Los Angeles International Airport [LAX] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world. It has 9 terminals, each offering a variety of dining, shopping, and lounges.
• The airport has over 20 lounges, including the American Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Polaris Lounge.
• Ground transportation includes car rentals, shuttles, Metro Rail, and the FlyAway bus service, which connects LAX to various parts of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is undergoing a $15 billion modernization project that started in 2009 and is supposed to be completed in 2025, in time for the 2028 Olympic Games.

These major developments include an automated people mover between the terminals and Los Angeles Metro Rail links, a new car rental center, and road improvements to ease congestion. (The $2 billion people mover was delayed and is expected to open in January 2025.)

With the completion this summer of the new Delta Sky Way at LAX — linking Terminal 3 with the Thomas Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) — all LAX terminals are now connected, making flight transfers much easier than before.

Quick Information

Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Terminals: 9 total, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and B (Tom Bradley International Terminal)
Airport Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Distance From Los Angeles: 15 miles (24 km)
Website: flylax.com
Phone Number: 855-463-5252
Destinations Served: 113 domestic, 91 international
Flight Information: LAX departures and arrival information can be viewed online

LAX Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From LAX

Terminal 1

_{* Passengers check-in at Terminal 1; will be shuttled to Terminal B where flights depart and arrive.}

Terminal 2

_{* Passengers check-in at T2, will be shuttled to Terminal B – West Gates where flights depart and arrive}

Terminal 3

Terminal 4

• American Airlines (Check-in: terminals 4 and 5; Flights depart: terminals 4, 5, and Terminal B; International arrivals: Terminal B)

Terminal 5

Terminal 6

Terminals 7 and 8

Tom Bradley International Terminal (B)

LAX Airport Terminals

LAX and its terminals have a U-shaped layout, with a double-level road and airport parking inside the “U” and outside terminals. Flight departures are on the upper level, and arrivals are on the lower level.

There are 9 terminals, designated as 1 through 8, in addition to the Regional Terminal and Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal). Technically, Terminal 2 still operates, but gates 20 to 28 have been absorbed into Terminal 3. WestJet customers can still check in at Terminal 2 but depart from gates located in Terminal 3.

How you travel between terminals at LAX depends on where you’re going and whether you want to (and have the option to) stay airside to avoid clearing security again.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is on the airport’s northwest side and has 13 gates, numbered 9, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13-16, 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants inside the secure area.

Terminal 1 is connected to Terminal 3, which connects to the other terminals inside the secure area. Provided they don’t need to collect checked luggage between flights, connecting passengers can move between terminals without clearing security again.

Instead of walking, passengers can ride a shuttle bus inside the secure area to the West gates at TBIT. The bus gate is in the connector between terminals 1 and 3.

Terminals 2 and 3

The departure gates for terminals 2 and 3 have been consolidated into Terminal 3, though the terminals share a security checkpoint and baggage claim. WestJet passengers may still check in at Terminal 2 but will access their flights via the gates in Terminal 3.

Departures are from 2 concourses, with gates numbered 30A, 30B, 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33, 34A, 34B, 35, 36, 37A, 37B, and 38 in the western concourse and 20, 21, 21A, 22, 23A, 23B, 24, 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B, 27, and 28 in the eastern concourse. Passengers can access the Delta Sky Club, the newly opened Delta One Lounge, and Gameway.

Passengers can walk between the concourses while staying within the secure area. If connecting to TBIT, passengers can ride the airside shuttle bus that departs from the bus gate near gate 21 or use the new moving walkways connecting the terminals.

Terminal 3 also has a new moving walkway in the secure area that connects to Terminal B.

Terminal 4

American Airlines is the sole operator in Terminal 4, with flights from its 9 gates, numbered 41, 42A, 42B, 43, 44, 45, 46A, 47A, and 47B. Past security is a small selection of shops and restaurants, and an Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge are on the upper level.

