How To Get Between Terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

- UPDATED: November 16, 2022 |

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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is currently undergoing a major 15-year modernization project, with a primary focus on improving accessibility between terminals and public transport links.

The renovation should ease congestion on the loop road that serves all terminals since passengers can utilize more efficient methods of transport — such as an automated people mover that will stop at each terminal and connect the airport to the Metro station. These updates are scheduled for completion in 2023.

Improvements have already been made to some of the terminals to upgrade security checkpoints, baggage screening, technical systems, and baggage re-check facilities for flight connections — all functional aspects that should speed up the overall passenger experience.

If you’re headed to LAX soon, here’s what you’ll need to know to get around.

Table of contents

LAX Airport Layout
LAX Ground Transportation Pre-Security (Landside)
- Terminal Shuttle Bus
- Walkways
LAX Ground Transportation Post-Security (Airside)
Layout of LAX Terminals
Estimated Walking Times Between Terminals
Flight Connections at LAX
Accessibility
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

LAX Airport Layout
LAX Ground Transportation Pre-Security (Landside)
- Terminal Shuttle Bus
- Walkways
LAX Ground Transportation Post-Security (Airside)
Layout of LAX Terminals
Estimated Walking Times Between Terminals
Flight Connections at LAX
Accessibility
Final Thoughts

LAX Airport Layout

Los Angeles International Airport Map 1 — Los Angeles International Airport map. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

LAX has a U-shaped layout — parking lots and ground transportation are inside the U, and 9 terminals are on the outside. Terminals 1 through 3 on are the north side, Terminals 4 through 8 are on the south, and Terminal B (Tom Bradley International) is on the west side.

All areas inside the U are landside access (pre-security), so passengers and non-passengers are permitted here. However, besides small coffee shops, there aren’t many restaurants or cafes landside in Terminals 1 through 9. If you arrive early and can’t check in for your flight, head to Terminal B for a bigger selection of landside restaurants.

Each terminal has its own security checkpoint (except Terminal 7 and 8 that share 1), and any passenger with a valid boarding pass for that day can go through security at any terminal.

Once you’re airside (past security), each terminal has its own shops, bars, and restaurants, and some have airline lounges.

LAX Ground Transportation Pre-Security (Landside)

Landside transportation is centered around the double-level looped road that runs inside the U-shaped layout. The upper level is for departures, and the lower level is for arrivals, which corresponds with the terminal’s check-in and baggage claim levels.

Terminal Shuttle Bus

If you need to travel between terminals at LAX, hop on the terminal shuttle that runs in a counter-clockwise loop stopping at each terminal.

You can pick up the shuttle from outside each terminal on the lower level under the blue signs “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” with a picture of a bus. Buses depart every 10 minutes, and it takes a couple of minutes to travel between terminals (depending on traffic).

Walkways

If you don’t want to take the bus or traffic is heavy, then you can also walk the same route on the public sidewalks on either level.

To walk from the northern terminals to the southern terminals, you can cut through the parking garages located in the center. Each garage is connected to a terminal via a bridge from departures level 3.

LAX Ground Transportation Post-Security (Airside)

Los Angeles International Airport Inter-Terminal Connections — Los Angeles International Airport interterminal connections. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Walking

Terminals B, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are linked with airside walkways, allowing quicker and easier flight connections. Terminals 4, 5, and 6 use underground tunnels, and 6, 7, and 8 are connected via above-ground tunnels.

Terminal B is linked to Terminal 4 with an above-ground connector tunnel that has moving walkways. It takes around 5 to 8 minutes to walk between each terminal.

If you need to travel between Terminals 2 and 3, you have the option to take an airside bus from level 2 ticketing/check-in. LAX recommends allowing 10 minutes to take the bus.

Airline Connector Shuttle Bus

For flight connections, passengers can hop on the airside shuttle bus that runs between Terminals 2, 3, and TBIT. Buses operate every 10 minutes, 24/7.

Layout of LAX Terminals

LAX Terminal 1

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 1. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 1 is the only terminal that is not connected to another with an airside or landside walkway, and it serves only flights from Southwest Airlines. Terminal 1 has 12 gates numbered 9, 11A, 11B, 12B, 13 to 16, 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B.

Shops, restaurants, and cafes are located on level 2 (the same level as the departure gates).

When connecting from Terminal 1, exit the terminal on the lower level from baggage claim through doors L1-06 or L1-07, cross over the road to the shuttle pick-up lane, and ride the terminal shuttle bus.

LAX Terminal 2

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 2. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 2 is connected to Terminal 3 via a landside walkway — if you’re connecting between these terminals (or from Terminal 2 to any other terminals), you will need to exit the terminal and re-clear security.

If you want to remain airside, you can ride the shuttle bus between Terminals 2 and 3 from level 2 ticketing/check-in. This takes around 10 minutes.

Terminal 2 has 12 gates numbered 21, 21B, 22, 23A, 23B, 24, 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B, 27, and 28. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are located on level 2 with the departure gates, and the Delta Sky Club and Virgin Clubhouse are located on level 3.

When connecting from Terminal 2, exit on the lower level from baggage claim through doors L1-05, cross the road to the shuttle pick-up lane, and take the terminal shuttle bus.

LAX Terminal 3

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 3. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 2 via a landside walkway, but it isn’t linked to any other terminals. If you have a flight connection to Terminal 2 (or any other terminal), you’ll need to re-clear security at the next terminal (unless you ride the airside shuttle bus to Terminal 2).

In Terminal 3, you’ll find 11 gates numbered 31B, 32, 33A, 33B, 34, 35, 35P, 36, 37A, 37B, and 38. Level 4 has a Delta Sky Club; shops, restaurants, and cafes are located on level 3 with the departure gates.

When connecting from Terminal 3, exit from baggage claim on the lower level where you’ll find 2 areas to pick up the shuttle bus (to the right and left outside the terminal).

