Los Angeles Airport Guide

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport for Greater Los Angeles. For most travelers, the key decision is how to move between its nine terminals—1 through 8 plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)—and how to leave the airport without losing time in road traffic.

The terminals form a horseshoe around the Central Terminal Area. You can now walk between every terminal after security, although the full path from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 is about two miles. Check your airline's current terminal before you arrive; some passengers check in at one terminal and depart from another.

Good news: All LAX terminals are connected post-security by pedestrian walkways. If you and your baggage are checked through, you may be able to stay airside and walk to the next terminal.

• Walking airside: This avoids another TSA screening, but distances can be substantial. Check the airport map before deciding that a walk is the fastest option.
• Using the terminal shuttle: The free Airline Connections shuttle runs around the terminals from the Lower/Arrivals Level. Because the stops are landside, you will need to clear security again before your onward flight.
• Arriving internationally: Unless you used US preclearance, follow signs through immigration and customs before continuing to your next flight. Confirm with your airline whether you must collect and recheck your bag.
• Separate tickets: Collect your baggage, complete the terminal transfer, check in again, and clear security. Give yourself a generous buffer; traffic within the terminal loop and security queues are not protected by the second airline.

Best move: Stay airside and walk when your itinerary and baggage allow it. Use the shuttle when the distance or accessibility needs make walking impractical.

LAX is southwest of Downtown Los Angeles, and road travel can vary dramatically with traffic. Choose transport around your actual destination rather than assuming one option works for the whole city.

• Downtown: The nonstop FlyAway bus serves Union Station.
• San Fernando Valley: A separate FlyAway route serves Van Nuys.
• Metro Rail: Take the free Metro Connector shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center for the C and K Lines.
• Door-to-door: Taxi and standard ride-app pickups use LAX-it, beside Terminal 1.

The FlyAway currently serves Union Station and Van Nuys only. Its one-way adult fare is $12.75, and buses board on the Lower/Arrivals Level at the blue FlyAway signs.

Standard Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxi pickups are at the LAX-it lot beside Terminal 1. You can walk or take the free LAX-it shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level; follow the green LAX-it signs outside baggage claim.

Do not rely on a single quoted fare for Los Angeles: distance, traffic, and ride-app demand can all change the total. Compare the app estimate with FlyAway or Metro before committing.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center connects the C and K Lines with local and regional buses. Until the airport's Automated People Mover replaces it, take the free Metro Connector (M) shuttle between the station and the terminals. LAX says it operates from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., averaging every 10 minutes, with terminal stops on the Lower/Arrivals Level.

Metro's regular base fare is $1.75. Your route to Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, or another part of the region may require a transfer, so check the Metro trip planner with your arrival time and final address before travel.

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.