LAX Pickup Guide for San Diego Travellers (Terminals 1–8 & TBIT)
This guide shows where to meet at LAX for curbside pickup or meet inside at Terminals 1–8 and TBIT. It also covers the timing when you drive from San Diego.
How LAX Pickups Work
- Go to the Arrivals area at the designated terminal.
- Text a door number and curb lane before you enter the loop.
- Wait in the Cell Phone Lot until your rider is outside.
- Load fast. Officers keep cars moving.
- If your rider needs more time, park in the short-term area and meet them inside.
Terminal Cheat Sheet
|
Terminal |
Use Curbside When |
Meet-Inside Landmark |
Notes |
|
T1–T3 |
Rider is ready with bags |
Baggage claim near exit doors |
Tight space at peaks. Loop once if needed. |
|
T4–T6 |
Curb looks clear |
Coffee kiosk or info desk |
Garages are close for quick park-and-meet. |
|
T7–T8 |
Rider is at the door |
Baggage claim area |
Watch merges leaving the curb. |
|
TBIT |
Rarely |
Arrivals hall after customs |
Allow extra time for immigration and bags. |
Tip: In one text, confirm the terminal, door, and lane.
Rideshare, Shuttles, and Taxis
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Follow the app’s door and lane prompts.
- Hotel and parking shuttles: Board at marked shuttle islands on Arrivals.
- Taxis: Use signed taxi stands and follow staff directions.
Timing From San Diego
Common routes: I-5 → I-405 → LAX or I-5 → CA-73 (toll) → I-405. Add buffers on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, rain days, and event nights.
- La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, Pacific Beach: +15–25 minutes for beach traffic.
- Downtown/Gaslamp, Little Italy, Mission Valley, Point Loma: +10–20 minutes for ramps and one-way streets.
- Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside (North County): Consider CA-73 on heavy days.
- Chula Vista, Bonita (South Bay): Watch I-5 merge near the county line.
- UTC / Sorrento Valley: Rush hours add 15–30 minutes.
- Temecula / Fallbrook: Check I-15 incidents before choosing I-5 or 73.
Curb Rules, Parking, and Meet Inside
- Do not wait at the curb. Use the Cell Phone Lot until your rider is ready.
- For delays or heavy bags, park in the short-term parking area, meet inside, and walk out together.
- Check garage rates at entry.
- Construction can shift lanes. Follow posted signs.
Simple Pickup Scripts
- Curbside: Text me when you exit baggage claim. I’m at Arrivals, Door 3, Lane 2.
- Meet Inside: I’ll meet you by the coffee stand near Door 5. We’ll walk out.
- If Early: I’m in the Cell Phone Lot. Ping me when you’re outside and I’ll roll in.
Walking Between Terminals
You can walk on signed paths between most terminals. Landside shuttles also run often. Plan for 15–35 minutes, based on the distance.
Troubleshooting
- No reply from rider: Loop once, return to the Cell Phone Lot, and try again.
- Bag delay: Park, meet inside, then exit together.
- Incorrect terminal: Use inner connectors to shift without having to start over.
Official Resources
- LAX terminal map and alerts
- Cell Phone Lot location and hours
- Short-term parking rates
- Rideshare and shuttle guidance
- FlyAway® Bus
- Metro LAX/Metro Transit Center info
Conclusion
Confirm the terminal, share the door and lane, wait in the Cell Phone Lot, and keep curb time to a minimum. If plans change, park and meet inside. Brought to you by Rides On Time.
FAQs about LAX Pickup Guide for San Diego Travellers (Terminals 1–8 & TBIT)
If the rider is ready, use the Arrivals curb at the correct terminal. If not, park and meet inside.
Yes, when the curb is crowded, the rider has heavy luggage, or they arrive at TBIT.
Only for a short time. Use the Cell Phone Lot until the rider is outside.
Most days I-5 → I-405. From North County, CA, 73 can be a faster option. Check live traffic.
Morning and late-evening waves, weekends, and big event nights.
Yes. Park in the short-term parking area, meet inside, and walk out together.
Plan extra time for customs and bags. Set a clear indoor spot and wait in the Cell Phone Lot until the rider texts “ready.”
