Los Angeles International Airport

The second busiest airport in the United States, behind Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is Los Angeles International Airport, the fourth busiest airport in the world for passenger traffic.

More than 85 million travelers pass through this massive travel hub each year, located on 3,500 acres southwest of Downtown, and it keeps increasing every year. Although LAX today handles almost twice as many passengers as it did ten years ago, its sophisticated infrastructure has nonetheless shown to be able to handle the significant influx.

The ever-diversifying American West Coast's beaches, towns, desert oases, and mountains are all easily accessible from Los Angeles International Airport. The bustling downtown area is 30 minutes away, Playa del Rey's beaches are less than 10 minutes away, and palm-lined San Diego is two hours away. It's close to driving to Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or Santa Barbara.

Know Before You Go

This airport doesn't have a single central concourse, unlike others. The nine terminals at LAX are organized in a U form with a traffic circle and parking garages in the middle, making it simple to move about. If you miss one, it could take 30 minutes or longer to drive around the loop again.

The airlines for each terminal are indicated along the loop (except Terminal 8, a wing of United Airlines that can only be accessed through Terminal 7).

It is reasonable to say that the traffic at LAX is chaotic at all times of the day and night, just like the streets of Los Angeles. Avoid peak travel periods 6 to 9 a.m., 11 to 2 p.m., and 7 to 10 p.m., arrive early and get an electronic boarding pass in advance. Car traffic is on both of the airport's two levels, with arrivals on the lower level and departures on the upper level. The final terminal on the driving loop is the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which has 18 gates.

The terminals have security checks and distinctive eating options and go directly to all gates. Most terminals are accessible by foot because everything is situated under one roof; however, travelers who require help or have brief layovers can use Route A of the inter-terminal LAX Shuttle. These can be found on the arrivals level in front of each terminal. Look for blue signs that say ‘LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections.' It operates continuously, every ten minutes.

During your layover, you may need to travel to a different terminal that might not be connected to the one you landed in if you're connecting to a new airline. No matter what, you won't have to go through the security line again. United, located in Terminal 7, occupies two concourses.

LAX Parking

Parking structures are in the middle of the horseshoe, across from each terminal. These are accessible from both airport floors and provide 15 minutes of free parking. They cost $5 for the first hour, $4 for each further 30 minutes, and a maximum of $40 per day. While it is quick and easy to park in the central garages to send off and collect passengers, this is not necessarily a cost-effective long-term parking option.

A real-time, interactive map is available on the LAX website. Economy Parking Lot C, which is further away, is marginally less expensive—$4 per hour or $12 per day and provides a free shuttle to the terminals. Given how long it takes to travel the loop, many retrieving guests wait at the nearby Cell Phone Waiting Lot on the airport's outskirts.

Driving Directions

Take I-110 South from Downtown LA to I-105 West, then Exit 1C to reach CA-1 North/South Sepulveda Boulevard. One mile from the exit is LAX 1 World Way. Take I-10 East to I-405 South, then continue to Howard Hughes Parkway from Santa Monica or other seaside cities to the airport's north.

On Sepulveda Boulevard, take the left fork and proceed to the airport by following the signs. Take the I-5 North to CA-73 North, merge onto the I-405 North, and exit at Sepulveda Boulevard if you're coming from San Diego or other seaside cities south of the airport. One mile down this road is the airport.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Metro Bus

The Metro Bus is the best mode of public transit in Los Angeles, which has relatively few options compared to other cities of the same size and stature. The public bus system offers 15 routes that travel to and from LAX and serve a variety of locations, including Culver City, Downtown, and beach areas to the north and south.

FlyAway Bus

However, the FlyAway bus, created especially for airport transportation, is the most frequently used route. Routes connect with Long Beach, Van Nuys, Westwood, Union Station Downtown, and other locations. The cost varies depending on where you start and where you end up, but it starts at $8 per person. Access to the buses is available at each terminal on the lower level, and they are marked with their destinations. Search for the green arrows.

Metro Rail

There is also the Metro Rail, although it might be trickier. Passengers must board a free shuttle to LAX Station at the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and Imperial Highway because there is no rail station at LAX. However, a closer one is currently under construction. They can then go on the Green Line, which connects Redondo Beach and Norwalk and runs from east to west.

Taxi

At each terminal on the lower level, taxis are hired underneath the yellow signs. At LAX, only approved taxis are permitted; the official seal of the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation identifies these. Traveling Downtown can cost roughly $50. Avoid rush hour traffic to save time and money on your trip. Ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, and other apps are also available. Passengers should meet their drivers curbside on the departures—not arrivals—level.

