Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles, United States
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Airport Wi-Fi
Free unlimited WiFi at LAX — connect to '_LAX Free WiFi'; no time limit.
Security and arrival
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.
Distance to city
29 km / 30–60 min by taxi/rideshare or the new Metro K Line