Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Traveler Essentials
- Terminals
- Terminals 1–8 and the international Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). United, Delta, and American each occupy multiple terminals. International arrivals process through TBIT.
- Distance to city
- 29 km / 30–60 min by taxi/rideshare or the new Metro K Line
Overview
LAX is the world's sixth busiest airport, handling 85+ million passengers annually. Major hub for international travel to Asia and the Pacific. Nine terminals connected by a free shuttle system. Major expansion underway for the 2028 Olympics.
Transport to city center
Flyaway Bus to Union Station (45–75 min, $9.75). Metro C Line from Aviation/LAX station to downtown (50 min, $1.75). Uber/Lyft pickup from dedicated LAX-it lot (5 min shuttle from terminals). Taxis: $60–80 to downtown. No direct rail to the terminal — the Automated People Mover (APM) connection is under construction.
Wi-Fi
Free unlimited WiFi at LAX — connect to '_LAX Free WiFi'; no time limit.
Lounges
Multiple Delta Sky Clubs, United Club, American Admirals Club, and Qantas Business Lounge in TBIT. Several Priority Pass lounges including Star Alliance Business Class Lounge.
Security & customs
International arrivals clear US Customs and Border Protection at the Tom Bradley terminal — use Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry to skip queues. Standard 100ml (3-1-1) liquid rules apply at TSA security; TSA PreCheck speeds screening. Terminals are arranged in a horseshoe and not all connected airside, so use the LAX-it lot for rideshare and allow time for connections.
Travel tips
Allow 2.5+ hours for international departures — immigration and security can be slow. The Tom Bradley terminal has the best food options. Book LAX-it rideshare in the app before landing to reduce wait. Traffic to/from LAX is notoriously bad — avoid peak hours (7–9am, 4–7pm).