Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary commercial airport serving the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and one of the world's busiest airports by both passenger count and cargo volume. Located in Westchester, southwest of downtown Los Angeles, LAX handles more than 80 million passengers in peak years across nine terminals arranged in a distinctive horseshoe-shaped layout. The airport is the fourth-busiest in the United States and a major Pacific Rim gateway, connecting North America to Asia-Pacific, Australia, Latin America, and beyond. This guide covers everything you need to know about navigating LAX, from terminal layouts and airline assignments to the new Automated People Mover and practical travel tips.
Los Angeles International Airport is operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a department of the City of Los Angeles, and serves as the primary commercial aviation gateway for the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States. LAX's horseshoe-shaped terminal complex is arranged around a central terminal island, with Terminals 1 through 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) facing inward toward the central median. The airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and serves dozens of international carriers connecting Los Angeles to the world. LAX is the largest origin-and-destination (O&D) airport in the United States, meaning that the vast majority of its passengers are starting or ending their journey in Los Angeles rather than simply connecting — this distinguishes it from major hub airports like Dallas/Fort Worth or Chicago O'Hare. The airport's footprint spans approximately 3,500 acres, and its four parallel runways handle more than 700 daily departures.
The site of LAX was developed as Mines Field in 1928, originally established as a municipal airfield on farmland in the Inglewood area. The City of Los Angeles purchased the land in 1937 and began developing it as a major commercial airport, formally renaming it Los Angeles International Airport. Scheduled airline service began in 1946 when the airport opened its first permanent terminal buildings. The airport underwent major expansion in the 1950s and 1960s as the jet age arrived, with new terminal facilities opened to handle growing passenger volumes. The current horseshoe-shaped terminal complex was largely built for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which provided the impetus for a major capital program. Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) — named for the longtime Los Angeles mayor — opened in 1984 and became the primary facility for international arrivals and departures. LAX has undergone continuous expansion ever since, and the current Automated People Mover (APM) and Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility (ConRAC) modernization program represents the most significant transformation in decades.
LAX has nine passenger terminals arranged in a horseshoe around a central terminal area. Terminal 1 is primarily Southwest Airlines, handling the carrier's high-frequency domestic routes from its distinctive interior. Terminal 2 is a Delta Air Lines domestic and some international terminal. Terminal 3 is Delta's primary international facility and a major terminal for transatlantic and transpacific Delta routes. Terminal 4 is American Airlines' main terminal for domestic and international departures, with the flagship Admirals Club lounge. Terminal 5 handles Delta international flights and various international carriers. Terminal 6 is used by Alaska Airlines and a mix of domestic carriers. Terminal 7 is United Airlines. Terminal 8 is United Airlines domestic. Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is the centerpiece of international operations at LAX, serving a large number of international carriers including Air China, Cathay Pacific, LATAM, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and many others. TBIT connects airside to Terminals 4 and 5. The new Automated People Mover (APM) train connects the rental car facility and transit hub to all terminals, dramatically improving ground-level access.
LAX is served by virtually every major domestic and international airline operating in the United States. Delta Air Lines uses Terminals 2, 3, and 5, and LAX is a key transpacific gateway for Delta's Korean Air codeshare routes. American Airlines operates from Terminal 4, with transatlantic service to Europe and domestic routes across the network. United Airlines uses Terminals 7 and 8, with significant transpacific routes including Tokyo, Sydney, and Singapore. Alaska Airlines operates primarily from Terminal 6, with extensive service to Pacific Northwest and West Coast destinations. Southwest Airlines occupies Terminal 1 for high-frequency domestic leisure routes. JetBlue operates from Terminal 5. International highlights include Qantas (Sydney, Melbourne), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), Air China (Beijing), Emirates (Dubai), British Airways (London), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), and LATAM (South America). In total, LAX serves over 130 international destinations and connects to more than 90 domestic cities.
LAX's amenities have improved significantly through recent investment, though the quality still varies by terminal. Tom Bradley International Terminal stands out for its high-end retail and dining, with upscale food halls, a strong selection of restaurant brands, and a first-class shopping zone. Terminal 4 (American) has undergone renovation and offers updated dining and the Admirals Club. Terminal 6 (Alaska) has been refreshed with improved food options. Southwest's Terminal 1 is functional and focused on efficiency rather than luxury. Lounge access at LAX is extensive: Delta Sky Club operates in T3, United Club in T7, American Admirals Club in T4, Alaska Lounge in T6, and TBIT houses multiple premium lounges including the Delta One Lounge and Air France Lounge. The Priority Pass network covers several independently operated lounges. LAX offers free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Nursing and family rooms are available at each terminal, and pet relief areas are located at terminal entrances on the departures level.
Getting to and from LAX has historically been one of the airport's greatest challenges due to the congested road network and limited transit access. The new Automated People Mover (APM) — branded the LAX-it at the consolidated rideshare area — now connects all nine terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center station, where passengers can board the Metro K Line (Crenshaw Line) light rail to reach downtown Los Angeles, the Purple and Expo Lines, and eventually the Green Line. The APM runs 24 hours and takes about 6 minutes to loop all terminals. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis depart from the LAX-it lot, which is connected to terminals by the APM or by shuttle bus. Yellow cab taxis are available at the lower-level arrivals curb for those who prefer not to use the APM. FlyAway bus service connects LAX to Union Station (downtown), Van Nuys, Westwood, and Long Beach at low flat fares. Rental cars are consolidated at the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility connected to the APM transit hub.
