# Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

> Los Angeles, US · 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/lax
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/lax.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: LAX
- **ICAO**: KLAX
- **Timezone**: America/Los_Angeles
- **Runways**: 4
- **Terminals**: 9
- **Passengers**: 76.6M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #6
- **Hub for**: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- **Official site**: https://www.flylax.com

## Overview

## 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.

## Terminals (9)

- **Terminal 1** — Southwest Airlines
- **Terminal 2** — Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, WestJet
  Recently renovated with modern amenities and dining options.
- **Terminal 3** — Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection
- **Terminal 4** — 10 gates · American Airlines, American Eagle
  Home to several major airlines, including American Airlines.
- **Terminal 5** — American Airlines, American Eagle
- **Terminal 6** — Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southern Airways Express
- **Terminal 7** — United Airlines, United Express
- **Terminal 8** — United Airlines, United Express
- **Tom Bradley International Terminal** — 96 gates · International carriers, American Airlines, American Eagle
  The main international terminal at LAX, featuring a wide range of airlines.

## Dining (31)

- **800 Degrees Pizza** — B
- **Angel City Brewery** — 3
- **B Grill by BOA Steakhouse** — 3
- **B Grill by BOA Steakhouse** — 7
- **Border Grill** — B
- **California Pizza Kitchen** — 1
- **Carl's Jr** — 8
- **Cassell's Hamburgers** — 1
- **Engine Co. No. 28** — 7
- **Ford's Filling Station** — 5
- **ink.sack** — B
- **LA Ale Works** — 3
- **LA Life** — 2
- **Larder at Tavern** — 4
- **Lemonade** — 5
- **Loteria Grill** — 5
- **Luckyfish** — B
- **Panda Express** — B
- **Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar** — B
- **Point the Way Café** — 1
- **Rock & Brews** — 1
- **SeaLegs Wine Bar** — 2
- **Shake Shack** — B
- **Skewers by Morimoto** — 5
- **Slapfish** — 2
- **The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf** — 6
- **The Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck** — B
- **Umami Burger** — B
- **Vino Volo** — B
- **Wahoo's Fish Taco** — 6
- **Wolfgang Puck Express** — 7

## Lounges (16)

- **Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge** — B · Terminal B, Star Alliance · /use Priority Pass/
- **Air France Lounge** — B · Terminal B, SkyTeam premium · /use Priority Pass/
- **Alaska Lounge** — 6 · Terminal 6, membership and day pass · /595/year/
- **American Airlines Admirals Club** — 4 · Terminal 4, membership and day pass · /FlyerTalk regulars/
- **American Airlines Admirals Club** — 5 · Terminal 5, membership and day pass · /Oneworld elites/
- **American Airlines Flagship Lounge** — B · Terminal B, oneworld premium · /AA’s LAX Flagship Lounge/
- **Delta Sky Club** — 3 · Terminal 3, SkyTeam and membership · /NerdWallet lists/
- **Emirates Lounge** — B · Terminal B, Emirates premium · /non‑EK flyers/
- **Lufthansa Lounge** — B · Terminal B, Star Alliance premium · /Star Golds on FlyerTalk/
- **Qantas Business Lounge** — B · Terminal B, oneworld business · /Oneworld Sapphire/
- **Qantas First Lounge** — B · Terminal B, oneworld first and elites · /oneworld Emerald access/
- **Star Alliance Lounge** — B · Terminal B, Star Alliance and day pass · /Star Golds/
- **The Centurion Lounge** — B · Terminal B, American Express · /NerdWallet/
- **United Club** — 7 · Terminal 7, membership and day pass · /United’s T7 Club/
- **United Club** — 8 · Terminal 8, membership and day pass · /United Infinite credit card,/
- **United Polaris Lounge** — 7 · Terminal 7, Star Alliance long-haul · /experienced United flyers/