Hot Tip: If you’re connecting to Terminal 1 or 2, it might be quicker to walk instead of taking the counter-clockwise shuttle bus (depending on traffic).

There are planned developments by Delta Air Lines for an airside connector bridge between Terminals 2, 3, and B that would speed up connections.

LAX Terminal 4

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 4. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 4 is connected to Terminal 5 by an underground airside walkway, and each subsequent terminal connects to the next in the same manner (so you won’t need to re-clear security).

In addition, Terminal 4 is connected to the International Terminal B via an airside connector bridge with moving sidewalks on level 5, which has its own security checkpoint for passengers entering Terminal 4 from the International Terminal. If you’re entering the International Terminal B from Terminal 4, you won’t need to re-clear security again.

Terminal 4 has 14 gates numbered 40, 42A, 42B, 43, 45, 46A-C, 47A, 47B, 48A, 48B, and 49A. Shops and restaurants are located on level 3 departures, along with an Admirals Club and access to an American Airlines Flagship Lounge.

Hot Tip: With airside access to Terminals B, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Terminal 4 is the best-connected terminal at LAX. You can only check-in at Terminal 4 if you’re flying American Airlines, though other airlines operate flights from the gates.

LAX Terminal 5

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 5. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 5 is connected to Terminals 4 and 6 via underground airside walkways. Both of these terminals are also connected onward to another terminal with airside walkways, so you won’t need to go through security again unless you’re connecting to Terminals 1 through 3.

In Terminal 5, you’ll find 15 gates numbered 50, 51A, 51B, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, 55A, 56A-D, 57, 58, and 59. Shops, bars, and restaurants are on level 3 with departures as well as access to the Admirals Club Lounge that extends over 2 floors onto level 4.

Hot Tip: If you’re flying with American Eagle, you’ll need to catch the Terminal 5 airside shuttle bus to the Regional Terminal.

LAX Terminal 6

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 6. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal 6 connects with Terminal 7 via an above-ground airside walkway and Terminal 5 via an underground airside walkway. From these terminals, you can continue airside to Terminals 8, 5, 4, and the International Terminal B without having to re-clear security.

There are 16 gates in Terminal 6 numbered 60, 60B, 61, 62, 63, 64A, 64B, 65A-C, 66, 67, 68A, 68B, 69A, and 69B. Shops, bars, and restaurants are on level 3 departures along with an Alaska Airlines Lounge.

If you’re connecting from Terminal 6, you can use the airside walkways to any of the south terminals. For Terminals 1 to 3, exit after the baggage claim through door L1-05, where the shuttle bus stop is located just across the road.

LAX Terminals 7 and 8

Los Angeles International Airport Terminals 7 and 8. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Though Terminals 7 and 8 share the same security checkpoint, they’re considered separate terminals, with gate numbers in the 70s for Terminal 7 and 80s for Terminal 8.

There’s an above-ground airside walkway connecting Terminal 7 with Terminal 8 and Terminal 6, and you have access to reach gates 5, 4, and the International Terminal B without having to re-clear security.

Hot Tip: Check-in at Terminal 7 or 8 is only possible for United Airlines, even though other airlines depart and arrive from these terminal gates.

Terminal 7 has 13 gates numbered 70A, 70B, 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B, 73, 74, 75A, 75B, 76A, 76B, and 77. There are United Club and United Polaris lounges on level 3 departures, along with an array of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Terminal 8 has 7 gates numbered 80 to 85 and 86A/B. There are a few shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants on level 3 departures.

Thomas Bradley International Terminal B

Los Angeles International Airport TBIT — Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Terminal B is located on the western side of the airport and receives the majority of international flight arrivals, although flights do depart from other terminals.

It’s the largest terminal at LAX and is connected to Terminal 4 via a bridge. Within this connector bridge is a dedicated security checkpoint for passengers arriving on international flights who are connecting to Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

The International Terminal is further split into the South Concourse and North Concourse — gates 148, 150 to 157, and 159 are in the South Concourse, while gates 130 to 135, 137, 139, and 141 are in the North Concourse.

If you’re arriving from the main security checkpoint, you’ll enter the Great Hall on level 4 where most of the shops, bars, and restaurants are located. From here, the South Concourse is to the left with 2 moving walkways, and the North Concourse is to the right with 1 moving walkway.

Hot Tip: In the International Terminal, Level 5 has Korean Air, Qantas, and Oneworld Alliance lounges. Level 6 has Etihad, Emirates, and LA International lounges, and level 2 has a Centurion Lounge. For more information, check out this detailed guide to all of the lounges at LAX.

Estimated Walking Times Between Terminals

In some situations, it may be quicker and easier to walk to your next terminal than catch the shuttle bus. These are estimated walking times between different areas of LAX:

5 minutes for each portion of this route: Terminal 1 – Terminal 2 – Terminal 3 – International Terminal – Terminal 4
5 to 8 minutes for each portion of this route: Terminal 4 – Terminal 5 – Terminal 6 – Terminal 7 – Terminal 8
5 minutes from the north terminals (1 to 3) to the south terminals (4 to 6) crossing directly through the parking area

Flight Connections at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B. Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

If you’re arriving on an international flight, you will need to clear immigration at your arrival terminal. You will then need to collect your bag and clear customs — if the bag has been tagged with a final destination, you can drop it off at the transfers service desk after customs. You can then make your way to your connecting terminal.

Passengers connecting from a domestic flight won’t need to clear immigration or customs, and any checked baggage will be transported to your onward flight (provided it has been tagged to your final destination).

Hot Tip: If you booked your flights separately instead of as a single ticket with connections, you’ll need to pick up your luggage in the baggage claim area, re-check your bag, and re-clear security.

Those traveling with carry-on luggage only can proceed directly to the terminal of their connecting flight and remain airside (if possible between the 2 terminals).