LAX offers on-airport parking across several lots, most of which are accessed via the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and the terminal-specific access roads on the upper and lower levels. Economy Lot C is the largest and most affordable remote parking option, located south of the terminals and connected by free shuttle. The Parking Structure (Lot P) provides closer, covered parking adjacent to the terminal ring road at premium rates. Individual terminal-area parking structures near Terminals 1–8 and TBIT charge higher daily rates for the convenience of closer proximity. Parking reservations are available and recommended for holiday periods. LAX has invested in EV charging infrastructure across multiple parking facilities. Off-airport parking operators in Inglewood and surrounding areas often offer competitive rates with shuttle service; these are popular with budget-conscious long-term parkers. The APM transit hub and the LaX-it rideshare area have reduced the pressure to drive and park for many local travelers.
LAX rewards advance planning more than almost any other U.S. airport. The most important tip: use the Automated People Mover (APM) to reach the LAX-it rideshare pickup area rather than fighting traffic at the terminal curb — it is faster and less stressful. For driving arrivals and departures, allow 30–60 minutes of extra time during peak hours, particularly Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. The lower arrivals level can become extremely congested; if picking someone up, use the cell phone lot on the north side (near Terminals 1–4) or south side (near Terminals 5–8) rather than circling. Know your terminal before you arrive: the horseshoe loop means some terminals are farther than others, and re-routing inside the road system is time-consuming. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at all terminals; CLEAR is also accepted. For transpacific or long-haul international connections, build a minimum of 2.5 hours for comfort, as customs processing and security re-clearance at LAX can be slow.
LAX is California's most economically significant airport and one of the most important in the world. The airport supports an estimated 600,000 jobs throughout the Southern California region and generates approximately $126 billion in economic output annually. As the primary Pacific Rim gateway on the U.S. West Coast, LAX is critical to trade relationships with Asia-Pacific economies and handles over 2 million metric tons of air cargo per year. The airport is a major driver of the Los Angeles tourism economy, with international visitor arrivals contributing billions of dollars to hotels, entertainment, and retail. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) also manages Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The capital investment program currently underway at LAX — encompassing the APM, ConRAC, and terminal renovations — represents one of the largest ongoing airport construction programs in U.S. history.
LAX is in the midst of a multi-decade modernization program timed in part around the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Automated People Mover (APM) and LAX/Metro Transit Center opened in 2023 and represent the most significant ground access improvement in the airport's history. The Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility (ConRAC) consolidates all rental car operations at a single off-terminal facility served by the APM, removing rental car shuttles from the terminal roadway and dramatically reducing congestion. Major terminal renovations are ongoing across Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The 2028 Olympics will bring substantial additional investments in passenger processing capacity, security checkpoint expansion, and international arrivals facilities to handle the surge in visitors. The Metro K Line extension to the airport will provide an improved rail connection for the Games. LAWA has also committed to significant sustainability targets including zero-emission ground support equipment and renewable energy sourcing for airport operations.
LAX is a primary international gateway and a major hub for transpacific travel. It plays a central role in connecting the United States to Asia and global markets.
Airports within approximately 60 miles of Los Angeles International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial, regional access.
Los Angeles International Airport has long been the gateway to the world's entertainment capital — and through a historic period of investment, it is becoming more capable and easier to navigate than at any point in its history. The new people mover, consolidated transit hub, and terminal renovations are real improvements for passengers. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, LAX is being upgraded to meet the demands of a global audience. Whether you're arriving for the first time or are a seasoned Los Angeles traveler, the tips and overview in this guide will help you navigate LAX with confidence and spend less time in the terminal and more time in the city.
Take the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) from your terminal to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then board the Metro K Line (Crenshaw Line) toward downtown. The K Line connects to the Metro Purple Line at Expo/Crenshaw station and to the Green Line. Travel time to downtown is approximately 40–60 minutes depending on destination.
Rideshares are picked up at the LAX-it lot, not at the terminal curb. Take the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) from your terminal to the LAX-it station, or take the free shuttle bus. Match with your driver and proceed to the designated pickup zone in the lot.
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at LAX, located on the west end of the terminal horseshoe. Terminal 1 is dedicated to Southwest and provides direct access to the LAX-it rideshare lot and APM system.
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is LAX's primary international terminal, home to dozens of international carriers including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air China, Emirates, and British Airways. It features the most extensive dining and retail options at LAX. TBIT connects airside to Terminals 4 and 5.
By car or rideshare, the trip from LAX to Hollywood or Beverly Hills takes 20–60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Rush hour (typically 7–10am and 4–8pm) can push journey times considerably longer. The Metro K Line can be a competitive option to avoid traffic delays.
Yes. The Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility (ConRAC) is located off-airport and is accessible via the LAX Automated People Mover (APM). All major rental car companies are based at the ConRAC. From your terminal, take the APM to the Rental Car Station stop.
For the most current flight schedules, parking availability, terminal maps, and ground transportation updates, visit the official Los Angeles International Airport website.
Los Angeles International Airport Official Site