Airports in Los Angeles, California: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Los Angeles: Major Airport Hub Connecting the City of Angels to the World

Los Angeles, the second‑largest city in the United States, sits on the Pacific coastline and serves as a global gateway for commerce, entertainment, and tourism. The city’s aviation network is anchored by the iconic Los Angeles airport, commonly known as LAX, which handles more than 88 million passengers annually (2023) and offers nonstop service to over 100 domestic and international destinations. Because the City of Angels spans 469 square miles and includes neighborhoods ranging from beachfront Venice to the high‑rise skyline of Downtown, travelers often need clear guidance on which airport in Los Angeles best fits their itinerary, budget, and proximity to a specific landmark.

Los Angeles Airport Locations

While Los Angeles International Airport dominates headline statistics, the metropolitan area is supported by three additional commercial airports that collectively reduce congestion, provide regional options, and place an airport near almost every Los Angeles neighborhood.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – The Primary Airport in Los Angeles

LAX sits on 3,500 acres in the Westchester district, just 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and 3.5 miles from the Los Angeles River. The airport’s four terminals (1‑4) contain 146 gates, a 2022‑completed Automated People Mover, and a 2023‑opened Tom Bradley International Terminal renovation that added 23 new gates. Primary ground access points include Sepulveda Boulevard, World Way, and Century Boulevard. LAX’s main customer service center, located on the arrivals level of Terminal 2, operates daily from 05:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and the general information line is (855) 864‑7978.

Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) – Convenient for Hollywood, North Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley

Bob Hope Airport lies 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to the Burbank‑Glendale border, and is only 6 miles from the historic Hollywood Bowl. It handles roughly 2.5 million passengers per year, focusing on domestic flights operated by Southwest, Alaska, and American. The terminal is a single‑story facility with free Wi‑Fi, a rental‑car hub, and a dedicated “Hollywood Shuttle” that connects the airport to the Hollywood/Highland Metro Red Line station in 15 minutes. The airport office is open 06:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m., and the main phone number is (818) 239‑3000.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Small‑Scale Airport Near the Port of Los Angeles

Long Beach Airport, known locally as “The Airport That Ran on Time,” is situated 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, just 5 miles from the Port of Long Beach and 2 miles from the historic Queen Mary. LGB offers 2 million annual enplanements, primarily serving Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United on West Coast routes. The airport’s single terminal features a free shuttle to the nearby Metro Blue Line station at Pacific Coast Highway, and the airport administration office operates from 07:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. The contact number is (562) 494‑0375.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Gateway to Orange County from Los Angeles

John Wayne Airport is located in Santa Ana, approximately 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles and 20 miles from the Irvine Spectrum Center. It processes about 9 million passengers each year, with a strong presence of Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska. The airport’s two‑terminal layout includes a dedicated “Orange County Express” shuttle to the Metrolink Santa Ana station, and the airport information desk is open from 05:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The main phone line is (714) 947‑7900.

How to Reach Airport in Los Angeles

Because Los Angeles is a sprawling, car‑centric city, travelers have a variety of ways to get to the airport that best matches their schedule and budget. Driving, ride‑share, and dedicated airport shuttles dominate the market, while public transit options have expanded dramatically over the past decade.

Driving, Ride‑Share, and Parking at LAX

From downtown Los Angeles, the quickest route to LAX follows I‑110 South to I‑105 West, covering roughly 18 miles in 25‑35 minutes outside peak traffic. The airport offers 24‑hour economy parking (Lot E) at 1.2 miles from the terminals, a premium valet service, and a multi‑level structure (Lot C) directly connected via the Automated People Mover. Ride‑share services such as Uber and Lyft use designated “Ride‑Share Zones” on the arrivals level of each terminal, and a flat fare of $30–$45 is typical for trips from West Hollywood or Santa Monica.