Accessibility

All terminals at LAX are accessible to passengers with disabilities, mobility concerns, and wheelchair users. When connecting between terminals, the shuttle bus is equipped with a lift for wheelchair users, and there are elevators in every terminal for accessing the underground and above-ground walkways.

Final Thoughts

Although the current renovations are causing some disruption to normal operations, passengers are already praising the improvements so far — such as the Terminal B to Terminal 4 connector that enables quicker connections for international flights.

The automated people mover will be a game-changer for accessing LAX from the rest of Los Angeles. However, it won’t eliminate the need to re-clear security at a connecting terminal as it will run between terminals landside.

If you’re connecting to another flight at LAX, be sure to check out the map on the location of your next terminal, since each one will require a different amount of time to transfer. Once you do your research and leave time to re-clear security (if necessary), you’ll have no problems at all!

Featured Image Credit: Los Angeles International Airport

Frequently asked questions

How do you get between terminals at LAX?

You can get between LAX terminals by riding the free landside terminal shuttle bus that runs in a clockwise loop, or by walking on the sidewalks. Terminals 4 to 8 are connected by a series of airside walkways, and Terminal 4 is linked to the International Terminal B via a connector bridge.

Are Terminal 5 and 6 connected at LAX?

Terminals 5 and 6 are connected airside via an underground tunnel, so it’s not necessary to re-clear security again unless you have arrived on an international flight. They are also connected landside, but this would require re-clearing security for all passengers if they exit the terminal and leave the secure area.

Are Terminals 2 and 3 connected at LAX?

Terminals 2 and 3 are only connected landside via a walkway, so you would need to exit the secure area and re-clear security. If you would like to remain airside, there is a bus you can ride between Terminals 2 and 3 that departs from level 2 ticketing/check-in and takes around 10 minutes.

Is there a shuttle between terminals at LAX?

There is a shuttle bus between terminals at LAX that runs in a clockwise route stopping at all terminals. You can ride the shuttle from outside each terminal on the arrivals level, from under the blue signs “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections.” It takes a couple of minutes to travel between terminals with buses departing every 10 minutes.

Can you walk between terminals at LAX?

You can walk between all terminals at LAX. Terminals 4 to 8 have airside underground and above-ground walkways, with Terminal 4 also walkable to the International Terminal B via a connector bridge. You can even walk outside of the secure area between terminals using the sidewalks on both levels of the ring road, or cut through parking garages between the north and south terminals.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didn’t catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a "gap life" and has spent the last 13 years traveling the 7 continents. He has also lived in places such as Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