Passengers connecting to Terminal B can walk through the connector on level 5, and those connecting terminals 5, 6, 7, and 8 can walk through the underground tunnel. Neither requires passengers to go through security again.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 is next to Terminal 4 and has 16 gates, numbered 50, 51A, 51B, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, 55A, 55B, 56A-D, 57, 58, and 59. Underground tunnels connect Terminal 5 to its neighboring terminals, while the airside shuttle bus transports passengers to the Regional Terminal. Passengers can also access terminals B, 3, or 1 via the airside connectors, starting from Terminal 4.

Most concessions are beyond gates 53B and 54B, and an Admirals Club is on the upper level.

Terminal 6

Terminal 6 has 16 gates numbered 60, 61, 62, 63A, 63B, 64A, 64B, 64C, 65A, 65B, 66, 67, 68A, 68B, 69A, and 69B. It also has an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, an Alaska Lounge, and a Gameway.

Once inside the secure area, passengers can move freely between terminals 4 through 8 via the underground tunnel to Terminal 5 or by walking through the airside connectors near security to terminals 7 and 8. From Terminal 4, passengers can access terminals B, 3, or 1 via the airside connectors.

Terminal 7

United Airlines operates from Terminal 7’s 20 gates, numbered 70A, 70B, 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B, 73, 74A, 75A, 75B, 76A, 76B, 77, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 A/B. The terminal has a good variety of available concessions, and eligible flyers can access the United Club near gate 71A or the Polaris Lounge near gate 75A.

Passengers can walk between terminals 6 and 8 via the airside walkways and into terminals 5 and 4 without exiting the secure area. From Terminal 4, passengers can access terminals B, 3, or 1 via the airside connectors.

Terminal 8

Terminal 8 is connected to Terminal 7 via a walkway inside the secure area, allowing passengers to walk freely between the southern terminals once they have cleared security. From Terminal 4, passengers can access terminals B, 3, or 1 via the airside connectors.

Terminal 8 shares its ticketing area and baggage claim with Terminal 7, as only United Airlines and United Express flights operate from these 2 terminals.

Regional Terminal

The Regional Terminal is in the airfield and is only reachable by shuttle bus. These buses depart from Terminal 4 near gate 42B and from Terminal 5 near gate 54A. The terminal has 9 gates, numbered 52A through I. There is an Admirals Club near gate 52D.

Terminal B

The Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) is the primary international flight terminal at LAX, located on the airport’s west side. Terminal B has connector bridges to Terminal 4 and Terminal 3 for easy connections to the southern and northern terminals.

Baggage claim is on level 1, check-in is on level 3, and security and departures are on level 4. Once you clear security, you’ll enter the first concourse with 19 gates, numbered 130 to 135, 137, 139, 141, 148, 150 to 157, and 159. On level 2, there’s a Centurion Lounge. On level 5 is the Oneworld Los Angeles Business Lounge, Qantas First Class Lounge, and SkyTeam/Korean Air Lounge; on level 6 are the Emirates Lounge and Star Alliance Lounge. A Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is expected to open in 2025.

From the retail area, passengers can take the escalators down to level 1 to a tunnel to the west gates.

Terminal B West Gates

Terminal B’s west gates are beyond Terminal B’s first concourse and have 15 gates, numbered 201A, 201B, 202 to 208, 209A, 209B, 210A, 210B, 221, and 225. This concourse has a small selection of shops and restaurants. But, passengers can use the concessions in the Great Hall before heading to the west gates.

Transportation Between Terminals

Outside Security

Some of the connection tunnels have moving walkways, but many don’t. With that in mind, you might use the free LAX-it landside shuttle bus, which runs on a loop every few minutes and stops at all terminals.

You can use the sidewalks on the double-level road from one terminal to another. If you’re heading from terminals 1 through 3 (north) to 4 through 8 (south), you can also cut through the central parking garages to reach the other side.

Inside Security

You can walk between all the terminals via several airside walkways without passing through security again. This assumes you don’t have to collect your baggage and clear customs between flights. The walkways connect in this order: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal B, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 6, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8.

