $38 and Lyft more than $65 to get us home before tip. Shocked we jumped into a regular metered taxi and to our surprise the fare was just $20. No surge pricing no app delays and no wait since cabs were lined up and ready to go. Given the savings and convenience we’re going back to taking taxis from LAX.”
Nextdoor users chimed in with their own taxi tips:
Angela J.: “Taxis are fine but one time the driver ‘turned’ off the meter and tried to charge me more. That was my complaint. Just watch the meter and don’t get distracted with conversation.”
Debora R.: “Been taking cabs out of LAX for years. Much cheaper.”
Val P.: “I always take cabs to and from the airport. It’s cheaper there are lots of them and they’re very reliable. Sometimes old school is best. You can even book them online in advance if you’re heading to the airport.”
Karen C.: “I always give them the option if they want to take me or not. Why should I be penalized or treated poorly just because I live close?”
Steve B.: “Going to the airport we take Uber or Lyft whichever is cheaper. But from LAX to home in El Segundo we walk past the ride share area to the Hyatt Regency on Sepulveda and Century and it’s always significantly cheaper. Close to half the cost.”
Seth K.: “I believe taxi drivers wait in a queue for a fare at LAX. They might wind up waiting a while during which time they’re not making money. If they get a short-distance ride they don’t make much then have to go back and wait again. Please tip generously for short trips from LAX.”
So if you’re trying to save money, skip the surge and consider hopping in a taxi, using a hotel/car rental shuttle trick or walking a few blocks to call your rideshare. It can save you time and cash, especially if you live nearby.
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