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114 comments

Eleanor Reeves August 28, 2019
I am flying into LAX on United and flying out to Hong Kong on American. This is two separate bookings, so I need to get my bag from baggage, recheck it and get to the right terminal. I am in my 70’s and wanted to know is there a service that I can hire to help me?
Reply
- Catherine Luther August 29, 2019
  Hi Eleanor,
  If you contact American Airlines, they should be able to arrange something for you or point you in the right direction of which department to contact at the airport.
  Reply
Adrian September 3, 2019
I arrived Gate 31b Terminal 3 and got a shuttle bus Airside direct to TIBT. This meant I bypassed security for a second run. Delivered direct to TIBT Airside in a secure zone. Saved me at least 45 minutes. All sign posted to follow shuttle bus to Terminal 2 and TIBT.
Reply
- Catherine Luther September 4, 2019
  Hi Adrian, thanks for sharing this information with us and other readers!
  Reply
  - Jonald November 23, 2019
    Our flight is scheduled from the Philippians to LAX, then from LAX to Salt Lake City. Is there a baggage drop-off in LAX before we transfer to Terminal 2? Because I will have my two kids with me.
    Reply
    - Jarrod West November 25, 2019
      Hi Jonald,
      Yes, you can drop your bags off with the airline that you will be flying to Salt Lake City before transferring to Terminal 2.
      Reply
- Mary January 22, 2020
  Hi, Adrian! How long did it take you from terminal 3 to TBIT? I need to go from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6. Thanks so much!
  Reply
Clifford Tunuki September 5, 2019
I have been scheduled to arrive in LAX next week end and my next flight for Washington Dulles Airport will be in two (2) hours time on Terminal 7. How can I manage to be on time or what is the quickest way to do at least?
Reply
- Catherine Luther September 6, 2019
  Hi Clifford,
  This will depend on your arrival concourse and whether you’re arriving on an international or domestic flight. If you’re arriving from an international flight then you will need to clear customs and immigration and exit the secure area. You would then need to take the shuttle bus that runs between terminals outside of the secure area.
  If you’re arriving from a domestic flight then this will depend on which concourse you arrive into. If it’s close to 7 then it might be quicker walking, or if further way, then ride the airline connector shuttle bus that operates inside the secure area.
  Reply
Beth September 13, 2019
I am planning to visit Los Angeles, and I would like to see the multicolored tile mosaic hallways that were installed in LAX in the early sixties. My understanding is that they are in Terminals 3, 4 and 6, and are only accessible upon arrival (not departure). If I arrive on an airline that is not located in one of these terminals, is it still possible for me to view the mosaics?
Reply
- Catherine Luther September 17, 2019
  Hi Beth,
  It’s best you give the airport a quick call to query this. They will be the best people to advise on this.
  Reply
Ruy N Pham September 19, 2019
I plan to travel from Indianapolis to LAX and connect to a flight to Korea. This is 1 booking with Delta Air Lines though the flight from LAX to Inchon is operated by Korean air. There will be only about 1 hour in LAX for the connection. Please advise if my luggage can be checked through? Also 1 hour is enough for me to check in (from terminal 2 to B)? Do I need to re-clear security at B terminal?
Thanks.
Reply
- Catherine Luther September 20, 2019
  Hi Ruy,
  You will have to ride the shuttle bus and re-clear security at the international terminal as it is not connected airside with terminal 2. You are best talking to Delta Air Lines here, but 1 hour is a very short connection time considering the gates of an international flight can close around 30 minutes before a flight departure. So you’re relying on your flight being on time, disembarking, the shuttle bus arriving promptly, and queues at security. Those are a lot of factors that could delay you and cause you to miss your flight connection.
  Delta should check your bags through to the final destination but worth double checking when you get in touch with them.
  Reply
P N Madan October 11, 2019
Dear Sir/ Madam.
We are 2 senior citizens intending to travel from San Jose airport to LAX on 14 NOV 2019. We intend taking the Southwest Airlines morning flight at 8.50 a.m reaching LAX around 10.30 a.m. After baggage claim we intend to proceed to LAX to catch the 2.30 p.m. flight – booked for Mumbai on Singapore airlines .
Request clear guidelines with time estimates to reach Lax international airport from the departure side of the exit gate of Southwest Airlines.
Request your encouraging response.
Thanks and regards – p.n.madan..
Reply
- Catherine Luther October 15, 2019
  Hi,
  As with any airport, the terminal is subject to change on the day, but Southwest flights usually arrive into Terminal 1 at LAX. Exit Terminal 1 on level 1 arrivals and catch the terminal shuttle bus 3 stops to the international terminal. Buses depart approximately every 10 minutes and it takes a few minutes between terminals (depending on traffic).
  Reply
Hman October 13, 2019
Howdy,
Arriving to terminal 7 from LAS with United and then taking SAS flight to Europe. Single ticket and United & SAS are ”allied”, but I still wonder if I need to transfer luggage by myself from ”belt to belt” at LAX? I have 2 hours 10 mins between flights and I just learned that flights from LAS are notorious in being late 🙂 If I do need to work out with luggage then where exactly is the belt I may need to take my luggage to? Hope not all the way to TBIT(?).
Reply
- Catherine Luther October 15, 2019
  Hi Hman,
  As the flights have been booked separately United are not obligated (and may not be able) to check your bags through to your final destination. You’ll need to give United a call to check this. If they can’t, then you will need to take your luggage to TBIT and bag drop at the SAS desk. Just be aware that the LAX website says that some SAS flights depart from Terminal 7 so be sure to check your ticket.
  Reply
ben October 14, 2019
Hi, I have an upcoming domestic flight on UA from Terminal 7. I assume that I use the Star Alliance lounge at the Tom Bradley terminal. Thus, if I want to travel from Terminal 7 to the Star Alliance lounge at Tom Bradley, would it be better to clear security at Terminal 7 and then go to the Tom Bradley? If yes, where can I wait for the airside shuttle bus at Terminal 7? Thanks.
Reply
- Catherine Luther October 15, 2019
  Hi Ben,
  If you are eligible to visit the Star Alliance lounge then your options would be to clear security at Terminal 7 and walk to/from TBIT via the airport’s airside walkways, or ride the terminal shuttle bus outside of the secure area and clear security at TBIT. The airside shuttle bus only connects Terminals 2 and 3 with TBIT.
  Reply
  - Steve King June 18, 2020
