Los Angeles

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Airports

Los Angeles is served by multiple airports, with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) being the main hub for domestic and international travel.

Sections

1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Overview

  • Location: 18 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Code: LAX
  • Importance: LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major gateway for international and domestic flights. It has nine terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) for most international flights.

Transportation Options to/from LAX

  1. Public Transit:

    • Metro Bus & Rail:
      • Take the free "LAX FlyAway Shuttle" to the Aviation/LAX Metro Station, which connects to the Metro C (Green) Line.
      • Cost: $1.75 for a Metro ride (one-way).
    • FlyAway Bus:
      • Non-stop service to key locations like Union Station (Downtown LA), Hollywood, Van Nuys, and Long Beach.
      • Cost: $9.75–$10.75 (one-way).
    • Local Buses:
      • Several local buses (e.g., Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus) serve the airport. These are more affordable but slower.
      • Cost: $1–$2 (one-way).

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing services are available. Pick-up is at the "LAX-it" lot, accessible via a free shuttle from the terminals.
    • Cost: $20–$50 to most parts of LA, depending on distance and traffic.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available at the "LAX-it" lot.
    • Cost: $50–$70 to Downtown LA.

  4. Car Rentals:

    • Numerous car rental companies operate near LAX, with free shuttles from the terminals.
    • Cost: $30–$100/day, depending on the vehicle.

  5. Private Shuttles:

    • Shared or private shuttle services (e.g., SuperShuttle) are available.
    • Cost: $20–$50 per person.

Costs

  • Parking: On-site parking costs $7/hour or $30/day. Off-site parking lots nearby offer cheaper rates, starting at $10/day.
  • Transportation Costs: Budget $10–$50 for transportation to/from the airport, depending on the mode.

Procedures for International Arrivals and Departures

  1. Arrivals:

    • Immigration: International passengers arrive at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). After deplaning, proceed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for immigration processing.
    • Customs: After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Declare any restricted items.
    • Connecting Flights: If you have a domestic connection, recheck your luggage after customs and proceed to your next terminal.

  2. Departures:

    • Check-In: Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight for international departures. Check-in counters are located in the respective terminals.
    • Security Screening: Passengers must go through TSA security screening. Be prepared to remove shoes, belts, and electronics.
    • Boarding: Boarding typically begins 30–45 minutes before departure.

Amenities

  • Dining: A wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including local favorites like In-N-Out Burger (nearby).
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops, luxury brands, and convenience stores.
  • Lounges: Airline lounges (e.g., Delta Sky Club, United Club) and independent lounges (e.g., The Centurion Lounge by American Express).
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Other Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, baggage storage, and pet relief areas.

Local Tips

  • Traffic: LAX is notorious for traffic congestion. Plan extra time for getting to/from the airport.
  • LAX-it Lot: Ride-share and taxi pick-ups are not directly at the terminals but at the LAX-it lot. Use the free shuttle to get there.
  • In-N-Out Burger: For a quintessential LA experience, visit the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, just outside the airport, for a great view of planes landing.

2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Overview

  • Location: 12 miles (19 km) north of Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Code: BUR
  • Importance: A smaller, more convenient airport for domestic flights, especially for travelers heading to Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, or northern LA.

Transportation Options to/from BUR

  1. Public Transit:

    • Metrolink/Amtrak: The airport is adjacent to the Burbank Airport-South train station, offering connections to Union Station and beyond.
    • Cost: $6–$10 (one-way).
    • Buses: Local buses (e.g., Metro Bus) connect the airport to nearby areas.
    • Cost: $1.75 (one-way).

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber and Lyft are available directly outside the terminal.
    • Cost: $15–$40 to most parts of LA.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available outside the terminal.
    • Cost: $40–$60 to Downtown LA.

  4. Car Rentals:

    • On-site car rental facilities are available.
    • Cost: $30–$100/day.

Costs

  • Parking: On-site parking costs $13–$24/day, depending on the lot.
  • Transportation Costs: Budget $10–$40 for transportation to/from the airport.

Procedures for International Arrivals and Departures

  • BUR primarily handles domestic flights. International travelers typically use LAX. However, if arriving on a private or chartered international flight, customs processing is available.

Amenities

  • Dining: Limited but includes cafes and grab-and-go options.
  • Shopping: Small convenience stores and gift shops.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Other Services: ATMs and pet relief areas.

Local Tips

  • Convenience: BUR is much smaller and less crowded than LAX, making it a great choice for domestic travel.
  • Proximity: Ideal for travelers visiting Hollywood, Burbank, or the San Fernando Valley.

3. Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Overview

  • Location: 23 miles (37 km) south of Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Code: LGB
  • Importance: A small, user-friendly airport primarily serving domestic flights.

Transportation Options to/from LGB

  1. Public Transit:

    • Metro Blue Line: Connects to Downtown LA via the Wardlow Station (a short taxi/ride-share ride from the airport).
    • Cost: $1.75 (one-way).
    • Buses: Long Beach Transit buses connect the airport to nearby areas.
    • Cost: $1.25 (one-way).

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber and Lyft are available.
    • Cost: $20–$50 to most parts of LA.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available outside the terminal.
    • Cost: $50–$70 to Downtown LA.

  4. Car Rentals:

    • On-site car rental facilities are available.
    • Cost: $30–$100/day.

Costs

  • Parking: On-site parking costs $17–$27/day.
  • Transportation Costs: Budget $10–$50 for transportation to/from the airport.

Procedures for International Arrivals and Departures

  • LGB primarily handles domestic flights. International travelers typically use LAX.

Amenities

  • Dining: Limited but includes cafes and snack bars.
  • Shopping: Small convenience stores and gift shops.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Other Services: ATMs and pet relief areas.

Local Tips

  • Relaxed Atmosphere: LGB is known for its laid-back vibe and short wait times.
  • Proximity: Ideal for travelers visiting Long Beach or southern LA County.

4. Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Overview

  • Location: 38 miles (61 km) east of Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Code: ONT
  • Importance: A growing airport serving domestic and some international flights, particularly for travelers in the Inland Empire region.

Transportation Options to/from ONT

  1. Public Transit:

    • Omnitrans Buses: Connect the airport to nearby areas.
    • Cost: $1.75 (one-way).

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber and Lyft are available.
    • Cost: $40–$80 to most parts of LA.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available outside the terminal.
    • Cost: $80–$100 to Downtown LA.

  4. Car Rentals:

    • On-site car rental facilities are available.
    • Cost: $30–$100/day.

Costs

  • Parking: On-site parking costs $13–$27/day.
  • Transportation Costs: Budget $20–$80 for transportation to/from the airport.

Procedures for International Arrivals and Departures

  • ONT handles some international flights. Procedures are similar to LAX but on a smaller scale.

Amenities

  • Dining: Limited but includes cafes and fast-food options.
  • Shopping: Small convenience stores and gift shops.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Other Services: ATMs and pet relief areas.

Local Tips

  • Convenience: ONT is less crowded than LAX and ideal for travelers in the Inland Empire.
  • Proximity: Best for those visiting eastern LA County or San Bernardino County.

Conclusion

Los Angeles offers a variety of airport options, each catering to different needs. LAX is the primary choice for international travelers, while BUR, LGB, and ONT provide convenient alternatives for domestic flights or specific regions. When choosing an airport, consider your destination, budget, and preference for convenience versus flight options. Always plan ahead for LA’s notorious traffic and allow extra time for your journey.