Los Angeles Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis on the West Coast, is served by a multi-airport system where each facility caters to different geographic regions and travel needs. Unlike cities with a single dominant hub, LA’s airports are spread across the region, making the choice of airport critical for minimizing ground travel time and maximizing convenience.

This guide explains the five major commercial airports in the Los Angeles area, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear explanations of how to get to and from each one in this traffic-choked region.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Overview: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary international gateway and the busiest airport in the Los Angeles area. Located 27 km (17 miles) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles, near the coast, it is a massive hub for global travel, serving as a major focus city for American, Delta, United, and Alaska, and the primary U.S. gateway for many international carriers.

Terminals:

• Terminals 1-8 & Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT): Nine separate, horseshoe-shaped terminals arranged in a U-shape around a central loop road. They are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).
• Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT): The main terminal for most international airlines, featuring extensive luxury shopping and dining.
• Connections: Terminals are connected airside post-security by shuttle buses and, increasingly, by the new Automated People Mover (APM) train and pedestrian walkways. Landside, they are connected by the free LAX Shuttle bus system and the loop road.

Getting to and from LAX:

• Automated People Mover (APM) + Metro/Rail:
  The newest and recommended public transit option. A free, elevated train connects all LAX terminals to the Metro Rail system at two new stations: LAX/Metro Transit Center (for buses, rental cars, and future connections) and Aviation/96th Street Station (for the Metro Crenshaw/K Line). From there, connect to the Metro Rail network to reach Downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and beyond.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber/Lyft):
  Designated pickup areas are now at the LAX-it lot adjacent to Terminal 1. After collecting baggage, take a free shuttle bus or the new APM train to the LAX-it lot to meet your driver. This system keeps traffic off the central loop.
• Taxis:
  Taxis are available at dedicated stands outside each terminal on the lower level. Fares are metered. A flat-rate zone fare system applies to some areas.
• Rental Cars:
  All rental car companies are now consolidated in the new ConRac (Consolidated Rental Car Center), accessible via the free APM train from the terminals. No more shuttle buses from individual companies.
• FlyAway Bus:
  A non-stop, dedicated bus service to key locations like Union Station (Downtown LA), Van Nuys, and Westwood. Affordable and often faster than driving in traffic.
• Private Vehicles:
  The famous “LAX loop” for drop-off/pickup is often congested. Parking is available in central parking structures and economy lots, connected by shuttle.

Best for: Most international travelers, long-haul flights, global airline choice, and connections. Essential for flights to Asia, Europe, Oceania, and many Latin American destinations.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Overview: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), formerly Bob Hope Airport, is located in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Downtown LA. It’s known for its ease, short walking distances, and proximity to Hollywood studios, Universal Studios, and the Valley.

Terminals:

• Terminal A and Terminal B: Two small, modern terminals connected by a short walkway. All gates are a very short walk from check-in.

Getting to and from BUR: Extremely easy. Ride-hailing, taxis, and rental cars are all within a 1-2 minute walk from the gates. Also served by Metrolink commuter rail and Amtrak at the adjacent Burbank Airport-South station.

Best for: Domestic travel, especially on Southwest and Alaska; travelers to the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, and northern parts of LA; those who prioritize a quick, easy airport experience.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Overview: Long Beach Airport (LGB) is located in Long Beach, about 30 km (19 miles) south of Downtown LA. It’s a single, charming historic terminal known for its outdoor courtyard, lack of crowds, and efficiency. A focus city for Southwest and JetBlue.

Terminals: Single historic terminal. Passengers walk to aircraft on the tarmac.

Getting to and from LGB: Very simple. Ride-hailing, taxis, and rental car lots are steps from the terminal door. Also served by local buses.

Best for: Domestic travel on Southwest/JetBlue; travelers to Long Beach, Orange County, and southern LA; those who hate big, stressful airports.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Overview: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Orange County, approximately 58 km (36 miles) southeast of Downtown LA in the city of Santa Ana. It is a modern, mid-sized airport serving Orange County and southern LA, known for being clean and efficient.

Terminals: Three terminals (A, B, C) connected by a single main building. Easy to navigate.

Getting to and from SNA: Convenient. Ride-hailing and taxis are readily available. Rental car center is across the street via a pedestrian bridge. Also served by local buses.

Best for: Domestic and some international (Mexico/Canada) travel; travelers to Orange County, Disneyland, Newport Beach, and southern coastal areas.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Overview: Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located in the Inland Empire, about 61 km (38 miles) east of Downtown LA. It serves as a major relief airport for LAX, offering less congestion and easier access for those in eastern LA County, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Terminals: Two modern terminals (2 and 4).

Getting to and from ONT: Straightforward with ride-hailing, taxis, and rental cars. Also served by local buses and Metrolink commuter rail (with a shuttle).

Best for: Domestic and some international (Mexico/Central America) travel; travelers from the Inland Empire and eastern LA County; cargo operations.

Which Los Angeles Airport Should You Choose?

Choose LAX if: You are flying internationally, need the widest range of flight options, or are connecting to another long-haul flight.

Choose BUR if: You are visiting Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, or want the easiest, fastest domestic airport experience.

Choose LGB if: You are visiting Long Beach or the South Bay and are flying Southwest/JetBlue on a covered route.

Choose SNA if: Your destination is Orange County (especially Disneyland, Newport Beach, Irvine).

Choose ONT if: You live in or are visiting the Inland Empire (e.g., Riverside, San Bernardino) or eastern LA County.

Critical: Always consider traffic. An airport closer to your destination, even with a slightly longer flight, can save hours of stressful driving.

Airport Transfers in the Los Angeles Area

Transferring between LA-area airports is not recommended due to vast distances and notorious traffic. If unavoidable (e.g., arriving internationally at LAX, departing domestically from BUR), allow at least 4-5 hours between flights for the transfer. Use a ride-hailing service or pre-booked private car. Public transit connections are possible but multi-legged and slow.

Essential Tips for Navigating LA Airports

LAX Specific:

• Know your terminal and airline. Use the new APM train to move between terminals and to ground transport.
• For Uber/Lyft, you MUST go to the LAX-it lot (or the new APM stations that serve it).
• Allow massive extra time for traffic around LAX, especially during peak hours and holidays.

General:

• All airports have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes where available.
• Parking is expensive at all airports; consider off-airport parking lots with shuttles for long stays.
• Southern California’s good weather means few weather-related delays, but marine layer fog can occasionally affect morning flights at coastal airports (LAX, LGB).

Bottom line: Los Angeles offers an airport for every need and region. Your choice should be dictated first by your final destination within the sprawling metro area, and second by your airline and route. While LAX is unavoidable for many international trips, the smaller regional airports (BUR, LGB, SNA, ONT) offer vastly superior experiences for domestic travel, saving you time and stress on the ground.