    My wife and I will be flying out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (LAX), can we go through security there and then walk back to Terminal 7 to use the United Airlines Club, and then return back to TBIT without going through security again?
    Thank you.
    Reply
    - Jarrod West June 19, 2020
      Hi Steve,
      No, if you exit the Tom Bradley International Terminal you will have to go back through security again. If you want to visit the United Club in Terminal 7 I recommend you just head there first, but make sure you leave the lounge with enough time before your flight to re-clear security when you get to TBIT.
      Safe travels!
      Reply
Kathryn October 26, 2019
I’m arriving at T4 or T5 at 2:00 pm and need to meet someone arriving at T2 at 5:00 pm. Planning to go to an Admiral Club for a bit first. Where would best place to meet my friend (sharing a cab into town)? TIA!
Reply
- Jarrod West October 26, 2019
  Hi Kathryn,
  If you and your friend, are planning to share a cab into town, why don’t you meet up at the taxi pick up area?
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
  - Heather November 11, 2019
    I am arriving at Thomas Bradley in AirFrance Wednesday 27th Nov at 4:10pm. My next flight is at 7:15pm on Southwest Terminal 1. I only have a carry-on. Will I make this flight and how do I get to Terminal 1?
    Reply
    - Catherine Luther November 12, 2019
      Hi Heather,
      We can’t advise on whether you will make this flight as it could be impacted by so many factors, such as your inbound flight being delayed. If you booked your flights on 1 ticket then the airline would move you on to the next available flight if missed. If you booked the flights separately, then it would be your responsibility to re-book. To reach Terminal 1 from TBIT, you can take the shuttle bus that departs every 10 minutes from outside the terminal.
      Reply
Sarah R. November 23, 2019
Hi. I am traveling with my husband and two kiddos (2 under 2!) in a few weeks. We arrive with Southwest Airlines, so I’m guessing at Terminal 1, and need to get to the International Terminal. We will have a stroller for the kids. Would you recommend we just walk between terminals or would the shuttle (or other transport) be quicker/easier?
Thanks.
Reply
- Jarrod West November 24, 2019
  Hi Sarah,
  Taking the shuttle bus to the international terminal will definitely be the quickest and easiest option!
  Reply
Allison December 9, 2019
Hi, I will be landing at 7:10pm into terminal 1 and have a bus to catch at 7:30. The bus stops at all the terminals so if I miss it, I could essentially go to say terminal 8 and try and catch it again. But how exactly do I get over to terminal 8 from terminal 1? This is the first time I will be landing at LAX. Any help would be great 🙂
Reply
- Jarrod West December 9, 2019
  Hi Allison,
  Terminal 1 is the only terminal not connect to any others, the only way to transfer between Terminals from terminal 1 is by the shuttle bus.
  Reply
jon Goode December 10, 2019
Arriving on Virgin Australia (I assume Tom Bradley terminal) and then on to Jetblue for trip to New York (I assume terminal 5) Best way seems to be walking airside for around 10 to 12 minutes?
Reply
- Jarrod West December 11, 2019
  Hi Jon,
  Yes, I agree that walking to Terminal 5 would be your best option.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Nirav December 10, 2019
Hi, I will be traveling on United Airlines from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles (Lax). My arrival time at LAX is 6 am on Saturday and I have a connecting flight at 8 am with United Airlines, which is domestic. Will two hours be enough time for me to go throw immigration, clear customs and then re-check my bags? This is my first time traveling so your answer is greatly appreciated.
Reply
- Jarrod West December 11, 2019
  Hi Nirav,
  As long as your first flight is not delayed, I think you will be fine. 2 hours should be enough time!
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Randy December 29, 2019
I am arriving at terminal 3 and want to transfer to terminal 7 at LAX, what is the best route?
Reply
- Catherine Luther December 30, 2019
  Hi Randy,
  The best way to transfer between these terminals is to ride the terminal transfer bus. Buses depart every 10 minutes and it takes a couple of minutes to travel between terminals (depending on traffic).
  Reply
Louise Jackson January 9, 2020
Hi I arrived into LAX Terminal 2 on Virgin from the UK, 2hrs 45min connection time and depart terminal 3 to Boise.
Do I need to go through security again or did I read it right that I can get a shuttle bus between terminals 2 and 3 so I don’t have to go through security again?
Thanks for your help
Reply
- Jarrod West January 9, 2020
  Hi Louise,
  You can take the airside bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3. LAX recommends you set aside 10 minutes for the bus trip. You should not need to re-clear security upon arrival.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Lindy January 17, 2020
Coming into Lax from Melbourne Air New Zealand and need to connect with a flight to Sacramento in Terminal 7. Will I need to clear security and where do I go to check-in with Skywest?
Reply
- Jarrod West January 17, 2020
  Hi Lindy,
  If you’re flying into a Terminal other than Terminal 7, then yes you will need to re-clear security. If online check in is not an option, there should be a Skywest check in desk before you enter the terminal.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Thuy January 17, 2020
Hi, if I arrive with my 3 year old into Terminal 1, Southwest at 8:50PM with 1 carry on bag only and need to get to International terminal can you confirm if the shuttle is quickest to make it for my 10:25PM flight? Will I have to go through TSA all over again? Thanks
Reply
- Jarrod West January 18, 2020
  Hi Thuy,
  Yes, the shuttle will be the quickest way to get there and, unfortunately, you will need to re-clear security again.
  Reply
Mary January 22, 2020
I’m arriving on a domestic flight on terminal 3 and catching a flight from terminal 6, what is the best and quickest way to get to terminal 6. Both of these flights are same day, will I need to reclear security again? Thank you!
Reply
- Catherine Luther January 22, 2020
  Hi Mary,
  These two terminals are not connected, so you would need to ride the terminal shuttle bus and re-clear security at Terminal 6.
  You can pick up the shuttle from outside the terminal on the lower level, under the blue sign “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” with a picture of a bus. Buses depart every 10 minutes, and it takes a couple of minutes to travel between terminals (depending on traffic).
  Reply
  - Mary January 22, 2020
    Hi, Catherine! Would it be easier to come in on from terminal 3 to terminal 4 then terminal 4 to terminal 6? Do I still have to clear security from terminal 4? I read that if I have a boarding pass then I don’t need to clear security again. Thank you!
    Reply
    - Catherine Luther January 25, 2020
      Hi Mary,