Where to Eat and Drink

Terminal 1

LAX provides more than simply the typical airport fare for hungry visitors entering its gates. These nine terminals are brimming with all the world-famous foodie delights that Southern California is known for fresh seafood, extravagant deli sandwiches, plenty of tacos, and, of course, no shortage of vegan and gluten-free options.

The city is a destination of culinary excellence in and of itself. Cassell's Hamburgers, Trejo's Tacos, Urth Caffe (a local favorite for breakfast, espresso, wraps, and salads), and Rock & Brews Concert Bar & Grill are all available to Southwest customers in Terminal 1.

Terminal 2, 3 & 4

Slapfish Modern Seafood Shack and the renowned Barney's Beanery are highlights in Terminal 2. Ashland Hill, a well-known Santa Monica gastropub branch, La Familia, and The Parlor are all located in Terminal 3. Real Food Daily, the first plant-based airport restaurant in the world, is located in Terminal 4.

Terminal 5

A culinary haven, Terminal 5 is home to Allegiant Air, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, and a portion of American Airlines. Lemonade, a cult favorite serving creative salads, Monsieur Marcel, the Original Farmer's Market stall, and Ford's Filling Station are among its highlights.

Terminal 6

In Terminal 6, terrific quick bites include The Habit Burger Grill and Wahoo's Fish Tacos, while Terminal 7's B Grill by BOA Steakhouse provides a more upscale sit-down setting.

Terminal 8

There are only five restaurants in Terminal 8, but Engine Co. No. 28 is a good choice for traditional American food. Most dining options are available to those who are visiting other countries.

The Tom Bradley Terminal features 800 Degrees (build-your-own pizza), Chaya Sushi, and ink. Sack, a sandwich bar by chef Michael Voltaggio, Umami Burger, Vino Volo, and, if you're feeling extra upscale, Petrossian (a French caviar and champagne bar).

How to Spend Your Layover

At the XpresSpa, situated in the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal and airside in Terminals 1 and 5, you may relax if you have a few hours to kill at the airport. Along with a full-service hair salon in the International Terminal, this spa also provides nail and waxing services.

If you have some time between flights, consider taking the 10-minute drive to the neighboring beaches since there are no designated rest areas or hotels on-site. Even in the winter, the weather is known for being sunny, so you should get vitamin D before boarding your connection.

Although LAX does not provide luggage storage services due to safety concerns, a third company, LAX Luggage Storage, can pick up your bags at the curb so you can go out and enjoy your day without having to haul about a bag. It is available around the clock and charges $12 to $18 per item in addition to the $5 pick-up and $5 drop-off fees.

Airport Lounges

More than a dozen lounges are available, providing a welcome escape from the busy terminals outside their doors. Most sites are shared by American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club, each with three. In addition to the American Eagle Regional Terminal, which is at a different building from Terminal 5, the members-only lounge for Americans is situated in Terminals 4 and 5.

If you're not a member, you can pay at the door with a valid ticket from American Airlines. Two sections in Terminal 3's Terminal 2 are home to Delta's members-only lounge. Both the American and Delta lounges include showers.

The Tom Bradley International Airport is home to the KAL Lounge and Qantas Club. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is the lone lounge in Terminal 2, while the United Club has two locations in Terminal 7 that fall within its purview. The Alaska Lounge and the Maple Leaf Lounge for Air Canada are located at Terminal 6. For military personnel who are currently on active duty and their families, there is a USO Lounge across the street, located between Terminals 1 and 2.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

There is limitless, free access to Wi-Fi for periods of 45 minutes. Each session's first 15 or 30 seconds must be spent watching an advertisement. Each terminal has a mobile charging station, and there are additional power outlets strewn about in various locations: Look at the desks, the walls of the corridors, and the space beneath the chairs.

LAX Tips and Tidbits

If you're lucky, you might come across one of the LAX PUPS (Pets Unstressing Passengers), or "LAX Therapy Dogs," who are identified by their red vests bearing the PUP insignia. The dogs are there to make the atmosphere more tranquil.

Only on the second weekend of every month is the LAX Observation Deck (the object with the spaceship-like shape in the middle of the horseshoe) open for spectacular views from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Every terminal has a pet relief room, but Terminals 3 and 6 offer grander outdoor atriums for four-legged travelers.

FAQs about Los Angeles International Airport