## Shops (20)

- **Billabong** — 2
- **Burberry** — B
- **Coach** — B
- **DFS Duty Free** — B
- **Gucci** — B
- **Hermes** — B
- **Hudson News** — 4
- **Hudson News** — 5
- **Hudson News** — 6
- **Hudson News** — 7
- **InMotion Entertainment** — 6
- **Kiehl's** — B
- **L.A. Original** — B
- **Los Angeles Lakers Store** — 4
- **MAC Cosmetics** — B
- **Michael Kors** — B
- **Rip Curl** — 2
- **See's Candies** — 1
- **Tech on the Go** — 5
- **Victoria's Secret** — 4

## Parking (10)

- **LAX Economy Parking** — Economy lot · $35/day
- **LAX Valet** — Valet service · $70/day
- **Parking Structure 1** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 2A** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 2B** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 3** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 4** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 5** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 6** — Terminal parking · $60/day
- **Parking Structure 7** — Terminal parking · $60/day

## Ground transport (15)

- **Big Blue Bus Route 3** — Local bus · 60-80 min LAX–Santa Monica depending on traffic · $1.25-$1.50 (typical local fare range cited by riders) · About every 20-30 min; less frequent late evenings
- **Culver CityBus Line 6** — Local bus · 45-90 min depending on destination and traffic · Around $1 (commonly cited local fare in rider reports) · Roughly every 15-20 min daytime; less frequent at night
- **LAX FlyAway® Bus** — Bus · Varies by destination · $10-$12 one way · Every 30 minutes
  Pickup outside Terminal 5 at Pillar 4A.
- **LAX-it** — Dedicated rideshare and taxi z · 15-45+ min from terminal exit to car at busy times · Shuttle is free; rideshare/taxi fares vary by destination and surge · Shuttles run every few minutes when operating normally
- **LAX Shuttle Route A** — Terminal connector bus · 10-30 min for a full loop depending on traffic · $0 · Every 7-10 min in daytime; less frequent late night
- **LAX Shuttle Route C** — City bus center connector · 10-25 min depending on terminal and lot · $0 · Roughly every 10-15 min; sparser late night
- **LAX Shuttle Route E** — Economy parking lot connector · 10-20 min between Lot E and terminals · $0 for shuttle (parking charged separately) · Roughly every 10-15 min; can be longer during off-peak
- **LAX Shuttle Route G** — Green Line Aviation Station co · 10-30 min from terminal to Aviation/LAX Station · $0 for shuttle; regular Metro fare applies for rail · Roughly every 10-15 min in daytime; less frequent late night
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 20-70 min depending on traffic and destination (plus LAX-it transfer time) · Similar to Uber; riders report ~$30-70+ to central LA depending on surge · On-demand; wait times vary with driver supply and demand at LAX-it
- **Metro C Line** — Light rail · 30-60 min on-train, 60-90 min including shuttle and transfers for many city destinations · $1.75 base fare (with free transfer window on TAP) · About every 10 min weekday peaks; 15-20 min late evenings
- **Metro Green Line Shuttle** — Airport connector bus · 10-25 min to the Metro C Line station · $0 · Roughly every 10-15 min in daytime; lower frequency overnight
- **Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Rapid 3** — Express bus · Roughly 45-70 min LAX–Santa Monica depending on conditions · Same as local Big Blue Bus fare (~$1.25-$1.50) · About every 15-20 min weekday peaks; less often off-peak
- **Taxis** — Metered taxi service · 30-70 min depending on traffic and destination · Riders report ~$50-60 to downtown including tip; metered with possible flat zones · Continuous supply at airport taxi ranks, with occasional short queues at peaks
- **Torrance Transit Line 8** — Local bus · 30-60 min from LAX to central Torrance depending on traffic · About $1 (local bus fare range cited by riders) · Roughly every 20-30 min daytime; sparser evenings/weekends
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 20-70 min depending on time of day and destination · $30-70+ to central LA areas depending on surge (as cited by riders) · On-demand but subject to peak shortages and long queues at LAX-it

## 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.