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Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to by its airport code, LAX, is the primary international airport serving Los Angeles, California, and its surrounding metropolitan area. LAX is located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, alongside LA's beach communities, about 16 to 18 miles from Downtown LA. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a hub for many passenger airlines and handling a large volume of passenger and cargo traffic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Los Angeles International Airport |
| Airport Code | LAX |
| Location | Westchester, Los Angeles, California |
| Distance from Downtown LA | 16-18 miles |
| Nearby Areas | El Segundo, Inglewood, Westside, South Bay, Pacific Ocean |
| Operator | Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) |
| Area Covered | 3,500 acres |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Number of Terminals | 9 |
| Number of Gates | 146 (under construction to increase to 182) |
| Number of Passengers | Ranked 8th busiest in the world (over 87 million passengers in 2019) |
| Cargo Traffic | Ranked 11th busiest in the world (2 million tons in 2019) |
| Airlines | Serves as a hub for 7 airlines, including American Eagle |
| Connections | FlyAway express bus, airport bus, shuttle vans, local bus, light rail, taxicabs, ride-share, rental cars |
| Landmarks | Theme Building (designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument) |
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What You'll Learn
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to by its airport code, LAX, is the primary international airport serving Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area. Located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, it is around 18 miles (29-30 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles, close to the Pacific Ocean. LAX is a major international gateway to the United States, serving as a connection point for passengers travelling internationally. The airport covers 3,500 acres of land and has four parallel runways.
LAX is the world's busiest origin and destination airport, with many travellers beginning or ending their trips in Los Angeles rather than using it as a connection. It is also the only airport to rank among the top five US airports for both passenger and cargo traffic. The airport serves as a hub, focus city, or operating base for more passenger airlines than any other airport in the US. In 2019, LAX handled over 88 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo, with 1,500 average daily flight operations. LAX offers 645 daily commercial flights to 162 destinations and 1,890 weekly international flights to 68 global destinations.
LAX is accessible via various transportation options, including airport buses, door-to-door shuttle vans, local buses, light rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, and rental cars. The FlyAway express bus system connects LAX with Los Angeles Union Station, the region's primary rail transportation hub. The airport has a distinctive Theme Building, designed in the Googie style and resembling a flying saucer that has landed on four legs. The building, opened in 1961, was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1992/1993.
LAX has undergone significant development, with all terminals being refurbished and the Tom Bradley International Terminal substantially rebuilt. The LAX West Intermodal Transportation Facility, with 4,300 parking spaces, opened in 2021, and a new LAX/Metro Transit Centre and LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility are currently under construction. These projects are expected to cost $30 billion and increase LAX's total gates from 146 to 182.
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LAX's location
Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to by its airport code, LAX, is the primary international airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area. LAX is located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, alongside LA's beach communities, about 16 to 18 miles from Downtown LA. The commercial and residential areas of Westchester are to the north, the city of El Segundo to the south, and the city of Inglewood to the east. LAX is also close to the Pacific Ocean, making it a gateway to international destinations, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
LAX is the world's busiest origin and destination airport. In 2019, it handled over 88 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo, making it the eighth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and eleventh-busiest by cargo traffic. The airport covers 3,500 acres of land and has four parallel runways. It serves as a hub, focus city, or operating base for more passenger airlines than any other airport in the United States.
LAX offers a wide range of transportation options, including airport buses, door-to-door shuttle vans, local buses, light rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, and rental cars. The FlyAway express bus system connects LAX with Los Angeles Union Station, the region's primary rail transportation hub. Additionally, the LAX Automated People Mover, expected to be completed by January 2026, will connect terminals and provide access to parking facilities, the LAX/Metro Transit Center, and the LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility.
LAX has a distinctive Theme Building, designed in the "Googie" style and resembling a Space Age flying saucer. It was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1992 and 1993. The building houses a restaurant with sweeping views of the airport, suspended beneath two arches that form the legs of the saucer.
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LAX's terminals
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary international airport serving Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area. Located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, it is around 18 miles (29-30 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles.
LAX is the world's busiest origin and destination airport, with many more travellers starting or ending their trips in Los Angeles than using it as a connection. It is also the only airport to rank among the top five US airports for both passenger and cargo traffic.
