LAX has nine terminals. While this sounds overwhelming, I find it's fairly easy to figure out where to go. The terminals are lined up in an easy-to-navigate U shape, and many of the terminals are specific to just one or two airlines.
Delta operates from Terminals 2 and 3, American uses Terminals 4 and 5 for check-in with flights departing from Terminals 4, 5 and Terminal B (though Terminal 5 is currently closed for construction), and United from Terminals 7 and 8. International airlines typically use Terminal B (the Tom Bradley International Terminal, or TBIT).
One quirk to watch for: some airlines have you check in at one terminal but fly from another. I’ve experienced this on Delta, checking in at Terminal 3 but departing from Terminal B. Give yourself plenty of time between check-in and your gate.
Transportation
Los Angeles is a driving city, so many people either drive their own cars to LAX or rent cars upon arrival. But there are public transportation and taxi options, too.
Public transportation
LAX isn’t known for its public transportation system, but it does exist. Look for the blue “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” signs when you exit your terminal. These shuttles take you to the LAX City Bus Center, where you can hop on several bus lines, or to the Metro C Line (Green) at Aviation Station.
When I lived in L.A., I never took public transportation to or from the airport as it simply wasn’t convenient. That said, it’s cheaper than all other options. While the LAX FlyAway bus operates 24/7 from Union Station and Van Nuys, other public transportation options like the Metro C Line and Metro Connector shuttle typically run from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., so check schedules before you leave for the airport.
Taxis and ridesharing
All taxis and rideshares (Lyft, Uber and Opoli) pick up passengers at LAX-it, a special parking lot next to Terminal 1. A shuttle bus with green LAX-it signs connects all terminals, but there are also walkways.
I find that walking can be much faster than taking the shuttle. From the closest terminals (1 and 7), it’s about a 3- to 8-minute walk. From the farthest terminals (4 and 5), it’s about a 20-minute walk. Traffic is notoriously bad within the U-shaped loop connecting the terminals, so shuttles can be held up. Keep the commute time in mind when you book your rideshares. I usually wait until I'm within five minutes of LAX-it before calling a car.
Rental cars
All rental car companies operate off the airport, so you’ll need to take a shuttle to pick up your car (or to get to the terminal after dropping off your car). Follow the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs outside your terminal on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Major rental car companies offer 24-hour shuttle service, though you should check specific schedules for smaller providers.
LAX FlyAway bus
One popular transportation option at LAX is the LAX FlyAway bus. This bus connects the airport with two stops: Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley and Union Station in Downtown L.A. Many people use these stops as a sort of “park and ride,” as parking is available at the LAX FlyAway stops and is cheaper than at LAX itself.
Parking
Parking at LAX is limited compared to demand, so it’s best to book in advance. One time I drove to the airport expecting to park without a reservation, and all the official airport lots were full. I had to park miles away at an off-site garage. Booking parking in advance also gets you the best rates.
There are eight terminal parking structures within a five-minute walk to the terminals, while shuttles service the economy lots. You can pre-book all of them. Third-party garages around the airport also exist, each requiring a shuttle to the terminals. Always leave yourself extra time to park, just in case something goes awry.
Getting between terminals
All terminals at LAX are connected airside, which means you don't need to exit the secure area to get between terminals. (I, for one, am thrilled, as I used to regularly fly out of LAX when most terminals were not connected airside). But do note that the walk can be extremely long. I’ve walked from the end of Terminal 2 to the end of Terminal 3, and that alone can take 15 minutes.
The T3-TBIT connection now has a direct airside walkway, eliminating the need for busing there, though some airlines from Terminal 1 still provide airside bus service to Terminal B as directed. On the landside, walkways and the 24/7 “Airline/Terminal Connections (A Route)” shuttle connect all terminals.
Dining, shopping and lounges
LAX is a major international airport, which means there are plenty of dining and shopping options throughout its terminals. That said, in my opinion, it's not nearly as impressive as international airports in Asia and the Middle East.
Dining highlights include Native by Nyesha in Terminal 3 by L.A. Nyesha Arrington and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Terminal B (you won’t regret a grilled cheese here).
The best shopping, including designer boutiques like Hermès and Gucci, can be found at Terminal B, where most of the international flights depart and arrive.
As for lounges, most major airlines have outposts in their respective terminals. Highlights include the Qantas First Class Lounge in Terminal B, Delta Sky Club in Terminal 3, and American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 4. United operates premium lounges in Terminal 7. Terminal B has a Centurion Lounge with an express spa offering complimentary treatments, though they’re first-come, first-served and I find they book up fast.
What to do on a layover
Nearby attractions
If you have at least three hours during your layover, I’d recommend the In-N-Out on South Sepulveda Boulevard, not necessarily for the food, but for the planespotting. The park across the street sits right beneath the final approach to runway 24R, so you can see planes flying just a few hundred feet above you. It’s one of my favorite things to do in L.A. The In-N-Out is about a 20- to 30-minute walk from the airport, or you can take a taxi or rideshare.
If you’re hungry, order a Double Double Animal Style, which I think is the best burger option. For six hours or more, you might squeeze in a quick visit to Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach or Santa Monica.
L.A. traffic can happen at any time (I’ve been stuck in terrible jams near LAX in the middle of the night), so give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get back to the airport and through security.
Nearby hotels
If you have an overnight layover, or you want to book a day room to get some rest, there are numerous hotels within walking distance of LAX along West Century Boulevard. Many of them have free airport shuttles, but I find that it can be faster to walk if you’re traveling light. Some of these hotels even have pools if you want to enjoy some Southern California sun.
The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport is the closest to the airport terminals, but just a block farther are the more budget-friendly Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport and H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, which share a roof deck overlooking the runway.
Alternative Airports
Ask any local and they’ll almost always recommend flying out of an alternative airport instead of LAX, as LAX is extremely crowded. Fortunately, L.A. has numerous options, including John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Burbank, Ontario International Airport (ONT) in San Bernardino County, Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Long Beach and San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) in San Bernardino. Though these alternative airports might not have as much airlift as LAX (that is, they have far fewer flights), they provide a much more relaxed airport experience. I would frequently choose to fly out of Burbank with an extra layover rather than take a nonstop from LAX.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
