In Los Angeles, a taxi costs $2.85 for the first 1/9 of a mile, 30 cents for each additional 1/9 mile, and 30 cents for every 37 seconds of wait time. UberX, however, charges no base fare, 28 cents per minute, and 80 cents per mile.

A taxi from LAX can actually be cheaper than Uber or Lyft, particularly during periods of "surge pricing." At LAX, all rideshares and taxis must be accessed via the LAX-it shuttle-to-lot system. Taxis operate on a metered fare or a flat rate to specific zones (like Downtown LA for ~$50). During peak hours—such as Sunday evenings or holiday weekends—Uber prices can spike to $80–$100+ for a trip that a taxi would complete for $50–$60. However, in low-demand periods, UberX is typically the cheaper option. It is best to check the Uber app while standing in the LAX-it lot; if the "Wait & Save" price is high, the taxi line is often the more economical and faster choice.