Skip to main content
LAXDetailed guide

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Airport Guide

Los Angeles, United States · KLAX

Los Angeles International is the primary gateway to the U.S. West Coast, with nine terminals arranged in a horseshoe around the iconic Theme Building.

A new Automated People Mover and the Metro K Line are transforming connections between terminals and the wider city.

For a longer, hand-written walkthrough, see our in-depth Los Angeles airport guide.

Lounges

Lounge availability at Los Angeles International Airport varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.

WiFi

Free unlimited WiFi across all terminals.

Airlines

Notable carriers operating at Los Angeles International Airport:

American AirlinesDeltaUnitedSouthwestinternational carriers (TBIT)

Los Angeles International Airport operates 9 passenger terminals.

Getting to & from LAX

Bus: FlyAway bus to Union Station and Westwood(~30–60 min)from ~$9.75
Metro: Metro C/K lines via the people mover (rolling out)(varies)
Taxi/Rideshare: LAX-it lot for taxis and rideshare(20–60 min (traffic))

Transit & visa requirements

  • As with all U.S. airports, there is no airside transit — connecting passengers must clear immigration and customs and need a valid visa or approved ESTA.

Check visa requirements by country →

Hotels near LAX

Need a room near the airport for an early departure or a long layover?

Things to do during a layover

Got time between flights? See our dedicated LAX layover guide. In short:

Short layover (under 3 hours)

Stay airside at Los Angeles International Airport. Clear security to your connection early, then find a lounge or quiet seating area near your departure gate.

Medium layover (3–6 hours)

Enough time to relax in a lounge, eat a proper meal and explore the terminal’s shops and amenities without rushing your connection.

Long layover (6+ hours) — consider visiting Los Angeles

With a long layover you may have time to leave the airport and see Los Angeles, provided your nationality and routing allow you to clear immigration. Confirm transit visa rules first, and leave a generous buffer to return.

LAX — Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serves Los Angeles, United States.

Related airports

Plan your trip