Los Angeles International Airport
Also known as: LAX, LAX Airport, Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles International.
Private transfer from LAXSee pricesSee pricesAbout 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
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Book a transfer from LAXPrivate 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.
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.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Delta Air Lines
Terminal 4
American Airlines, with its Flagship Lounge.
Airlines commonly assigned here: American Airlines
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.
Airlines commonly assigned here: United Airlines
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
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.