LAX Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

LAX Airport Overview

Los Angeles International Airport handles about 88 million passengers a year, making it one of the busiest airports in the country. The layout is a giant U-shape (technically a horseshoe) with nine terminals arranged along two parallel corridors. It's not intuitive, traffic around the terminal loop is legendary, and there always seems to be construction. But recent upgrades have genuinely improved the experience.

The most important recent change: you can now walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 8 without leaving the secure area. That's roughly two miles of airside connectivity, which is a game-changer for connections.

Terminal Breakdown

Terminal 1

Southwest Airlines' home. Recently renovated with a modern feel, better food options like Cassell's Hamburgers and Ace Tacos, and improved seating areas.

Terminals 2 and 3

Delta Air Lines operates from both terminals. Terminal 2 handles Delta's regional flights, while Terminal 3 serves mainline domestic and some international routes. Delta Sky Clubs are available in both. An airside connector (Terminal 1.5) links Terminals 1 through 3.

Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B)

The crown jewel of LAX. This is where most international flights depart, with airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Air France. The Great Hall is architecturally stunning with high ceilings and natural light. Best duty-free shopping and international lounge selection at LAX.

Terminals 4 and 5

American Airlines uses Terminal 4 for some flights. Terminal 5 has been undergoing demolition work to make way for a new concourse (MSC South), so airlines have been redistributed. Check your airline's current terminal assignment before heading to the airport.

Terminals 6, 7, and 8

United Airlines is the primary carrier in Terminals 7 and 8. Terminal 6 houses Alaska Airlines and other carriers. These terminals are on the south side of the horseshoe.

Getting To and From Los Angeles

Automated People Mover (APM)

The long-awaited APM train connects the central terminal area to the Metro system, the rental car facility, and economy parking. It runs 24/7, is free for ticketed passengers, and stops at six stations. This is the biggest improvement to LAX ground transportation in decades.

FlyAway Bus

LAX's direct bus service runs to Union Station (downtown LA), Van Nuys, and Hollywood. The Union Station route costs about $9.75 and takes 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. It's the best budget option for getting downtown.

Metro Rail

With the APM now connecting to the Metro, you can take the C Line (formerly Green Line) from the airport to the broader LA Metro system. Transfer at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks for the A Line to downtown, or connect to other lines from there.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Pickup is at the LAXit lot, accessible by shuttle from all terminals (or via the APM). Expect to pay $30-$60 to most parts of LA, though surge pricing during peak hours can push it much higher. To Hollywood or downtown, budget $35-$50 in normal conditions.

Taxi

Metered rate. Downtown LA runs about $50-$60. Santa Monica is around $35-$45. Beverly Hills is $40-$55. No flat rate like JFK.

Rental Cars

All rental car companies are at the consolidated Rental Car Center, connected by the APM. No more waiting for individual shuttle buses.

Lounges

LAX has over 20 lounges spread across its terminals.

• Delta Sky Club (Terminals 2 and 3) - Solid food and drink options. The Terminal 3 location is larger.
• American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 4) - Standard AA lounge with food, drinks, and WiFi.
• United Club (Terminals 7 and 8) - Two locations for United's hub operation.
• Star Alliance Lounge (TBIT) - Beautiful lounge with tarmac views and excellent food. For business and first class passengers on Star Alliance carriers.
• Qantas First Lounge (TBIT) - One of the best lounges at LAX, with a full restaurant-quality menu.
• Korean Air Prestige Lounge (TBIT) - Solid Korean food options and comfortable seating.
• USO Lounge (Terminal 2) - Free for active military and their families.

If you have a Priority Pass, check which lounges currently accept it - availability has shifted as terminals are renovated.

Food and Dining

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Best food selection at LAX. Highlights include Lemonade (healthy California cuisine), Ink.Sack (from Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio), and Umami Burger. The Great Hall has upscale sit-down options too.

Terminal 1

Cassell's Hamburgers is the standout - proper smash burgers that rival anything you'd find in the city. Ace Tacos is good for a quick bite.

Terminal 4

Cole's French Dip is a must-try. They've been making French dip sandwiches since 1908, and the airport outpost does them justice. Lemonade has a location here too.

Other Terminals

Every terminal has standard options like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Subway. The food quality has improved dramatically across the board with the terminal renovations, but TBIT and Terminal 1 are where you'll find the best LA-specific dining.

WiFi

LAX offers free WiFi throughout all terminals. Connect to the "_Free LAX WiFi" network. It's adequate for browsing and email. For faster speeds, upgrade to a premium tier for a fee. Power outlets and USB ports are available near most gates, with the best charging infrastructure in TBIT and the recently renovated terminals.

Sleeping at LAX

The Hard Truth

LAX doesn't have sleeping pods. It's not a great airport for sleeping. The terminals are bright, noisy, and most seating has armrests that prevent lying down.

Best Free Sleeping Spots

• Terminal 1 - Long cushioned couch just past security
• Terminal 3 - Comfortable seating areas near Gate 31
• Terminal 4 - Padded benches in lower-traffic areas
• TBIT - The Great Hall has some seating areas that work for napping

Airport Hotels

Several hotels within 1-2 miles offer free shuttle service and day-use rooms. The Hilton Los Angeles Airport and Sheraton Gateway are among the closest. For a budget option, hotels along Century Boulevard often have deals.

Lounges

If you can access a lounge, that's your best bet for resting during a layover. Some lounges have quiet rooms with recliners.

Layover Tips

• Short layover (under 3 hours): Stay airside. With the new connector walkways, you can walk between most terminals without re-clearing security. Budget extra time if you need to reach Terminal 1 or TBIT from the south side.
• Medium layover (3-6 hours): Head to a lounge if you can. TBIT's Great Hall is worth visiting even without a lounge - the architecture and shopping are excellent.
• Long layover (6+ hours): Consider heading to the beach. Santa Monica is about 20-30 minutes by rideshare (outside rush hour). Manhattan Beach is even closer. Or hop on the Metro to explore downtown LA. Just leave 2+ hours for the return trip and security.
• Terminal transfers: The airside walkway connecting Terminals 1-8 is about 2 miles long. It's walkable but give yourself time. The APM helps with landside transfers.
• Construction awareness: LAX is in the middle of a massive modernization. Check the LAX website for current terminal assignments, as airlines have been moving around.