LAX has nine terminals, all of which are being refurbished. Terminals 7 and 8 were the first to be completed, followed by Terminals 3, 4, and 5, with Terminal 2 opening as the original international terminal. Terminal 6 was the last to open as a "consolidated" terminal for other domestic carriers.
Terminal 1 is being extended into a formerly open area, including the first Terminal Vertical Core, which will connect the building to a pedestrian walkway to the future CTA Center Automated People Mover Station. Terminal 3 has recently been expanded to include 11 gates, with Delta and WestJet operating from this terminal. Terminals 4 and 5 are undergoing a $1.6 billion modernisation, which will include a unified departure hall and a new south concourse in Terminal 4. Terminal 5 is now home to JetBlue, Spirit, and some American Airlines flights. Terminal 6 is also being refreshed as part of a $230 million modernisation project, and Terminal 7 has recently undergone a $546 million renovation, including a new United Club Terminal 7 Lounge. The Tom Bradley International Terminal has also been substantially rebuilt, with a West Gates satellite concourse added.
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LAX's transportation
Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is one of the busiest airports in America. As such, getting to and from the airport can be challenging, especially when factoring in LA's notorious traffic. However, there are several transportation options available to and from LAX, including shuttle services, public transit, rental cars, and taxis.
Shuttle Services
Shuttle services are a popular choice for travellers due to their convenience and affordability. Several companies offer shared-ride services to and from LAX, including Prime Time Shuttle, SuperShuttle, Karmel Shuttle Service, and Rosedale Livery. These shuttles offer upfront pricing, flexibility, and stress-free travel. They also provide various vehicle options, such as basic shared rides, sedans, SUVs, and vans to accommodate different group sizes.
Public Transit
For those looking for a more economical option, public transit is also available to and from LAX. The LAX City Bus Center, located near the airport, provides connections to several bus lines, including L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit. A free shuttle bus service is provided between the airport terminals and the LAX City Bus Center, making it convenient for travellers.
Additionally, the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which opened recently, offers new rail and bus connections to LAX. It connects the C and K Lines, providing further transportation options for travellers.
Rental Cars and Taxis
Rental car offices are located off-airport, away from the airline terminals. These companies offer a range of vehicles for rent, providing flexibility for travellers. Taxi services are also available at LAX, with a designated taxi lane outside the baggage claim area.
Hotel Shuttles
Many major airport-area hotels provide courtesy transportation from LAX terminals. These hotel shuttles can be identified by the red curbside pylons on the Upper/Departures Level of the airport.
With various transportation options available, travellers can choose the most suitable and convenient method for their journey to and from LAX.
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Other airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary international airport serving Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area. Located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, it is about 18 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. LAX is the world's busiest origin and destination airport, serving as a hub for seven airlines.
Although LAX is the busiest airport in the Greater Los Angeles area, several other airports serve the region. Here is some information about some of them:
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
John Wayne Airport is an international airport located in Orange County. It is the second-busiest airport in the region, serving as a gateway to many popular tourist attractions, including the Disneyland Resort. In 2019, the airport served 10.7 million passengers.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood Burbank Airport, located in Burbank, is the smallest of the primary airports in the area, handling only domestic air service. It is the closest airport to central and northeastern parts of Los Angeles, including Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. It is also the only airport in the area with a direct rail connection to Downtown Los Angeles.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport is situated in the city of Ontario in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles. It is a convenient option for residents of the Inland Empire and the eastern San Gabriel Valley. The airport served 5.6 million passengers in 2019 and is the West Coast cargo hub for UPS Airlines.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport is located in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles. It is the least busy of the airports in the area, serving 3.6 million passengers in 2019.
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
San Bernardino International Airport is in the city of San Bernardino and was previously known as the Norton Air Force Base. Breeze Airways is currently the only commercial airline operating within this airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. It is about 16 to 18 miles from Downtown LA.
There are numerous transportation options available at LAX, including airport buses, door-to-door shuttle vans, local buses, light rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, and rental cars.
LAX has several terminals, including Terminals 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, B, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
LAX is known for its iconic Theme Building, designed in the "Googie" style to resemble a flying saucer. It also has a large number of cargo facilities, covering 2 million square feet.
