Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles, US · 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Big Blue Bus Route 3 Local bus · About every 20-30 min; less frequent late evenings | 60-80 min LAX–Santa Monica depending on traffic | $1.25-$1.50 (typical local fare range cited by riders) |
| Culver CityBus Line 6 Local bus · Roughly every 15-20 min daytime; less frequent at night | 45-90 min depending on destination and traffic | Around $1 (commonly cited local fare in rider reports) |
| LAX FlyAway® Bus Bus · Every 30 minutes | Varies by destination | $10-$12 one way |
| LAX-it Dedicated rideshare and taxi z · Shuttles run every few minutes when operating normally | 15-45+ min from terminal exit to car at busy times | Shuttle is free; rideshare/taxi fares vary by destination and surge |
Insider notes
The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 7 is a hidden gem among LAX lounges, noted for its peaceful ambiance and exceptional amenities.
Use the airside connectors if time permits; walking from Terminal 4 to Tom Bradley can unlock far superior food and lounge options.
Terminal 1's dining scene is often critiqued; opt for a more filling meal in nearby terminals 4 or 5 before making your way back.
Welcome
At LAX, knowing the connector routes can transform your experience, whether you’re landing on Southwest or heading out on American Airlines. It’s one of the rare mega-hubs where you can stroll airside to almost any terminal. This transforms the airport into a playground of lounges and dining options for the savvy traveler. Frequent flyers tap into this knowledge to elevate their layovers — think a quick hop from your gate to a choice meal in Tom Bradley or a relaxing time at the Star Alliance Lounge.
At a glance
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) accommodates over 76 million passengers annually across its 9 terminals: 1 through 8 and Tom Bradley (B). Situated 16 miles southwest of Downtown Los Angeles, it's a hub for major airlines like American, Delta, and United. LAX is known for its significant congestion and expansive dining and lounge choices. Most travelers access LAX via the convenient FlyAway bus or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The airport’s design allows for a unique airside connection between most terminals, making it easier for travelers to access LAX’s prized lounges and restaurants without the hassle of clearing security multiple times.
Terminals & layout
LAX consists of 9 terminals with specific airline allocations. Terminal 1 hosts Southwest; Terminal 2 is shared by Aeromexico, Air Canada, and others; while Terminal 3 is dominated by Delta. Terminals 4 and 5 belong to American Airlines. Terminal 6 accommodates Alaska Airlines, among others, with United operating in Terminals 7 and 8. Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) caters to a plethora of international carriers. Given LAX’s horseshoe layout, Terminals 4 through 8 and Tom Bradley are connected airside, enabling easy transit without the need to re-clear TSA.
Getting to and from the city
LAX is well-connected to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The LAX FlyAway® Bus to downtown ranges from $10-$12. LAX-it, the designated rideshare and taxi zone, operates shuttles free of charge, though rideshare fares vary widely depending on traffic, averaging $30-$70. For public transport devotees, the Metro C Line offers an integrated solution via a shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Station with a base fare of $1.75; connecting times can, however, extend the journey to 60-90 minutes during peak hours. Travelers frequently cite longer journey times due to notorious LA traffic, suggesting the allocation of buffer time.
Traveller essentials
Parking can cost anywhere from $35/day in the economy lot to $70/day for valet services. Security line unpredictability is a known issue across terminals, with processing times varying significantly. Even with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, travelers advise allowing ample time due to variable congestion. Wi-Fi, albeit improving, still receives mixed reviews regarding reliability and speed, especially outside lounge areas or during peak travel windows.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining coverage at LAX is substantial if uneven; Tom Bradley offers standout options like Wolfgang Puck and Umami Burger. Terminals 2 and 3 house newer concessions that compete strongly with city fare, while Terminal 1 offers California Pizza Kitchen and Cassell's Hamburgers. Consider Terminal 5’s Skewers by Morimoto or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf if in need of a quick bite near your American Airlines gate. For shopping, Tom Bradley stands out with luxury stalls like Burberry and Gucci, complementing general outlets like Hudson News sprinkled throughout terminals.
Lounges
LAX investors in frequent flying will find a wealth of lounges from alliances such as Oneworld and Star Alliance, along with credit card-linked spaces like the AmEx Centurion. Terminal 7’s United Polaris Lounge is heralded as one of the less crowded spots, offering a la carte dining and comfortable settings. Terminals and Bradley's American Airlines Flagship Lounge are highly rated, providing a premium oneworld experience. The Star Alliance Lounge’s terrace in Tom Bradley is often highlighted as a must-visit, especially for Priority Pass holders. Air Canada’s lounge in Tom Bradley is another often-overlooked quiet space.
Insider tips
- Insider: The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 7 is a hidden gem among LAX lounges, noted for its peaceful ambiance and exceptional amenities.
- Time: Use the airside connectors if time permits; walking from Terminal 4 to Tom Bradley can unlock far superior food and lounge options.
- Avoid: Terminal 1's dining scene is often critiqued; opt for a more filling meal in nearby terminals 4 or 5 before making your way back.
- Quiet: The Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6 boasts a serene environment and accommodating staff, making it a great place to unwind.
- Local: Tom Bradley’s food court provides a taste of Los Angeles’s diverse flavors with options like 800 Degrees Pizza and Border Grill.
- Money: Look further down the pickup area curb for rideshares to potentially save 10–15 minutes or more off your arrival time.
- Insider: For Priority Pass users, the Centurion Lounge in Tom Bradley is worth the visit despite crowding, especially for its cocktail offerings.
- Quiet: The Air France Lounge in Tom Bradley is often quieter than others, with a strong wine selection making it a secret haven for eligible flyers.