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Airport Transportation

Los Angeles International Airport

Also known as: LAX, LAX Airport, Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles International.

LAX · KLAX · Los Angeles

Airport facts

Name
Los Angeles International Airport
IATA code
LAX
ICAO code
KLAX
City
Los Angeles
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
33.9425, -118.4080
Time zone
America/Los_Angeles

About Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport for Los Angeles and Southern California. It sits in the Westchester neighborhood, by the Pacific coast, about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles, and handled about 73.7 million passengers in 2025.

Delta, United, American, Southwest and Alaska are the largest airlines, and dozens of foreign airlines fly to Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America, mostly from the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The airport has nine passenger terminals arranged in a U around a two-level loop road: Terminals 1 to 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), with the West Gates behind it. Taxis and ride apps do not pick up at the curb; they use the LAX-it lot east of Terminal 1, reached by free shuttle or on foot.

There is no direct rail link yet. Shuttles connect the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, FlyAway buses run to Union Station and Van Nuys, and an automated people mover is due to link the terminals, the transit center and the rental car center. Most travelers continue by road to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown or Orange County.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), City of Los Angeles

Runways

Four parallel runways; the longest, 07L/25R, is 12,923 ft (3,939 m)

Passengers per year

About 73.7 million in 2025

Opened

1928

Gates

161 gates in nine terminals

Arrival tips for Los Angeles International Airport

Check which terminal you land at: Terminals 1 to 8 or the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Each has its own baggage claim on the lower level.

If you arrive on an international flight, you clear US Customs and Border Protection before baggage claim, usually at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.

Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.

Taxis and ride apps do not pick up at the terminal curbs: walk or take the free shuttle to the LAX-it lot east of Terminal 1. FlyAway buses and the shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center stop outside each terminal. If you booked a private transfer, follow the pickup instructions in your confirmation, since LAX traffic and curb rules change during construction.

Ground transportation

  • Private transfer from LAX

    A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown, Anaheim or the cruise port. Avoids the LAX-it lot and suits groups with luggage.

  • Taxi and ride apps at LAX-it

    Taxis, Uber and Lyft pick up only at the LAX-it lot east of Terminal 1, reached by free shuttle or on foot from the terminals.

  • FlyAway bus

    Nonstop buses from every terminal to Union Station downtown and the Van Nuys FlyAway terminal.

  • Metro via the Transit Center

    A shuttle links the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, about 1.5 miles away, for Metro rail and buses. LAX has no direct rail link yet.

  • Rental car

    Rental companies operate from the consolidated Rental Car Center near the airport.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walk between terminals

    Terminals sit around one U-shaped loop. Connectors such as Terminal 1.5 (between 1 and 2) and Terminal 4.5 (between 4 and 5) help on the inside.

  2. Automated people mover

    A people mover is being built to link the terminals, parking, the LAX/Metro Transit Center and the rental car center; check whether it has opened.

Terminals

Nine terminals in a U shape. Airline assignments change, so confirm your terminal before you fly.

Terminal 1

Mainly Southwest, plus Frontier and some seasonal airlines.

Terminal 2

Delta, together with Terminal 3.

Terminal 3

Delta's main check-in and domestic departures, with a Delta Sky Club.

Terminal 4

American Airlines, with its Flagship Lounge.

Terminal 5

American Airlines and JetBlue.

Terminal 6

Alaska, Hawaiian and partners such as Air Canada and Porter.

Terminal 7

United Airlines, with United Clubs.

Terminal 8

United Airlines.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Terminal B, used by most foreign airlines and long-haul flights, with the West Gates behind it.

Airlines and destinations

Main airlines at LAX and the terminal each uses. Assignments change, so confirm before you fly.

Air Canada T6

Airline guide

Alaska Airlines T6

Airline guide

American Airlines T4

Also Terminal 5.

Airline guide

British Airways Tom Bradley International Terminal

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines T3

Also Terminal 2.

Airline guide

Frontier Airlines T1

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines T1

Airline guide

United Airlines T7

Also Terminal 8.

Airline guide

Facilities

  • LAX-it

    The taxi and ride-app pickup lot east of Terminal 1, reached by free shuttle or on foot.

  • FlyAway buses

    Nonstop buses to Union Station downtown and Van Nuys, stopping at every terminal.

  • LAX/Metro Transit Center

    Metro rail and bus hub about 1.5 miles away, reached by shuttle.

  • Rental Car Center

    A consolidated rental car facility, to be linked by the people mover.

  • International arrivals

    US Customs and Border Protection, mainly at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Airport lounges

  • Delta Sky Club (Terminal 3)

    For Delta Sky Club members and eligible premium passengers.

  • American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club (Terminal 4)

    For eligible American and oneworld premium passengers and members.

  • United Clubs (Terminals 7 and 8)

    For United Club members and eligible premium passengers.

  • Tom Bradley International Terminal lounges

    Including Qantas, Korean Air, Emirates, the American Express Centurion Lounge and alliance lounges for oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.

  • Reduced mobility

    Taxis and ride apps pick up at LAX-it, away from the terminals, so tell your airline and driver in advance if you need help getting to your ride.

  • Service animals

    Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.

  • Assistance on arrival

    Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim.

Frequently asked questions

How far is LAX from downtown Los Angeles?

Los Angeles International Airport is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles, in Westchester near the coast. FlyAway buses run nonstop to Union Station, and by road the drive depends heavily on LA traffic.

How many terminals does LAX have?

LAX has nine passenger terminals arranged in a U shape: Terminals 1 to 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), with the West Gates behind it. Together they have 161 gates.

What is LAX-it?

LAX-it is the pickup lot for taxis and ride apps such as Uber and Lyft, east of Terminal 1. They no longer pick up at the terminal curbs, so walk or take the free LAX-it shuttle from your terminal. Pre-booked private drivers follow their own pickup instructions.

Is there a train from LAX?

Not directly yet. A shuttle runs from the terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, about 1.5 miles away, for Metro rail and buses. An automated people mover is being built to link the terminals with the transit center and the rental car center.

Which terminal does my airline use at LAX?

Southwest uses Terminal 1, Delta Terminals 2 and 3, American Terminals 4 and 5, Alaska Terminal 6 and United Terminals 7 and 8. Most foreign airlines use the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Assignments change, so confirm on your boarding pass.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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