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Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles · United States · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
LAX
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
76.6M / year
Terminals
9
To downtown
29 km
To the cruise port
29 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary international airport serving Los Angeles and its metropolitan area in California, United States. It is the busiest airport on the U.S. West Coast and a major global gateway, handling over 75 million passengers annually.

Operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), LAX spans 3,500 acres with nine passenger terminals in a U-shaped layout and four parallel runways. It serves as a key hub for international travel to Asia, Latin America, and beyond, while being the world's busiest origin-destination airport. In 2024, it recorded 76.6 million passengers, ranking among the top global airports. The facility originated as Mines Field in 1928 and evolved into a major passenger hub post-World War II.

Getting to and from the airport

  • FlyAway Bus

    Nonstop to downtown LA, Hollywood, Westwood

    30-60 minutes · $9.75-$19.75

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    To downtown or ports via metered or flat rate

    30-90 minutes · $50-$70

  • Metro Green Line

    Rail connection to LAX/Metro Transit Center

    30-45 minutes to downtown · $1.75

  • Rental Car

    On-site agencies with shuttle from terminals

    Immediate · Varies

Rental cars available from all major companies via free shuttles from terminals; book in advance to avoid lines. Taxis and rideshares queue curbside with flat rates to downtown ($50) and ports; traffic on I-405 can double times during rush hour. Public transit via Metro Green Line is cheapest but requires transfer; FlyAway buses offer direct, reliable service avoiding freeways.

Security wait: 20-45 minutes average, peaks at 60+ during holidays

Terminals and airlines

  • Terminal 1

    Southwest Airlines, Skymark Airlines

    Recently modernized as part of LAX improvements.

  • Terminal 2

    Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines

    Domestic focus with some international charters.

  • Terminal 3

    Delta Air Lines, JetBlue

    Connected to TBIT for international transfers.

  • Terminal 4

    American Airlines

    Features American Airlines Admirals Club.

  • Terminal 5

    Delta Air Lines

    Delta hub operations.

  • Terminal 6

    Alaska Airlines

    Alaska Airlines focus city.

  • Terminal 7

    United Airlines

    United Airlines operations.

  • Terminal 8

    American Airlines, Alaska Airlines

    Shared with American Eagle flights.

  • Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

    International carriers including ANA, JAL, Air New Zealand

    Primary international gateway with major lounges.

Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines

Tips for travellers

  • Use LAX Shuttle route A buses or airside pedestrian walkways to transfer between terminals without reclearing security.
  • Arrive 3 hours early for international flights due to high traffic and security volumes.
  • Download the LAWA app for real-time flight updates, parking, and navigation within the sprawling campus.
  • Book lounges in advance, especially in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) for long-haul connections.
  • Opt for FlyAway buses to avoid traffic when heading downtown or to Hollywood.
  • Prepare for customs in TBIT by using Mobile Passport Control app to expedite entry.

Good to know

  • LAX holds the record as the world's busiest origin and destination airport, with more travelers starting or ending trips there than using it solely for connections.
  • The airport features 161 gates across nine terminals arranged in a horseshoe shape, connected by shuttles and airside pedestrian corridors.
  • LAX served as a military airfield during World War II and began commercial service in 1946, with major expansions for the 1984 Olympics.
  • It is the only U.S. airport ranking in the top five for both passenger and cargo traffic, processing over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually.
  • The iconic Theme Building, a landmark since 1961, symbolizes LAX's mid-century modern architecture.

Amenities: Free WiFi, Multiple lounges (Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club), USO Lounge for military, Prayer rooms, On-site hotels (Hyatt Regency), Duty-free shops in TBIT, Kids play areas

Climate, customs and advisory

LAX experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with average highs of 68-75°F (20-24°C) year-round and minimal rainfall outside winter months. Fog can occasionally delay flights in mornings, especially June-August. Summers are dry and sunny, while winters bring rare rain.

Customs: International arrivals process through Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT); use Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry for faster lines. Expect 30-60 minute waits during peaks; declare goods accurately via APC kiosks.

Sources (10)

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