Skip The Uber In These Cities With The Most Expensive Airport Rideshare Costs In America

In many places, rideshares can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. However, that's not the case everywhere, especially when trying to use Uber to get to and from the airport. Many popular rideshare apps, including Uber and Lyft, operate on dynamic pricing, where fares vary depending on local demand. If you're traveling from the airport — an in-demand location, especially in big cities — you may have to pay more than usual to reach your destination.

FinanceBuzz researched the cost of rideshares at every major airport in the U.S. to determine which are the priciest for travelers to use. Among the airports studied, the average cost to reach the city center was $30.48 ($30.60 for Lyft rides and $30.36 for rides booked through Uber). With that said, some cities far exceeded the mean. According to the study, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is home to the most expensive rideshares, setting passengers back an average of $79.96 per journey to Times Square.

Unsurprisingly, the second- and fourth-most expensive hubs are also New York City airports. Newark International, located near New York in New Jersey, came in second place with an average fare of $65.96. Meanwhile, a ride into town from LaGuardia Airport will cost around $51.96. It's safe to say you might want to take the train after touching down in the Big Apple.

New York City isn't the only place where you might want to rethink taking an Uber or a Lyft. According to FinanceBuzz, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is home to the third-most expensive rideshare in the country. A trip from the airport to Pike Place — the most-visited tourist attraction in the state of Washington — is generally priced at around $59.38.

Rideshare fares are slightly lower in Chicago, though you may still want to consider taking the train or bus to save money. Coming in fifth place on the list, rides from Chicago O'Hare to the city's tourist center cost, on average, $47.47. Other airports with pricey Uber and Lyft rides include Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport ($42.97), Denver International Airport ($41.95), and Detroit Metro Airport ($39.85).

Note that the most expensive rides aren't always the most expensive per mile. The study found that Uber and Lyft tend to charge more per mile for rides from San Diego International Airport than from any other major airport in the U.S. The hub is located less than 3 miles from the city center, yet you can expect to pay a whopping $7.74 per mile on the route, or $22.45 total.

If you're carrying multiple pieces of luggage and want to avoid taking public transportation, you may be in luck in some cities. Just as some airports have above-average rideshare fares, others offer relatively cheap rates. Rides from San José International Airport to the city's Plaza de César Chávez cost just $15.21, around half the national average.

If you're flying to a D.C. airport, you may want to choose Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over Dulles International, as rideshare costs tend to be much more affordable. A trip from Ronald Reagan Airport to the National Mall, where you can find some of the best museums in Washington, D.C., comes to just $15.47 one way. It's also a much shorter ride — the distance between the two points is just 3.3 miles.

Other relatively affordable rideshares can be found across the country. A trip from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to their respective city centers costs, on average, $16.98. Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Dallas Love Field Airport are just a few other spots where you can grab a ride for less than $18. As the FinanceBuzz researchers point out, Lyft and Uber prices can vary considerably in some cities, so if you're looking for the best fares, compare these and other rideshare apps before booking your driver.