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Connections between terminals at LAX
Quick questions about terminal connections
Can I walk between terminals without leaving security?
In most cases, yes. A 3.2 km (2-mile) post-security connector opened in October 2023 links the terminals. With Terminal 5 closed for reconstruction since October 2025, some travelers report having to leave and clear security again between Terminals 4 and 6: ask airport or airline staff before starting that walk.
Is there a free bus between terminals?
Yes, the LAX Shuttle Route A, 24 hours a day, every 10 minutes, from the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal, under the "LAX Shuttle Inter-terminal Connector" sign. It runs outside security, so you will need to clear security again.
Is the People Mover open?
Not yet. The latest date announced is no earlier than January 2027, with no guarantee. Until then, the shuttles and the walking connector are the only options.
How much time should I allow to change terminals?
At least 20 to 30 minutes on foot inside security, and more if you use the shuttle, are carrying a lot of luggage or have to clear security again.
How do I reach the Metro?
On the free shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (C and K lines), about every 10 minutes from the pink LAX Shuttle signs. See public transport.
Critical points: terminal connections at LAX
Signage and walking distances
User experience:
- Poor signage between terminals is the most repeated complaint, especially from Terminal B to Terminals 1 to 4.
- Walks of 15 to 30 minutes are common, with long corridors and several escalators.
- Several travelers say staff gave them conflicting directions.
Strategy: Before landing, check in your airline app which terminal and gate your next flight leaves from, and follow the gate numbers rather than terminal names, which are not always signposted.
Shuttles and remote gates
User experience:
- The inter-terminal shuttle is useful for long distances, but at peak times and at night travelers report long waits and, at times, a bus that never came.
- Some flights use remote gates reached only by bus, for example some American regional flights and Frontier, which adds 30 minutes or more.
- On international arrivals with a domestic connection you must collect your bags, clear customs and recheck them.
Strategy: Leave at least 2 hours for domestic connections and 3 hours if you arrive from abroad. If the shuttle does not show up within 15 minutes, ask staff whether walking is faster for your route.
Pros and cons of terminal connections at LAX
- Pros:
- Walking connector: most terminals are linked inside security, with predictable timing.
- Free shuttles: 24-hour buses link the terminals, parking lots and the Metro.
- Contras:
- No train yet: the People Mover is still not running.
- Distances: long walks and poor signage, made worse by construction and the Terminal 5 closure.
- Waits: shuttles can be slow and full at peak times.
Post-security walking connector
Since October 2023, a 3.2 km (2-mile) enclosed connector lets passengers walk between terminals behind security, without going outside. With Terminal 5 closed for reconstruction, confirm with staff whether your route between Terminals 4 and 6 stays open inside security.
LAX Shuttle
The free LAX Shuttle connects all terminals, ground transport services and parking areas. You can follow buses in real time on the airport's live tracker.
Route A: between terminals
All terminals are connected by Route A, which runs 24 hours a day, every 10 minutes, from the curb on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal, under the "LAX Shuttle Inter-terminal Connector" sign.
Route B: LAX Budget Parking
Free transportation to LAX Budget Parking, 24 hours a day. Pick-up and drop-off are on the Lower/Arrivals Level, in the pink LAX Shuttle zones.
Route E: Economy Parking
Free shuttle between Economy Parking and the terminals, 24 hours a day. Pick-up and drop-off are on the Lower/Arrivals Level, in the pink LAX Shuttle zones.
Shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center
Free shuttle between the terminals and Bus Bays 1 and 2 of the LAX/Metro Transit Center, with the C and K Metro lines and the city buses that used to stop at the City Bus Center. It runs about every 10 minutes. It replaces the former bus M to Aviation station and Route C to the City Bus Center.
Route X: employee parking
Operates between the terminals and the East, West and South employee parking lots, 24 hours a day.
Information on local transport: Metro, Tel +1 323 466 3876.
The People Mover (SkyLink)
The Automated People Mover is a 3.6 km (2.25-mile) elevated train with six stations: three in the central terminal area, plus the west ground transportation center, the LAX/Metro Transit Center and the LAX Rental Car Center. It will be free, with trains every 2 minutes at peak times. It is not carrying passengers yet: the latest date announced is no earlier than January 2027, and it could slip again.
User experience:
- Many travelers see the finished tracks and wonder why the train is not running; expectations are high.
- Until it opens, frequent flyers describe connections as the most stressful part of using LAX.
Strategy: Do not plan around the People Mover until the airport confirms it is open. Keep using the walking connector or the shuttles, with a time buffer.
Families and passengers with reduced mobility
Some travelers mention the lack of help for people flying with small children, a lot of luggage or reduced mobility. Courtesy carts operate in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, but not in every area.
Strategy: If you need assistance, request it from your airline before the trip and confirm where staff will meet you. At the airport, go to information desks or airline counters rather than waiting for help to appear.
Recommendations for a better experience
- Plan ahead: allow at least 30 extra minutes for connections that use the shuttle.
- Check the Metro timetable: if you continue by train, review the Metro schedule before you leave, especially at night.
- Prioritize the connector: walking inside security is usually more predictable than waiting for the bus.
