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The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a new rideshare fee structure at LAX. Tim Samuel/Pexels

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a plan to increase rideshare access fees at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), marking the first adjustment to the airport's ground transportation charges in more than a decade.

During a vote held on 10 March 2026, commissioners approved a new pricing structure that raises the current $4 fee (around £2.99) for rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs. Under the revised system, companies such as Uber and Lyft will be charged $12 (around £9) for trips that access the airport's central terminal area.

Airport officials said the change is intended to help manage congestion at LAX while aligning the airport's rideshare pricing with other major US travel hubs.

New Two-Tier Fee Structure

Under the new system, rideshare companies will face different charges depending on where passengers are picked up or dropped off.

Trips that access the airport's central terminal curb will be charged $12 per ride. However, rideshare trips using the new Ground Transport Center will be charged a lower $6 fee (around £4.50). Officials say the two-tier pricing structure is designed to encourage passengers to use the airport's upcoming transportation hub instead of requesting curbside service directly at the terminals.

The updated fees will take effect when SkyLink, the airport's automated people mover system, begins operations. The electric train will connect terminals with remote transportation facilities, including rideshare pickup areas, Metro rail connections, LAX FlyAway buses, and the airport's consolidated rental car center.

Airport officials say the system will provide travellers with faster and more predictable access to transportation options regardless of roadway congestion.

First Fee Adjustment in More Than a Decade

According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), rideshare access fees at LAX have remained unchanged for more than ten years despite the rapid growth of app-based transportation at the airport.

'Despite rideshare companies profiting heavily from LAX, the fees they pay to access our airport have remained unchanged for more than a decade,' said David Reich, Deputy Executive Director for Mobility Strategy at LAWA.

Reich said the updated pricing structure will help fund improvements designed to enhance the airport experience for passengers, workers and visitors.

Closing a Premium Vehicle Loophole

Airport officials also said the policy change addresses a regulatory loophole that previously allowed certain premium rideshare vehicles to drop passengers directly at terminal curbs without paying additional drop-off fees.

Under the newly approved system, all rideshare companies will be required to pay the updated access charges depending on where passengers are picked up or dropped off. Revenue generated from the updated rideshare charges will support projects within LAX's $30 billion airport modernisation programme.

Reactions From Travelers and Industry

The fee increase has sparked debate among frequent travellers and rideshare users, many of whom rely on Uber and Lyft to reach the airport. Because the fees are assessed to rideshare companies, airport officials say companies will ultimately determine whether the costs are passed on through higher fares.

LAWA officials maintain that the new pricing structure is intended to support the airport's long-term transportation strategy as LAX prepares for major international events scheduled to take place in Los Angeles later this decade. When the SkyLink system begins operating in 2026, airport leaders say the combination of new rail connections and updated rideshare policies will provide travellers with more efficient options for reaching and leaving the airport.

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