Instead of walking, passengers can ride a shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and the West Gates at Thomas Bradley International Terminal. The bus gate is in the connector between terminals 1 and 3 and goes to the central departures area of the West Gates.

Security and Customs at LAX

LAX has security checkpoints at every terminal apart from Terminal 8, which shares a checkpoint with Terminal 7.

As part of the airport’s 15-year expansion and renovation plan, Terminal 1, terminals 3, 4, 7, and B upgraded their security checkpoints, with 14 automated screening lanes introduced in Terminal B.

Passengers can go online to check estimated LAX security wait times. LAX is a 24/7 airport, meaning the terminals, but security checkpoints and check-in desks do close. Depending on the terminal and airline, they open from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. and close between 11:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. If you need more specific operating hours, check with your airline.

All international flights have to clear customs on arrival, and there are separate customs checkpoints at each terminal that receives international flights.

TSA PreCheck

LAX has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane at each terminal for expedited screening. If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you may use this lane for quicker processing. PreCheck opening hours vary, so checking the TSA’s schedule is advisable.

Hot Tip:

TSA Precheck now lets you make a reservation for your screening, thus reducing your time in line. Passengers transiting through terminals 7 and 8 can register for LAX Fast Lane up to 3 days before their flight.

The airport also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 1 in the baggage claim area on level 1. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number and can use TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport.

Global Entry

LAX also has Global Entry kiosks for expedited international clearance. There is no Global Entry Enrollment Center inside LAX, but the center at 11099 S. La Cienega Blvd is nearby. The airport allows enrollment on arrival for conditionally approved applicants.

Mobile Passport

LAX supports Mobile Passport Control and has a dedicated Wi-Fi connection for it. On arrival, submit your details and present your instant receipt and passport to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

CLEAR

LAX has CLEAR lanes in terminals 1 through 7 for expedited security clearance. This program requires enrollment and an interview for retinal and fingerprint scanning.

LAX Airport Lounges

LAX has over 20 lounges. Some lounges are exclusively for passengers flying in premium cabins or for elite frequent flyer members. Several lounges below allow passengers to purchase a day pass regardless of cabin (subject to capacity allowance).

Hot Tip:

Though not technically a lounge, LAX has an exclusive private luxury terminal. Our review gives you an inside look at what it’s like to experience PS LAX (formerly The Private Suite).

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times because of capacity.
** Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

To avoid lounge entry fees, check out our article on the best personal and business credit cards for complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Gameway in terminals 3 and 6 accepts Priority Pass entry but is subject to a capacity. Be Relax Spa, found in Terminal 1 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal, offers select complimentary services.

Hot Tip:

If you want to become a Priority Pass member, check out our dedicated Priority Pass guide and the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at LAX

There are over 100 restaurants, bars, and cafes at LAX. The majority of restaurants are past security.

As always, some eateries may be temporarily closed. You can check the airport’s website to see which LAX restaurants are available during your visit.

LAX Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

LAX provides passengers with free Wi-Fi within all public areas of each terminal. Access is granted in 45-minute sessions, and you can connect by following these steps:

1. Select “_LAX Free WIFI” from your available connections
2. Launch your browser
3. Watch a short 15- to 30-second advertisement.
4. You’re good to go

There’s an optional upgrade to high-speed Wi-Fi for $14.99 per month (it requires a Boingo monthly subscription).

Charging Stations: There are charging stations in these locations:

• Terminal 1: Near gates 9, 13, and 15
• Terminal 2: Near gates 21A and 25B
• Terminal 4: Near gates 41, 43, 45, 47A, and between 43 and the Entertainment Weekly newsstand
• Terminal 5: Near gates 51B, Rip Curl, 53A, 55A, 55B, 2 at 56D, 57, and
• Terminal 6: Near gates 60, 62, 68A, 68B, 69A, and 69B
• Terminal 7: Near gates 72A, 73, 75A, Randy’s Donuts, and Hugo Boss
• Terminal 8: Near gate 81 and all gates from 82 to 86B
• Regional Terminal: Near gates 52A, 52B, 52D, and 52G

LAX Airport Lost and Found

LAX advises passengers to contact their airline if they have lost a piece of luggage or property on a flight. Depending on where the item was lost, passengers should also attempt to contact the staff at the shop, restaurant, public transport, or other service where they may have left their property.

