Airports In Los Angeles: A Comprehensive Guide

Los Angeles is served by several airports, including five major airports and several smaller ones. The largest and most well-known is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located in Westchester, to the west of downtown Los Angeles. Other major airports in the area include Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and Ontario International Airport (ONT). These airports offer a range of domestic and international flight options, with LAX being the third-busiest airport in North America, serving more than 40 countries on 800+ routes.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is conveniently situated for those visiting West LA and South Bay, and is the closest airport to downtown Los Angeles and its main tourist attractions. It is also the best airport for visiting Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, the beaches of the west, and any other surrounding community. Transportation options are plentiful and affordable, with public transport and taxis available.

However, the airport is known for being crowded, with long queues to board and to exit the terminals. Security and immigration can also be time-consuming, with long waits. LAX is currently undergoing billion-dollar renovations, which may improve the situation.

For those visiting Disneyland, the Inland Empire, or other places close to the Los Angeles area, one of the other airports may be a better option.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

The airport is relatively small, serving only six airlines, with just two terminals sharing an entrance. Despite its limited capacity, it offers convenient connections to various destinations within LA, including downtown LA, Hollywood, Pasadena, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers.

Non-stop flights to Burbank Airport are available from several major hubs across the US, including New York, Chicago, Denver, and Dallas. However, with direct flights to only 30 destinations, travellers from smaller markets may need to make a stop.

One notable feature of BUR is the ease of transportation. Ride-share pickup is available right outside Terminal B, and the rental car pickup is conveniently located within walking distance from the airport building. The airport also offers a bus service throughout the region and connections to Amtrak and Metrolink at the Regional Intermodal Transport Center.

When planning your travel to or from Burbank Airport, keep in mind that there is a 10 pm hard stop on flights due to "quiet hours". This may cause delays if your incoming flight is late.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

LGB is known for its relaxed and efficient travel experience, with short lines, cheerful staff, and affordable, edible food. Its compact size and well-organized layout make it easy to navigate, reducing the time and stress often associated with getting to your gate. This makes it a popular choice for Angelenos, especially those travelling for business. Its smaller size and fewer crowds mean less time spent navigating terminals and more time focusing on work.

The airport also offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating areas and a variety of dining options, ensuring that passengers can relax and refresh before their flight. The friendly and helpful airport staff further enhance the travel experience, making LGB a favourite among those who value convenience and efficiency.

LGB is about a 30-minute drive to Disneyland, downtown LA, or South Bay, so while it's not right in the heart of the action, it's also not too far from the city's main attractions. Like Burbank, Long Beach has a 10 pm hard stop on air traffic, so it's best to avoid scheduling a late flight.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne Airport is a small airport, working with seven national airlines, including Delta, American and Alaska. The number of daily flights is more than enough for the number of visitors who choose this terminal to reach Los Angeles. This makes it a perfect option for those who have planned a family theme park holiday or visits to movie studios.

The airport is about 44 miles from Hollywood, which is about an hour's drive, or longer with traffic. It is also conveniently located for those travelling to Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach.

John Wayne Airport is pretty easy to get in and out of, and has walking access to its rental car lots. Taxis pick up right in front of the terminals, while ride-share users need to go to the back corner of one of the parking lots to get a ride. Quiet hours are slightly less restrictive than other airports, allowing departures until 10 pm and arrivals until 11 pm.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is located in San Bernardino County, California, about 38 miles (61 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. The airport is 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Ontario and 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown San Bernardino. Ontario International Airport is a full-service airport, offering nonstop flights to over 20 major destinations, including New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico. The airport also provides real-time updates for arrivals and departures, along with shorter security wait times compared to other airports in Southern California.

Ontario International Airport covers 1,741 acres (705 hectares) and features two parallel runways. It serves as the West Coast air and truck hub for UPS Airlines and is a major distribution point for FedEx Express. As of September 2018, the airport handles more than 64 daily departures and arrivals. Notably, Ontario's longest runway (8L/26R) is longer than three of the four runways at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it an alternate landing site for large aircraft destined for LAX.

The history of Ontario International Airport dates back to the early 20th century. In 1923, a landing field was established east of Central Avenue, followed by the establishment of Latimer Field in 1929. The city of Ontario played a significant role in the airport's development, purchasing land and constructing new runways over the years. In 1946, the airport was renamed "Ontario International Airport" due to the trans-Pacific cargo flights originating from there. The airport has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, including the construction of new terminals and enhancements to runway infrastructure.

Ontario International Airport consists of two terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, with a total of 26 gates. Additionally, there is a separate adjacent international arrivals facility with two arrival-only gates, bringing the total number of gates to 28. Terminal 2 houses airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, while Terminal 4 is home to American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The international arrivals facility accommodates international carriers like Avianca, China Airlines, and Volaris.

Ground transportation options for Ontario International Airport include motorway access via the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10), Ontario Freeway (Interstate 15), or the Pomona Freeway (State Route 60). Omnitrans, San Bernardino County's public transportation agency, operates bus routes near the airport, providing connections to nearby stations and Metrolink lines.

Frequently asked questions