Los Angeles International Airport - Search Flights to & From Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport Image: flylax.com

Overview of Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world and serves as a major gateway for international and domestic travel in the United States. Located in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, it is situated approximately 18 miles (29 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The IATA code for Los Angeles International Airport is "LAX" and its ICAO code is KLAX.

The airport has a total of 9 passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape with a central area for parking and transportation. These terminals are numbered 1 through 8, with an additional Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Los Angeles International Airport helpline number is +1 855 4635252. For the latest information about the airport and flights, you can also refer to the airport’s official website.

Los Angeles International Airport Transportation

Various transportation options help travelers to commute to and from Los Angeles International Airport. Here's a detailed overview of all transportation options:

Public transportation

There’s no train station inside Los Angeles International Airport. However, a 15-minute free airport shuttle ride from the airport will take you to the nearest Green Line Metro station. The base fare for a one-way Metro Train ticket is USD1.75 and the journey time including shuttle and train is about 45 minutes. Metro trains operate from 5:00 AM till midnight.

The LAX FlyAway bus service is another popular transportation option from the airport. These buses typically run every 30 minutes to an hour around the clock. It can cost around USD9.75 for a one-way ticket to Union Station. The journey time is about 45 to 60 minutes.

Taxis

Taxis are available at the taxi stands outside the baggage claim area of each terminal and they operate 24/7.

Taxi fares to downtown may vary but generally start around USD50, depending on your destination. Depending on traffic, the journey time is about 40 to 50 minutes.

Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing services on Uber, Lyft, and similar companies are available 24/7 at designated pickup spots outside each terminal. Prices of these services vary based on demand but are generally competitive with taxis. Similar to taxis, the journey time to downtown is about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Transfer Options Between Terminals

There are a few ways you can transfer between the terminals of Los Angeles International Airport. The most convenient option is Airside Buses. These free shuttle buses run airside for passengers needing to transfer between terminals without exiting and re-entering security. The second option is walking. The terminals are connected by walkways, allowing passengers to walk between some terminals without leaving the secure area. The airport will be introducing an Automated People Mover in 2024 for a more convenient transfer option between terminals.

Car Rental

Car rental counters are located off-site from the airport. Free shuttle buses transport passengers from the lower/arrivals level islands outside the baggage claim to the rental car offices. Major rental car companies including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, offer rental services and costs may vary depending on the vehicle type.

Parking Facilities

Short-term parking is located in front of each terminal, ideal for dropping off or picking up passengers. For long-term parking, Economy Parking Lot C and other off-site parking lots offer long-term options. Short-term parking rates start at about $5 for the first hour, with daily maximums around $40. Long-term parking is more affordable, with daily rates typically lower than the short-term max.

Los Angeles International Airport terminals

Los Angeles International Airport operates with nine terminals Image: flylax.com

Los Angeles International Airport has nine passenger terminals. Each serves different airlines and offers various facilities.

Terminal 1 primarily serves domestic flights. It has two levels with ground level for Arrivals and level 2 for Departures. The major airline serving the terminal is Southwest Airlines.

Terminal 2 serves both international and domestic flights. Like terminal 1, it has two levels with ground level for arrivals and level 2 for departures. The terminal primarily hosts Delta Air Lines (for international flights), Aeroméxico, Virgin Atlantic, and other international carriers.

Terminal 3 also serves both international and domestic flights. Like terminals 1 and 2, it has two levels designated for arrivals and departures. The major airline operating from this terminal is Delta Air Lines.

Tom Bradley International Terminal is the main terminal for international flights and also includes some domestic flights. The terminal consists of three levels with ground level for arrivals, level 2 for departures, and level 3 for Mezzanine (VIP lounges). Major international carriers like Emirates, British Airways, Qantas, and Lufthansa operate from this terminal along with some domestic flights such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.

Terminal 4 primarily serves domestic flights, with some international departures. There are two levels for arrivals and departures. American Airlines (both domestic and international) is the major airline operating from this terminal.

Terminal 5 also serves both international and domestic flights and has two levels for arrivals and departures. Main airlines operating from the terminal include American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.

Terminal 6 also serves both international and domestic flights and has two levels, each for arrivals and departures. Main Airlines include Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Boutique Air, Mokulele Airlines, and VivaAerobus.

Terminal 7 primarily serves domestic flights and has two levels like most other terminals. The main airline operating from the terminal is United Airlines for both domestic and international flights.

Lastly, Terminal 8 serves domestic flights and has two levels each for arrivals and departures. Primarily United Airlines operates from this terminal.

Facilities and services

Los Angeles International Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services for its travelers. Here's an overview:

Information kiosks with maps and guides are located throughout the terminals. Also, there are staffed travel information counters in each terminal for assistance. ATMs and banks along with currency exchange services are available in various terminals for financial transactions. Duty-free shops are located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The airport boasts 22 exclusive lounges with at least one lounge located in each terminal. They are all located at level 2 in the respective terminals near departure gates.

Many restaurants and cafes serve at different terminals of the airport. Some notable restaurants include Chick-fil-A at Terminal 1, Chicken and Beer at Terminal 3, Campanile restaurant at Terminal 4, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Terminal 5, Flatbread pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and desserts at Terminal 6, and CHAYA Sushi at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The airport also offers conference rooms, smoking zones, prayer rooms, shower facilities, and family facilities. Travelers can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the airport and there are charging stations available in seating areas across all terminals. Luggage services include storage, wrapping, and porter services.

Temporary boarding passes are available at airline counters for travelers who have forgotten their ID cards.

The airport also assists travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair services. Health and medical services include first aid stations and medical services in various terminals. The lost and found counter is located in the Arrivals Level of Terminal 6.

International arrivals should go through passport control and immigration counters. Travelers should check visa requirements in advance based on their nationality.

Hotels near Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is surrounded by a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Many of these are part of well-known hotel chains. Here's an overview of some notable hotels near the airport:

1. Hilton Los Angeles Airport: Hilton Los Angeles Airport offers soundproofed rooms for a restful stay near the airport. Located approximately a mile from the airport, the hotel also provides a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service for its customers. Facilities at the hotel include multiple dining options, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a business center, and meeting spaces. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
2. Marriott Los Angeles Airport: The hotel offers a stylish outdoor lounge area and a modern, upscale ambiance and is located about 1 mile from the airport. There’s a free airport shuttle service for its customers and facilities include outdoor pools, a fitness center, diverse dining options, and extensive event space.
3. Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel: Located at about 0.5 miles from the airport Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel is well known for its luxurious Club Lounge and upscale room furnishings. The hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service and is equipped with an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, business facilities, and multiple dining venues.
4. Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport: Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport is situated less than a mile from the airport and is known for its sleek, contemporary design and spacious rooms. It also provides a free airport shuttle service and offers a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site dining, and meeting spaces.

Things to do during a layover

Los Angeles Airport is one of the biggest airports in the world. You’ll spend a few hours of layovers navigating the airport, especially if you need to transfer your baggage on your own. If you have a lot of time, there are many activities inside and outside the airport you can indulge in during a layover.

Los Angeles International Airport offers a range of shopping options, from duty-free shops in the international terminals to boutiques and brand stores. You can find souvenirs, fashion, electronics, and more. You can dine and drink at a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Other options include working out at fitness centers, relaxing at lounges, exploring arts and exhibitions, and enjoying spa services.

If you have a longer layover, there are many activities outside the airport you can indulge in and make the most out of your time. Some recommendations include Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach and Boardwalk, Santa Monica, The Getty Center, Playa del Rey, El Segundo, and many more. Please check with your airline regarding visa requirements If you’re leaving the airport.