Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Gateway to the Pacific and Beyond
Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX) stands as the primary air hub of Southern California and one of the busiest airports in the world, consistently ranking among the top five globally by passenger volume. Operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), LAX handled over 88 million passengers in peak pre-pandemic years and recovered strongly to serve more than 75 million travelers annually by the mid-2020s. The airport's nine passenger terminals are connected by the Automated People Mover (APM), a $2 billion transit system that links the central terminal area to remote parking, a new consolidated rent-a-car facility, and connections to the Metro C Line light rail — finally giving LAX a direct rail link to the regional transit network. LAX supports four parallel runways (24L/24R and 25L/25R) arranged in two pairs, enabling simultaneous arrivals and departures that allow the airport to process over 700,000 aircraft operations per year in one of the most complex airspaces on the planet.
LAX is home to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), the largest international terminal on the West Coast, serving carriers from more than 100 countries. The airport is the dominant hub for United Airlines and American Airlines on the West Coast and serves as a major gateway for Delta, Alaska, Southwest, and dozens of international flag carriers. The surrounding region's entertainment industry drives significant charter and private aviation activity, with NetJets, Flexjet, and other fractional operators maintaining a strong presence at the adjacent Santa Monica and Burbank facilities for high-profile clientele who prefer to avoid the congestion of the main terminals. Under the LAX Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), ongoing capital improvements through the 2028 Summer Olympics are transforming the airport's ground access, concourse capacity, and sustainability infrastructure — making this already iconic facility an even more significant cornerstone of California's aviation system.
What terminals are at LAX and which airlines use them?
LAX has nine terminals numbered 1 through 8 plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Terminal 1 serves Southwest Airlines; Terminal 2 and 3 serve Delta and Virgin Atlantic; Terminal 4 is American Airlines' primary hub terminal; Terminals 5 and 6 serve United and other carriers; Terminal 7 and 8 are United's hub terminals; and TBIT handles most international carriers including Air China, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Qantas, among others.
How do I get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
The LAX Automated People Mover (APM) connects the terminals to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station, where riders can board the Metro C Line (Green Line extension) to reach Inglewood and connect toward downtown. FlyAway bus service operates direct routes to Union Station, Westwood/UCLA, and Van Nuys. Rideshare pickups are consolidated at the LAX-it lot, accessible via shuttle from the terminal curb. Taxi and shared shuttle van services also depart from designated zones outside the baggage claim area.
Does LAX have international customs and immigration facilities?
Yes. LAX processes millions of international arrivals annually through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities primarily located at TBIT and Terminal 2. The airport uses Automated Passport Control kiosks and Mobile Passport Control to speed processing for eligible travelers. Global Entry enrollment and interview appointments are available at the LAX CBP Enrollment Center.
What cargo operations does LAX support?
LAX is one of the top cargo airports in North America, handling over 2.5 million metric tons of freight annually. Dedicated cargo facilities are located on the south side of the airport, and carriers including FedEx, UPS, DHL, and major passenger airline belly-cargo operations move pharmaceuticals, electronics, fashion, and perishable goods daily. The airport's Pacific Rim position makes it a critical node in trans-Pacific supply chains.
What accessibility services does LAX offer travelers with disabilities?
LAX provides wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and accessible shuttle services in all terminals. The APM cars are fully ADA-compliant with level boarding. Each terminal has designated accessible parking in the adjacent parking structures. Travelers requiring special assistance are encouraged to contact their airline at least 48 hours before departure to arrange individualized support through check-in, security, and boarding.
Los Angeles International Airport - LAX Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Los Angeles, California.
| Name | Los Angeles International Airport - LAX |
| Address | 1 World Way, Los Angeles CA 90045 Map |
| Phone | (310) 646-5252 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Los Angeles International Airport - LAX
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Planning Your Visit to LAX: Parking, Ground Transport, and Airport Amenities
Ground access at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has historically been a major challenge, but a new generation of infrastructure is reshaping the experience. The LAX-it rideshare lot — a remote staging area connected to terminals by a dedicated shuttle loop — reduced curbside congestion dramatically when it opened. The Automated People Mover, now operational, whisks passengers between terminals and the new consolidated rent-a-car facility (ConRAC) in minutes, eliminating the old bus shuttle system that frustrated travelers for decades. Short-term parking remains available in the hourly structures directly adjacent to each terminal, while economy lots P2A and P2B offer lower-cost options with frequent shuttle service. For those driving to the airport, LAX recommends arriving at least 3 hours before an international departure and 2 hours before domestic flights, particularly on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when the 405 and 105 freeway corridors become severely congested.
Inside the terminals, LAX has substantially upgraded its dining and retail concessions in recent years. TBIT features chef-driven restaurants, a wine bar with Napa Valley selections, and a rooftop deck area. Local brands including Umami Burger, Shake Shack, and multiple California-focused quick service outlets appear throughout the concourses. The airport offers nursing rooms, pet relief areas in the outer curb zones, a Meditation Room in Terminal 4, and a USO lounge in TBIT for active military personnel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals. LAX is operated under the authority of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which also oversees Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and previously Santa Monica Airport (SMO). Caltrans Division of Aeronautics and the FAA Western-Pacific Region jointly coordinate airspace and development planning for the broader Southern California aviation system of which LAX is the undisputed center.