      You could walk across the car parks from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, clear security at Terminal 4 and walk inside the secure area to Terminal 6 – it just depends how much walking you want to do. I think you would be quicker riding the shuttle bus and avoid having to walk between terminals.
      Reply
DB January 22, 2020
Hi. We’re flying from Cancun on United, connecting in LAX, then on to Vancouver, Canada on Air Canada. Hopefully, a 3-hour connection is enough time? I’m assuming we have to go through security, collect our bag and recheck them?
Thanks for your advice.
Reply
- Jarrod West January 24, 2020
  Hi DB,
  You will need to re-check your bag and re-clear security, but 3 hours should be more than enough time.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
- Katie Seemann January 24, 2020
  Hi DB,
  Yes, you are correct, and 3 hours should be plenty of time for your connection. Have a great trip.
  Reply
Maria January 25, 2020
Hi! I have a domestic AA flight into LAX, then a separately purchased Qantas flight on to Melbourne, AU. I will have to pick up luggage at baggage claim and then head to Terminal B. Will I be able to avoid going through security again? I know about the connector, but am not sure where it is in regards to baggage claim. Thank you!
Reply
- Catherine Luther January 26, 2020
  Hi Maria,
  If you’re collecting checked baggage, then you will be exiting the secure area and will need to re-clear security at Terminal B. If your flights had been booked together on 1 ticket and therefore your baggage checked through to your final destination, then you wouldn’t have been required to re-clear security on entry into Terminal B.
  Reply
Music January 26, 2020
Hi! I have a flight LAX-SJC with American Airlines which located at terminal 4 but is it possible to get through the security at terminal 3 (I would like to try some restaurants that are only in terminal 3) and then walk to terminal 4? Is it against the security rules or something? Thanks:)
Reply
- Catherine Luther January 27, 2020
  Hi Music,
  Terminals 3 and 4 are not connected so unfortunately you would not be able to do this. With a valid boarding card you could enter Terminal 3, have your meal, exit the terminal , travel to Terminal 4 and clear security, but this might be a bit of a hassle for you.
  Reply
Miles January 27, 2020
Is this article outdated? Terminal 2, 3 TBIT connected by delta shuttle bus which are located at gates. This article talks about shuttle buses from level 2 ticketing …..
Reply
- Catherine Luther January 27, 2020
  Hi Miles,
  The airside shuttle bus information is within the article under the section “Airline Connector Shuttle Bus”.
  Reply
Mette February 5, 2020
I am arriving in terminal TB from Europe, and have a connection (unfortunately not on the same ticket) 3 hours later with United from terminal 7/8.
I know that I have to go through immigration and customs in terminal TB.
But after that, when I get out of the TB terminal, is there a shuttle bus to terminal 7/8?
How much time do I need to get from TB to 7/8?
Reply
- Catherine Luther February 6, 2020
  Hi Mette,
  Yes there is a shuttle bus that operates outside of the secure area that runs in a counter-clockwise loop stopping at each terminal.
  You can pick up the shuttle from outside the terminal on the lower level, under the blue signs “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” with a picture of a bus. Buses depart every 10 minutes, and it takes a couple of minutes to travel between terminals (depending on traffic).
  Reply
Pat May 25, 2020
My wife and I with onboard pet are flying SJD Alaska airlines June 1st. We arrive at 5:49pm LAX, we have a connecting flight also Alaska at 7:45pm to PDX. What should our process be to get to our connection, considering pet, security, customs and checked bags? The site indicates all Alaska flights before 7pm are terminal 6.
Reply
- Jarrod West May 26, 2020
  Hi Pat,
  You will first need to clear through customs when arriving into LAX. From there you’ll need to collect your luggage and re-check it, through there should be an expedited section for you to do so for those who have continuing travel. From there you can exit the terminal and take a shuttle bus to terminal 6 where you will need to re-clear security and proceed to your gate number.
  Safe travels!
  Reply
Susan Coonrod June 15, 2020
I have a question. I have never flown, so this will be a stupid question. I have a layover in LAX. My info indicates I am arriving in Terminal 2 and I am leaving from Terminal 2 – is that usual? I am hoping I won’t have to try and find another Terminal since one of my layovers in only 1 hour 6 minutes. Is there a place to eat in the terminal?
Reply
- Jarrod West June 15, 2020
  Hi Susan,
  The only stupid question is one that you don’t ask! I’m happy to help!
  For starters, no it is not usual for your flight to arrive and depart from the same terminal. Especially if your next flight is domestic and with the same carrier as the previous flight.
  As far as food goes, it looks like there are few food options that are still open for the time being. You can view a list of them here: https://www.laxshopdine.com/retailer-category/dine/. Make sure you filter the results to only show food options in terminal 2.
  Safe travels!
  Reply
Mohammed July 2, 2020
Hi,
Thank you for the post, is there a paid service(taxi) or similar service to transfer from terminal 7 to TBIT? I am traveling with my wife and three kids, we have 10 bags so not sure if using the shuttle is a good idea.
Reply
- Jarrod West July 2, 2020
  Hi Mohammed,
  You can certainly ask a taxi if they are willing to drive you and your luggage to TBIT. Since the trip is quite short you’ll likely need to pay whatever the minimum fare, but you may run into issues finding a single car that can hold all 10 pieces of luggage. There should also be luggage carts available at the baggage claim that you can use.
  Reply
Brian October 2, 2020
We are flying American Airlines from Albany, NY to LAX and then LAX to Honolulu on Hawaiian Air with a 1hr 40 min layover. It’s 2 separate bookings. Will we have to go to baggage claim, collect luggage, and go through security again to get our connecting flight? Is that layover enough time?
Thanks
Reply
- Jarrod West October 5, 2020
  Hi Brian,
  Yes, since it is two separate bookings you should need to go collect your luggage and then re-clear security. 1 hour and 40 minutes should be enough time though.
  Reply
Hiromi January 20, 2021
Hi! Thanks for the post. How much does it take from Terminal 2 to TBIT? I have 2 heavy luggage (more than 32 kg), plus one cabin bag. I’m not sure that I can take the shuttle bus with all of these. Can I take a luggage cart and go by walking from Terminal 2 to TBIT? Are the luggage carts free?
Thank you.
Reply
- Catherine Luther January 22, 2021
  Hi Hiromi,
  You can walk between Terminal 2 and TBIT and this takes 10-15 minutes. Luggage carts cost $5 per cart and cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted for payment.
  Reply
David Sokoll February 27, 2021
