Airports Near East Los Angeles
The closest airports to East Los Angeles, California: IATA codes, names and distances, each with a full airport guide covering terminals, lounges and transit.
The nearest airport to East Los Angeles, California is San Gabriel Valley Airport (EMT), about 9 mi (14 km) away — roughly 29 min by road. For long-haul flights, the main international gateway is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
| Code | Airport | Distance | Transfer | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT | San Gabriel Valley AirportEl Monte, United States | 9 mi / 14 km | 29 min | Regional |
| CPM | Compton Woodley AirportCompton, United States | 10 mi / 16 km | 34 min | Regional |
| HHR | Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal AirportHawthorne, United States | 12 mi / 19 km | 40 min | Regional |
| LGB | Long Beach /Daugherty Field/ AirportLong Beach, United States | 14 mi / 23 km | 28 min | Regional |
| FUL | Fullerton Municipal AirportFullerton, United States | 15 mi / 24 km | 29 min | Regional |
| LAX | Los Angeles International AirportLos Angeles, United States | 15 mi / 24 km | 29 min | International |
| BUR | Bob Hope AirportBurbank, United States | 16 mi / 26 km | 31 min | Regional |
| SMO | Santa Monica Municipal AirportSanta Monica, United States | 16 mi / 26 km | 31 min | Regional |
Distances are straight-line; transfer times are road estimates. "Type" flags major/international gateways.
Which airport is best?
For the shortest transfer, San Gabriel Valley Airport (EMT) is the most convenient at about 9 mi out. If you're flying internationally or want the widest choice of routes, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (15 mi) is the bigger gateway — worth the extra distance for long-haul or cheaper fares.
Getting to and from the airport
Taxis and ride-hailing serve every airport here, and the larger ones usually add a rail, metro or bus link into East Los Angeles. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with EMT.
Hotels near the airport
For early departures or late arrivals, a hotel near EMT saves a stressful morning transfer.
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Other cities these airports serve
Travel tips
Compare the total door-to-door time, not just the airfare — a cheaper flight into a distant airport can cost more once you add the transfer. Check whether your airport has a direct train or metro before defaulting to a taxi, and for international arrivals, confirm any visa or transit rules in advance.
Frequently asked questions
The nearest airport to East Los Angeles is San Gabriel Valley Airport (EMT), about 9 mi (14 km) away — roughly 29 min by road.