Landing at LAX after a long flight is not the moment you want to start figuring out your ride. Rideshare and taxi riders now take a shuttle to a separate lot before they can even get in a car, and curbside traffic at the terminals can be slow at peak hours. A pre-booked LAX town car service skips most of that, as long as you know how the pickup works.
This guide explains, step by step, how a private car pickup at Los Angeles International Airport works with LAX VIP Transport: your pickup options, what happens if your flight is late, what it costs, and how to book.
Why book a private car to or from LAX?
Since LAX moved taxis and rideshare pickups to the LAX-it lot, arriving passengers who use Uber, Lyft or a taxi first walk to a green-marked shuttle stop on the arrivals (lower) level, ride a shuttle to the lot, and then find their driver. That works, but it adds time and another line, which is hard with kids, heavy luggage or a tight schedule.
With LAX transportation service booked in advance, your chauffeur is already tracking your flight, the price is agreed before you land, and you’re not competing with surge pricing at midnight or after a big event. That’s why many travelers choose a private car to the airport for business trips, family vacations and late-night arrivals.
Your two LAX pickup options
1. Curbside pickup
Curbside is the standard airport pickup. Once you have your bags, you contact your chauffeur and meet the car at the curb outside your terminal.
One thing to know: LAX does not allow vehicles to park and wait at the curb. If you haven’t added meet-and-greet, your driver has to keep circling the airport loop until you’re outside. On busy days that can mean a short wait while the car comes back around, so we recommend calling or texting your driver as soon as you have your luggage.
2. Meet-and-greet service (+$35)
For the easiest arrival, add our Meet-and-Greet Airport Service for an additional $35. Your chauffeur:
- Parks at the airport instead of circling
- Meets you inside the terminal at baggage claim
- Holds a sign with your name
- Helps with your luggage and walks you to the car
Meet-and-greet is especially helpful for international arrivals, first-time visitors to Los Angeles, VIP guests, and families traveling with young children.
What if your flight is early or delayed?
You don’t need to call us when your plans change in the air. Every LAX airport car booking includes real-time flight tracking, and we automatically adjust your pickup time for delays and early arrivals. If your flight is significantly delayed, our team will contact you to rearrange or cancel the pickup.
What does an LAX town car pickup cost?
LAX VIP Transport uses flat, transparent pricing with no surge fees, so the quote you get when you book is the price you pay for the trip. Your fare depends on the vehicle you choose and where you’re going. You can get an instant quote online in a couple of minutes.
Two airport-specific charges to know about:
- $10 airport fee on all airport pickups. The City of Los Angeles requires this for all licensed car service providers.
- $35 meet-and-greet, only if you choose in-terminal service.
Choosing the right vehicle
Our fleet includes luxury sedans, SUVs and executive vehicles, so you can match the car to your group:
- Sedan: a classic town car experience for solo travelers and couples with standard luggage.
- SUV: extra room for families, golf bags, ski gear or several large suitcases.
- Executive vehicles: for business travelers, client pickups and anyone who wants a quiet, professional ride.
Not sure which fits? Call us at 888-529-4241 and we’ll recommend the right vehicle for your passengers and bags.
Traveling with kids? Ask for a child seat
Safety comes first. We provide child car seats on request. Just tell us your children’s ages when you book so the right seats are installed before your chauffeur arrives.
Where we drive
We pick up and drop off at LAX and at Burbank (BUR), Van Nuys (VNY) and Long Beach (LGB) airports, with service across Southern California, including:
- Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Century City
- Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice
- Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank
- Long Beach, the South Bay and Orange County
- Longer trips to San Diego, Santa Barbara and Disneyland
Need a car for more than one stop, such as a meeting downtown before heading to your hotel? Our hourly private car service keeps a chauffeur in Los Angeles with you for as long as you need.
Frequent flyer or booking for a company?
A corporate account makes airport transportation simple for executives, assistants and travel managers. Benefits include discounted airport rates, faster booking with saved traveler details, securely stored payment methods, and priority service with your preferences on file.
How to book your LAX town car
- Get a quote and reserve on our online reservation page, or call 888-529-4241.
- Add your flight number so we can track your arrival.
- Choose curbside or meet-and-greet, and add child seats if you need them.
- Land and relax. Your chauffeur adjusts to your actual arrival time.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online and email reservations can take longer to confirm after normal business hours, so for same-day or late-night pickups, calling is the fastest way to book.
Quick answers
Can my driver wait for me at the LAX curb?
No. LAX rules don’t allow cars to park and wait curbside. Choose meet-and-greet if you’d like your chauffeur to park and meet you inside at baggage claim.
What happens if my flight is late?
We track your flight and adjust your pickup automatically. If there’s a major delay, we’ll contact you to work out the best option.
Is there surge pricing?
No. LAX VIP Transport uses flat, transparent pricing with no surge fees.
Do you serve other LA-area airports?
Yes: Burbank (BUR), Van Nuys (VNY) and Long Beach (LGB), as well as LAX. See our Los Angeles airport car service page for details.
Ready for a smoother LAX arrival?
Skip the shuttle lines and the surge pricing. Reserve your LAX town car transportation online, or call or text 888-529-4241. For the local office, call 310-956-4492.