I am flying into Tom Bradley with just carry on and then fly out with a separate ticket on American. With just the carry on, I of course still clear customs, but after that do I go through security again? And if so is it best to walk to the next terminal or enter Tom Bradley and walk through the inside? Arrival is stated at 9:50 AM and departure at 11:35 AM. Just trying to be as efficient as possible with a bit of short time between.
Reply
- Catherine Luther March 2, 2021
  Hi David,
  After clearing customs you will need to clear security. You can usually do this at the checkpoint in the connector between TBIT and Terminal 4 or you can walk a few minutes outside the terminal to access the T4 security checkpoint. However, the airport map is currently stating that the security checkpoint in the connector is temporarily closed, so it looks like you’ll have to use the T4 checkpoint.
  Reply
Martin Bush March 17, 2021
I have a holiday booked in September going from Heathrow to LAX and then LAX to Hawaii. All flights are with American airlines. What do I do on arrival in LAX? I have a 2-hour gap between flights. I have never had to change planes before.
Reply
- Jarrod West March 17, 2021
  Hi Martin,
  When you arrive at LAX you will first need to clear customs, after you exit the plane you, and the rest of the passengers, will be led directly there. After you clear customs you’ll want to head to terminal where your flight from LAX to Hawaii is departing from, which will likely be terminal 4 – but it will be marked on your ticket. From there you’ll reclear security, and can make your way to your gate number.
  Safe travels!
  Reply
Kalilo April 9, 2021
On my flight from Honolulu to New York, I have 43 minutes at LAX to change gate to gate in terminal 7. Is that enough time?
Reply
- Jarrod West April 12, 2021
  Hi Kalilo,
  As long as your flight arrives on time then 43 minutes should be plenty of time since you will not need to change terminals or re-clear security.
  Reply
Jackie April 30, 2021
Hello – Appreciate any insight:
Traveling from Baltimore (BWI) to LAX on Southwest Airlines. Have a separate itinerary/ticket to fly from LAX to Honolulu on American Airlines on the same day. Arrival into LAX is 6:15 and departure time from LAX to Honolulu is 7:30. If I only have a carry-on, does this leave me enough time to go from the Southwest Airlines terminal to American Airlines to make my Honolulu flight!? Thank you!
Reply
- Catherine Luther May 3, 2021
  Hi Jackie,
  That should be enough time, but you will want to consider road traffic for the terminal shuttle, any delays with your inbound flight, or queues at security.
  Reply
Brian R. Quander August 1, 2021
I am arriving at TBIT {Delta, domestic} and need to get to terminal 2 {Westjet Air]. If I walk do I go through security again? If so, is there a way to stay airside?
Thank you for any advice.
Reply
- Jarrod West August 2, 2021
  Hi Brian,
  For flight connections, passengers can hop on the airside shuttle bus that runs between Terminals 2, 3, and TBIT. Buses operate every 10 minutes, 24/7. Safe travels!
  Reply
Emily August 2, 2021
I am taking a domestic flight from Buffalo to LAX, arriving at 23:03 (Terminal 5) this Wednesday and then have a layover (2 hours 12 m) and take CX881 dep at 01:15 (from Terminal B). My question is (1) how long does it take to walk from Terminal 5 to Terminal B? (2) Is it enough time to catch the connecting flight to Hong Kong? Many thanks for your help!
Reply
- Jarrod West August 2, 2021
  Hi Emily,
  It takes about 5-8 minutes to walk between each Terminal, and since you are 2 Terminals away it should take between 10-16 minutes. So yes, you should have plenty of time to catch your connecting flight.
  Reply
Emily August 3, 2021
Many thanks for your prompt reply!
Reply
John August 23, 2021
Do all United Airline flights at LAX, Domestic and International, arrive and depart out of T7 &T8? Once I arrive back in LAX from CUN, I will have only hand-carry luggage, do I still need to clear customs and immigration? Once cleared, is it possible to go directly to my connecting gate, or do I need to re-clear security? Thank you much!
Reply
- Jarrod West August 23, 2021
  Hi John,
  Not necessarily, all international flights will use the Thomas Bradley International Terminal. If you are flying to LAX from CUN, then yes, you will need to go through customs upon arrival. From there you can proceed to your next Terminal for your next leg and that is where you will clear security. Safe travels!
  Reply
celine October 13, 2021
I’ll be arriving from Singapore and leaving to Tahiti with Air France. I have 3hrs in between. Is that enough for to self transfer, considering all checks and controls related to covid?
Reply
- Jarrod West October 21, 2021
  Hi Celine,
  Yes, that should be more than enough time. Safe travels!
  Reply
Isabella October 30, 2021
I will be arriving from Sydney at TBIT and will be departing from Terminal 2 to Atlanta. Tickets were bought together.
I will probably have to re-check my baggage. Where do I do that? Do I have to drag it with me all the way to Terminal 2 or can I re-check it at Terminal B? Do I have to book it in at a counter or can I just drop it somewhere if it has been tagged to Atlanta?
If I need to re-check it at Terminal 2, can I use the airside shuttle bus? I really do not want to stand in the long security check queues again.
Reply
- Jarrod West November 11, 2021
  Hi Isabella,
  You should be able to re-check your bag in TBIT after you get through customs. Safe travels!
  Reply
Renee November 1, 2021
I am flying into LAX on American Airlines and have 45 min until my connecting flight also American Airlines. Is this enough time to get to my connecting flight?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 1, 2021
  Hi Renee,
  Yes, you should have enough time. Safe travels!
  Reply
  - Renee Bradford November 4, 2021
    Thank you very much Jarrod!
    Reply
Prithvi Sreenivasan November 5, 2021
Here’s my situation:-
My mom is arriving at Tom Bradley international terminal. She doesn’t know to catch taxis, use uber etc and she might not even have internet. I need to pick her up, but I don’t have a car. I need to uber to the airport and go to the place where she would arrive. Where should I ask the uber driver to drop me? Given that uber drivers can only drop at the departure level, is there a way for me to get dropped at the departure level and make my way to the arrival level? Any suggestions?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 5, 2021
  Hi Prithvi,
  Have the Uber drop you off at the Terminal your mom is arriving at, and then head downstairs in that Terminal to arrivals where you can meet your mom.
  Reply
Fatima November 7, 2021
Is 1 hour and 15 minutes enough time to transfer from terminal 6 to terminal b knowing that I will arrive from Newark airport via Alaska airlines and will leave for Sydney on Fiji airways? Would I have to recheck luggage also?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 9, 2021
  Hi Fatima,
