LAX Transport

Question

We will be arriving next month at Terminal B at around 2.30pm. 4 adults, 4 suitcases. Would we be better to pre-book our private transport before we depart Australia, or just book an Uber or taxi when we get through baggage collection?

Answer

Arriving at LAX Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal) at around 2:30pm means you’ll be coming in during a moderately busy time, and traveling with 4 adults and 4 suitcases adds some logistical considerations. The good news is that all transportation options are workable — it’s just a matter of convenience vs. cost.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of pre-booking private transport vs. using Uber/Lyft or taxi after arrival.

1. Pre-booking a private transfer

A private transfer (car service, shuttle, or private SUV) is the most convenient and stress-free option, especially after a long international flight from Australia.

Pros:
- Your driver meets you at the terminal or designated pickup point.
- Guaranteed vehicle size that fits all 4 people + luggage comfortably.
- No waiting for rideshare pickup or moving to the LAX-it lot.
- Price is known in advance; no surge pricing.
- Easier if you're tired, jet-lagged, or have mobility concerns.
Cons:
- More expensive than Uber or taxi.
- If your flight is severely delayed (rare on inbound international), you’ll need a company that tracks flight status — most do.

2. Using Uber/Lyft at LAX

You can absolutely use rideshare, but LAX has a specific system for it — you cannot get picked up at Terminal B curbside. You must go to the LAX-it rideshare lot.

Pros:
- Usually cheaper than private car service.
- Vehicles come quickly on most afternoons.
- Easy if you're used to rideshare apps.
Cons:
- After a long flight, you must exit TBIT and take a shuttle bus to LAX-it (5–10 minutes, sometimes crowded).
- Finding a large enough UberXL or Uber Comfort SUV that fits 4 adults + 4 full suitcases may take extra time.
- Prices can surge at that time of day due to afternoon traffic.

3. Using a Taxi

Taxis also pick up at the LAX-it lot for international arrivals.

Pros:
- No need to book in advance.
- Vans or larger taxis available sometimes, though not guaranteed.
- Flat-rate pricing to some parts of LA (e.g., downtown).
Cons:
- You still need to take the shuttle to LAX-it.
- Large capacity taxis are hit-or-miss.
- Potentially more expensive than rideshare.

4. How to decide: What’s best for your group?

With 4 adults AND 4 full suitcases, you are right on the edge of needing a larger vehicle. UberXL or Uber Comfort SUVs may work, but availability fluctuates and waiting can be frustrating after a 14-hour flight.

Choose a Pre-Booked Private Transfer If:
- You want a smooth, simple exit from the airport.
- You want guaranteed space for all luggage.
- You don’t want to deal with the LAX-it shuttle.
- You’re arriving after a long haul from Australia and want zero hassle.
Choose Uber/Taxi If:
- You want to save money.
- You don’t mind the shuttle to LAX-it.
- You’re flexible about possibly waiting for an SUV-sized vehicle.

Final recommendation: For a group your size, arriving internationally, with multiple suitcases, pre-booking private transportation is absolutely the easiest and most reliable choice. Many travelers from Australia prefer it because it eliminates stress and avoids the sometimes chaotic LAX-it lot.

If cost is the priority, UberXL at LAX-it can work — just be prepared to wait a bit and ensure you request a large enough vehicle.

Either way, you’ll have no trouble finding transport — it’s just a matter of convenience versus cost.