Public Transit: Metro, FlyAway, and Metrolink Connections

The Los Angeles Metro system provides a direct “FlyAway” bus from Union Station, Hollywood/Vine, and Westwood to LAX, charging $9.75 each way and guaranteeing a 30‑minute trip during off‑peak hours. Additionally, the new Metro Rail “Crenshaw/LAX Line” (expected 2025) will link the Green Line’s Aviation/LAX station to the airport via the People Mover. For Bob Hope Airport, the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Highland plus a 15‑minute shuttle covers the distance, while Long Beach Airport can be reached via the Metro Blue Line to the “Willow Street” station and a 10‑minute local bus. Metrolink’s “Orange County Line” stops at John Wayne Airport’s terminal shuttle, providing a commuter‑friendly alternative from Union Station.

Airport Services in Los Angeles

Each Los Angeles airport offers a suite of passenger services designed to accommodate the city’s diverse traveler base, from Hollywood talent to international business delegations.

Los Angeles Airport Office Hours and Contact Numbers

The primary Los Angeles airport office, located on the departures level of Terminal 2, is open daily from 05:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for ticketing assistance, lost‑and‑found, and wheelchair requests. The airport’s dedicated information line (855) 864‑7978 provides 24‑hour support for flight status, parking rates, and terminal maps. For cargo operators, the LAX Cargo Operations Center at 4800 West Way, operating 24 hours, handles over 2 million metric tons of freight annually, making LAX the West Coast’s busiest cargo hub.

Passenger Amenities Across Los Angeles Airports

LAX boasts over 30 lounges, including the Delta Sky Club, United Polaris, and the independent Centurion Lounge, all equipped with premium dining, shower suites, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi. The Tom Bradley International Terminal houses an art‑installation corridor featuring works by local Los Angeles artists, reinforcing the city’s cultural vibe. Bob Hope Airport provides free Wi‑Fi throughout its terminal, a children’s play area, and a “Hollywood Walk of Fame” exhibit featuring miniature star replicas. Long Beach Airport’s terminal includes a “Pacific Coast Café” with locally sourced seafood, while John Wayne Airport offers a “California Wine & Cheese” lounge that showcases regional vintages. All four airports support TSA PreCheck, Global Entry kiosks, and pet relief areas.

Frequently Asked Questions — Los Angeles Airport Directory

What is the closest airport to downtown Los Angeles?

The closest commercial airport to downtown Los Angeles is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which lies 18 miles southwest of the central business district. By car via I‑110 South and I‑105 West, the drive typically takes 25‑35 minutes outside rush hour, making LAX the most convenient option for downtown travelers.

Where is the Los Angeles airport office and what are its hours?

The Los Angeles airport office is located on the arrivals level of Terminal 2 at LAX, 1.5 miles from the main parking structures. It operates daily from 05:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for passenger assistance, lost‑and‑found, and wheelchair services. The office can also be reached by phone at (855) 864‑7978, a line that provides 24‑hour support for flight status and terminal information.

How far is the nearest airport from the West Hollywood neighborhood?

West Hollywood is approximately 6 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 9 miles from Bob Hope Airport (BUR). The fastest route to LAX follows I‑405 South, taking about 15‑20 minutes by car, while a direct ride‑share to Bob Hope Airport via US‑101 North typically requires 20‑25 minutes.

What public transportation options serve the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) near me?

Public transit to LAX includes the Metro FlyAway bus from Union Station, Hollywood/Vine, and Westwood, each charging $9.75 and guaranteeing a 30‑minute ride during off‑peak periods. The upcoming Crenshaw/LAX Line will connect the Green Line’s Aviation/LAX station to the airport via the Automated People Mover (expected 2025). Additionally, the Metro Bus 232 runs a 24‑hour service between LAX and the South Bay, stopping at the airport’s “LAX City Bus Center.”

What is the phone number for Los Angeles airport customer service?

The primary customer service phone number for Los Angeles International Airport is (855) 864‑7978. This toll‑free line operates 24 hours a day and provides real‑time flight updates, parking information, terminal maps, and assistance with special‑needs services.