Passengers are advised to submit a claim or wait 96 hours to see if their item has been posted to the lost and found gallery.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

LAX has over 175 customer service representatives who collectively speak over 25 languages. They’re at the information desks on the arrivals level of each terminal from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Travelers’ Aid

There is no travelers’ aid center at LAX. The nearest center is at Ontario International Airport (ONT).

Children’s Play Areas

LAX has a children’s play area on level 4 of Terminal B, suitable for 2- to 11-year-olds.

Hot Tip:

Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports and see why LAX was one of the top airports on our list.

Baby Facilities

LAX has 11 nursing rooms throughout the airport.

Pet Relief Areas

There’s a pet relief area in each terminal.

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available at the terminals that operate most international flights: terminals B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas can be found curbside at terminals 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and B.

Interesting Features

LAX operates a Pets Unstressing Passengers program (aka PUP). Specially trained dogs and their handlers roam the airport to help calm nervous flyers before flights. LAX also regularly hosts art exhibitions in its public areas.

Prayer

There are no chapel services or places of prayer at LAX.

Money

ATMs are in all terminals, commonly at gate areas, baggage claims, or central areas. Currency exchange services are also available in all terminals except 1 and 8.

Medical Center

There is no medical center at LAX.

Luggage

There are no luggage storage lockers in the airport. The closest is the private company LAX Luggage Storage, outside the airport at 8622 Bellanca Ave.

Important LAX Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 855-463-5252

Parking: 310-646-2911

Construction Inquiries: 310-649-5292

LAX Police Lost and Found: 424-646-5678

Travel to and From LAX

Transport Options (TY Editor Note: Cannot verify this section)

Train

• Metro Rail: The free airport shuttle is available outside each terminal on the lower level, in the pink “LAX” signposting area. The shuttle runs to and from the Aviation/LAX Metro station. To get to Downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro Green Line and change to the blue line at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station.
• Amtrak: Union Station is the nearest place to get Amtrak service. You can take the FlyAway Bus, which goes directly to Union Station. A one-way FlyAway ticket is $9.75.

Bus

• Metro Bus: Pick up the free airport shuttle outside each terminal on the lower level from the pink “LAX”-signposted area. This runs to and from the Metro bus station to connect with services all over Los Angeles and beyond.
• FlyAway Bus: Go to the pickup area by following the signs that say, “FlyAway, Buses & Long Distance Vans.” From here, you can ride directly to Union Station and Van Nuys.
• Other Public and Private Buses: Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus Lines, and Torrance Transit are just a few of the local operators.

Shuttle

• Shared-ride and private shuttles are available. Before you travel, check whether your hotel offers free shuttle pickup and drop-off at the airport.

Taxi

You can pick up a metered taxi from 3 locations at the airport:

• The LAXit lot east of Terminal 1
• Inside parking structure 3, across from Terminal 3
• Outside the baggage claim at the far end of Terminal 7

A flat fee from the airport to Downtown Los Angeles by taxicab is $50.50, which includes a $4 airport surcharge.

Ride-Sharing Services

• Approved ride service companies such as Uber or Lyft can pick up and drop off on the upper departures level only.

Driving to LAX

Arriving From I-405 Northbound

Take exit 45A onto I-105 W toward El Segundo and exit 1C onto Sepulveda Boulevard. Use the right 2 lanes to take the Century Boulevard exit onto World Way, where you can access airport parking or curbside drop-off.

Arriving From I-405 Southbound

Exit via the Howard Hughes Parkway and take a left onto Sepulveda Boulevard, continuing south through downtown Westchester. Take a right onto Vicksburg Avenue and then right again onto World Way, where you can access airport parking or curbside drop-off.

