For LAX to Studio City, the main choices are a taxi or standard ride app from LAX-it, an eligible premium ride app or private vehicle at the terminal curb, a shuttle, or public transit connections.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about a 32-minute drive from El Royale Gardens Near Universal Studios. A one-day Studio City itinerary can help you plan what to do once you arrive.
- Taxi and standard ride apps: Pick up at LAX-it, beside Terminal 1.
- Some premium ride apps: Pick up at terminals.
- Shuttles: Hotel shuttles pick up on Level 2 in the departures area.
- Public transit: Metro Line 111 serves the LAX/Metro Transit Center; Line 167 runs to Studio City.
Compare airport transfer choices
For a direct ride, taxis and standard ride-app services use LAX-it. Certain premium ride-app services and private vehicles can pick up at the terminal curb instead. Shuttle pickup points vary by type: hotel shuttles use a different curbside location from FlyAway buses and rental-car or parking shuttles.
How do you get from LAX to Studio City by public transit?
Metro Line 111 connects the LAX/Metro Transit Center with Norwalk Station, while Line 167 runs between Chatsworth Station and Studio City.
Those route descriptions identify a transit connection toward Studio City, but they do not specify a complete itinerary, transfer point, fare or total travel time from the airport to your destination. Check the current LA Metro schedules to plan the connection that fits your arrival.
Line 167 runs via Plummer Street and Coldwater Canyon Avenue. Line 111 runs via Florence Avenue. Service hours can change, so check the operator’s latest information before you travel.
Where do taxis and rideshares pick up at LAX?
Arriving passengers taking a taxi or standard ride-app service leave from LAX-it, beside Terminal 1.
You can walk to LAX-it or take the free LAX-it shuttle. LAX identifies Uber, Lyft and Prime Time Rideshare as ride-app services using this pickup area. Taxis are also available there. Taxi and ride-app services operate continuously.
Some premium or larger ride-app options pick up at the terminals instead: Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Uber XL, Lyft Black and Lyft Lux. Limousines, town cars and executive car services pick up at the outermost curb on the first level outside baggage claim.
Private vehicles can also pick up at the first-level outer curb outside baggage claim. The LAX-it arrangement applies to arriving passengers leaving by taxi or ride app; taxis and ride apps may drop departing passengers at the terminals.
Where do shuttles pick up, and what about luggage?
Shuttle pickup locations at LAX depend on the service: hotel shuttles use Level 2 in the departures area, while rental-car and parking shuttles use the ground-level outer curb.
FlyAway buses pick up on the ground-level inner curb. These are separate pickup points, so check which service you are taking before heading outside with your bags.
For a hotel shuttle, confirm with the hotel that it serves your arrival and verify the pickup instructions before you travel. For any other shuttle, check the operator’s details so you know which curb to use.
How should you plan for traffic and arrival time?
The drive from LAX is about 32 minutes, though traffic can affect the journey.
Use the drive estimate as a planning reference, not a guarantee. Before choosing between a car and transit, check your arrival time, current traffic and the latest service details.
Pickup arrangements and operating information can change, so check the official LAX site before you go. If Universal Studios Hollywood is part of your plans, its hours and parking details can help you plan your visit.
FAQs
Can you take a taxi from LAX to Studio City?
Yes. LAX directs arriving taxi passengers to LAX-it, beside Terminal 1, which you can reach on foot or by the free shuttle.
Do all rideshare services pick up at LAX-it?
No. LAX lists standard ride-app services at LAX-it and several premium or larger options at the terminals. Check the pickup instructions for your specific service.
Which Metro lines connect LAX and Studio City?
Line 111 serves the LAX/Metro Transit Center, and Line 167 runs to Studio City. The route descriptions do not give a complete itinerary or total travel time.
Where do hotel shuttles pick up at LAX?
Hotel shuttles pick up on Level 2 in the departures area. Confirm your specific hotel’s shuttle service and pickup instructions before travelling.