Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area and is the largest and busiest airport in California. Located in Westchester, LAX handles over 88 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

The airport features nine passenger terminals arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central area. The iconic Theme Building, with its distinctive Space Age architecture, has been a landmark since 1961.

LAX is located about 18 miles southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport is accessible via the 405 (San Diego Freeway), 105 (Century Freeway), and various surface streets. During peak hours, expect significant traffic congestion.

The LAX FlyAway bus service connects the airport to Union Station, Van Nuys, Hollywood, and other locations throughout the region. Metro's K Line now connects to the Aviation/LAX station, with a free shuttle to terminals.

Uber and Lyft pickups are located at the LAX-it lot, accessible via a free shuttle from each terminal. Follow signs to "LAX-it" after exiting baggage claim.

Traditional taxis are also available at LAX-it. Flat rate fares to Downtown LA are approximately $50. Expect to pay $45-60 for rides to Santa Monica or Hollywood.

The Metro K Line now connects to the Aviation/LAX station. A free shuttle runs between the station and all terminals every 10-15 minutes. From Aviation/LAX, you can connect to the E Line for Santa Monica or transfer at other stations to reach Downtown LA.

Metro buses also serve the airport via the City Bus Center on the lower level of Terminal 1.

LAX offers multiple parking options including short-term and long-term lots. Economy Parking (Lot E) offers the best rates for multi-day parking with free shuttles to terminals.

Central Terminal Area parking costs around $5/hour or $40/day maximum. Validated parking is available through participating airlines for shorter stays.

LAX has significantly improved its dining options in recent years. Highlights include:

• Terminal 4: Great American Bagel, Rock & Brews
• Terminal 6: Real Food Daily (vegan), Barney's Beanery
• Tom Bradley International: Umami Burger, Border Grill

For the best selection, head to the Tom Bradley International Terminal which features a world-class dining hall.

Free WiFi is available throughout all LAX terminals. Connect to "LAX Free WiFi" and accept the terms. Speed is generally sufficient for web browsing and email, though streaming may be spotty during peak hours.

For faster connections, American Express Centurion Lounge and various airline lounges offer premium WiFi.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at several locations:

• InMotion Entertainment stores (multiple terminals)
• Best Buy Express vending machines
• Carrier stores in arrivals area

T-Mobile and AT&T offer prepaid SIM options starting around $30 for basic talk/text/data packages.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, typically near security checkpoints and in terminal concourses. Major banks represented include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase.

Currency exchange services are available at Travelex locations in Terminals 2, 5, 7, and Tom Bradley International. However, exchange rates are typically unfavorable - consider using TransferWise or your bank's international services instead.

Duty-free shopping is available for international travelers at DFS in Tom Bradley International Terminal. General retail options include:

• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics and travel accessories
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, and sundries
• See's Candies: California chocolates (Terminal 1)
• Johnston & Murphy: Business apparel

Hotels near LAX range from budget to luxury. Options connected to or very close to the airport include:

• Hilton Los Angeles Airport: Connected to terminals via shuttle
• Marriott LAX: Walking distance from terminals
• H Hotel Los Angeles: Modern boutique option

For more affordable options, hotels along Century Boulevard offer free airport shuttles.

Los Angeles offers endless exploration opportunities. From LAX, popular destinations include:

• Santa Monica & Venice Beach: 20-30 minutes west
• Hollywood & Beverly Hills: 30-45 minutes north
• Downtown LA & Arts District: 30-40 minutes east
• Disneyland (Anaheim): 45-60 minutes south

Consider renting a car as LA's public transit, while improving, doesn't cover all areas efficiently. Rideshare is widely available throughout the city.