  Yes, that should be enough time. Did you book both tickets on one itinerary? If so then you should not have to recheck your luggage. Safe travels!
  Reply
DANIEL November 14, 2021
I’m arriving in LAX at 11:50 am from Fiji at Tom Bradley. I have to catch another flight to Turkey (Istanbul) the same day at 6:25 pm with Turkish Airlines at Tom Bradley. Is there enough time to catch that flight?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 15, 2021
  Hi Daniel,
  Yes, 6 hours will be more than enough time to catch your next flight. In fact, you will likely have quite a bit of time to kill. Safe travels!
  Reply
Shinobu December 8, 2021
I’m arriving from Vancouver with Air Canada. Apparently, I arrive at terminal 5, then change to Japan Airlines at TBIT. Unfortunately, I had to purchase separate tickets. So I understand that I have to grab my luggage and go through customs first, then check-in at the JAL counter. There are 2:30 hours in between my flights. If the AC arrives on time, do I have enough time to transit?
Reply
- Jarrod West December 13, 2021
  Hi Shinobu,
  Yes, as long as your first flight arrives on time you should have plenty of time to make your next flight.
  Reply
Bianca January 18, 2022
Hoping to get some help regarding my upcoming travels. My husband and I have a flight with Spirit airlines from PVR to DFW but have a 12 hour layover in LAX so, (02/17 PVR -LAX 5:25pm-6:26pm & then 02/18 LAX-DFW 6:25am-11:21am). My question is if we can leave the airport during the 12 hours? If so, what would be the process? Do we go through customs on our arrival at LAX? Would it be fine to leave and just arrive at the airport the next day early for our next flight? What happens to our checked bags?
Reply
- Jarrod West January 22, 2022
  Hi Bianca,
  Yes, you can leave the airport since you have a 12-hour layover. You will clear customs in LAX and pick up your checked luggage when you land. Afterward, you are free to leave the airport. Safe travels!
  Reply
Sarah G February 20, 2022
Our son is flying from London Heathrow into LA International in May on a Virgin flight due to arrive at 1450 into Terminal B. I think flights to Portland Or go from Terminal 2? He will presumably have to go through immigration and check-in and security. How long would he need to allow to catch a flight to Portland please and how much longer if he took checked luggage? Many thanks.
Reply
- Jarrod West February 22, 2022
  Hi Sarah,
  I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to give you a specific time as there are too many variables that will be outside of your control. Assuming his flight arrives on time, the time it will take to get through the immigration line, check-in line, and security line can vary quite dramatically depending on the day. So I would aim to allow as much time as possible.
  Reply
Alka Chauhan February 21, 2022
I am arriving at Terminal B then need to get to Terminal 6, then get out of terminal 6 and cross the road to get my PCR test done. Then traveling with Delta from Terminal 2/3 for my flight to Honolulu. How do I manage this as I have just about 3hrs?
Reply
- Jarrod West February 22, 2022
  Hi Alka,
  3 hours should be plenty of time. Safe travels!
  Reply
Loreto April 18, 2022
Hello! I have a flight to Mexico with a 5-hour layover in Terminal 6. I would like to go to the TBIT during the layover. Will I need to clear security at any point?
Reply
- Jarrod West April 19, 2022
  Hi Loreta,
  Yes, you would need to clear security to switch terminals. Safe travels!
  Reply
Tracey May 31, 2022
I will fly from Calgary to LAX via WestJet. My flight Will arrive at terminal 2 then I have connect flight with Japan airlines at terminal B. I only have 2.00 hrs layover between the flights. Just wonder if there is anyway I can go from terminal 2 to B without go through security checking again. If not then do I have enough time to get there and go thru security check again? What is the quick way to get ftom T2 to T B
My ticket is single ticket from Calgary – LAX – Tokyo. Thanks
Reply
- Jarrod West June 6, 2022
  Hi Tracey,
  You will definitely have to re-clear security when you switch terminals, but 2 hours should be more than enough time to do so. Safe travels!
  Reply
Cynthia August 4, 2022
Hi, I am flying out of LAX to CUN on Friday via United Airlines. Pretty sure my departure is from Terminal 7 but would really like to checkout the Centurion Lounge at TBIT. Will I have enough time to walk from terminals? I plan to arrive by 7 and my flight is around 10am. Is it easier to walk on airside or on the outside (understand i have to go through security) or should I take shuttle. Thanks!
Reply
- Jarrod West August 8, 2022
  Hi Cynthia,
  You should have plenty of time, and personally, I think it would be easier to walk airside.
  Reply
Peggy August 25, 2022
I’m flying American Airlines from Maui to LAX to Indy, with only a 35 minute layover at LAX. I will only have carry on luggage. Is that enough time to make the connecting flight?
Reply
- Chris Hassan August 25, 2022
  Hey Peggy,
  That is very tight. Assuming there is no delay and you are arriving and departing at nearby gates, there is a good chance that you make it. On your Maui flight let the flight crew know about your connection, they might be able to help!
  Reply
Kirsty November 9, 2022
I’m flying from Sydney into LAX on Qantas arriving about 6:05am and have a connecting flight to MCO with AA at 8am. I know I have to go through customs & immigration, but my bags will be checked through to MCO and I will have my boarding pass for AA issued in Sydney by Qantas. I did this exact same trip (but with a longer connection time) in July and I know about the bag drop for AA after customs.
My issue is the short connection time with this flight in November. When I came in July, I was forced by a staff member to go outside onto the street to get from International to Terminal 4, which necessitated going through security again. I knew about the tunnel connection, but I was not allowed to use it (if it was open). Will I be able to use it this time? After bag drop, where do I go to find the tunnel so I can get my domestic connection? With the short timeframe, I am very nervous. When I originally made my booking, I had over 3hrs between arriving from Sydney and the connecting flight. Someone (not me) moved the domestic flight to 8am….
Reply
- Stephen Au November 19, 2022
  Hi Kirsty,
  I don’t think you’ll be able to make this connection. Thank you.
  Reply
Vicki Edwards November 21, 2022
Hi,
I’ve bought a ticket for my sister as well as myself so we could fly together out of LAX (American Airlines). Never having done this before, I’m wondering if I can check her in as well as myself? Or does she need to check herself in? I would like her to have her boarding pass with her as we are arriving at LAX from different locations very early in the AM. Thanks for your help. Vicki
Reply
- Jarrod West November 22, 2022
  Hi Vicki,
  If you booked the tickets at the same time, then yes you should be able to check both of you in simultaneously.
  Reply

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