LAX Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are over 11,000 parking spaces at LAX for passengers. You can choose from short-term parking lots along World Way. The economy lot is more affordable for long-term parking.

Short-Term Parking

The short-term parking lots are numbered P1, P2A, P2B, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7 and contain more than 7,000 spaces. These parking lots are in the center of World Way and are accessible by exiting the terminal and crossing over the 2 roads that circle the parking lots. These lots charge the following rates:

Standard Drive-up Parking

Premium Parking (in P1, P3, and P7 garages)

Covered parking has height restrictions. Lots 1, 3, and 4 allow a maximum vehicle height of 7 feet, 6 inches. Lot 2A allows a maximum vehicle height of 8 feet. Lot 2B allows a maximum vehicle height of 6 feet, 10 inches. Lots 5 and 7 allow a maximum vehicle height of 7 feet. Lot 6 allows a maximum vehicle weight of 8 feet, 2 inches.

Long-Term Parking

The economy parking lot is at 6100 W. 94th St. You can ride the free shuttle bus to it from outside each terminal at the pink “LAX”-signposted areas. These shuttles depart every 15 minutes, and the ride to the terminal takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you got on the shuttle. Parking rates for this lot are:

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available in lots P1, P3, P4, and P7, costing $75 for 24 hours.

Pickup or Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot gives drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers somewhere to wait for up to 2 hours.

This lot is at the northwest corner of 96th Street and Vicksburg Avenue. Drivers aren’t allowed to leave their cars unattended.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

If you’re looking for the cheapest parking, off-site LAX parking lots and hotels usually offer the best rates. Most off-site lots are 1 to 3 miles away from the airport and operate free airport shuttle buses to and from the terminals.

Daily parking starts at $10. You can use many third-party websites to compare prices and book, but airportparkingreservations.com has a clear layout, is easy to use, and has good customer reviews on Trustpilot.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all official airport parking lots, and all shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 310-646-2911

Car Rental at LAX Airport

Car rental companies don’t operate counters at the airport. Instead, they’re near economy parking lot C. Car rental companies run free shuttles to here from outside the terminals. The following rental car companies operate at LAX:

LAX Airport Hotels

There’s a range of LAX airport accommodations to cater to nearly all budgets. Most hotels are within 2 miles and include a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

We’ve listed hotels closest to the airport and included contact information for easy direct booking.

LAX Airport Hotels — Sorted by Distance From LAX

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

It’s no secret that hotels in Los Angeles can quickly exceed your budget. This is where using points can come in handy!

Here are some of the best award booking options near Los Angeles International Airport.

At the Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX Airport, guests can access great amenities like free breakfast, free airport shuttle service, and a pool. From 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, this can be a fantastic option for those needing to stay near the airport. This hotel is also eligible for an IHG anniversary night certificate.

Less than a mile from the airport, the Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/ Century Boulevard combines convenience and comfort. This all-suite hotel offers the largest guest suites near LAX. A stay includes a full kitchen, free breakfast, shuttle service, and an outdoor heated pool. It’s an excellent value at 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and up.

The Hyatt Place Los Angeles/LAX/El Segundo offers a comfortable stay with free breakfast for World of Hyatt members, an on-site restaurant and bar, a free shuttle to and from LAX, and pet-friendly rooms. Guests will also find the hotel close to local food and shopping. Award nights at this Category 3 property start at 9,000 points per night.

Final Thoughts

The airport has acknowledged the challenges passengers face when visiting, such as congestion around the terminal loop, the lack of direct connections with the Metro Rail, and the fact that some airport services are spread out inconveniently. The modernization project is intended to address these issues and improve the passenger experience.

Many terminals have already received remodeling, with improvements made to connection walkways, security checkpoints, concessions, and baggage handling systems. Next year, we will see the unveiling of a new automated people mover at LAX that will run for 2.25 miles around the airport, including at the rental car facility and West CTA Station.