📅 Updated:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

A view of the Los Angeles LAX Airport frome the air

Photo by @wonderlane - Unsplash

A practical guide to LAX built from official information and hundreds of recent traveler reviews: how to move between terminals, how to get in and out, what to expect at security, and where to eat or rest.

Plan your trip

What changed at LAX

Terminal 5 is closed

It closed in October 2025 to be rebuilt and is expected to reopen before the 2028 Olympics. American moved to Terminal 4 and JetBlue to Terminal 1.

New Rental Car Center

Since March 11, 2026, the 12 on-airport rental brands are together at the LAX Rental Car Center, 5251 W 98th St, reached by shuttle from the purple signs.

Metro at the airport

The LAX/Metro Transit Center (lines C and K) opened in June 2025 and replaced the City Bus Center. A free shuttle links it with every terminal.

People Mover: not yet

The airport train is still not carrying passengers; the latest date announced is no earlier than January 2027.

Quick questions

How early should I arrive?

3 hours for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights, plus 30 minutes if you arrive by car at peak times. See departures.

Where do Uber, Lyft and taxis pick up?

At LAX-it, next to Terminal 1, reached on foot or by free shuttle from the green signs. Taxis also wait at Parking Structure 3 and at the end of Terminal 7. See taxis and apps.

How much is a taxi to Downtown LA?

A flat rate of USD 46.50, airport fees included. The cheapest option is the FlyAway to Union Station (USD 12.75).

Can I walk between terminals?

Yes, in most cases, through the post-security connector. Walks of 15 to 30 minutes are common. See connections.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes, "_LAX Free WiFi", with unlimited 45-minute sessions after a short ad.

LAX at a glance

  • Location: Westchester, 29 km (18 miles) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. See map
  • Passengers: more than 73.7 million in 2025.
  • Terminals: 1 to 8 and Terminal B (Tom Bradley International), in a horseshoe; Terminal 5 closed for reconstruction.
  • Main hubs: Alaska, American, Delta and United, plus Southwest, JetBlue and more than 40 airlines.
  • Hours: open 24 hours, only for passengers, people accompanying them and staff.
  • Contact: official site – customer service +1 855 463 5252.

Guides built from traveler reviews

Pros and cons

What travelers praise and criticize about each part of LAX.

Tips and precautions

How to avoid the most common problems before, during and after your flight.

FAQs

Short answers to the questions passengers ask most.

Book and check

Last boarding calls

How we build this guide

Facts such as fares, hours and locations are checked against the airport and the operator of each service. Traveler experiences are summarized from hundreds of recent reviews and appear on each page as "User experience", separate from the facts, together with a practical strategy.