Landing in Los Angeles is the start of an unforgettable trip, and knowing what to expect at the airport makes your arrival easy. The city is served by several major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International (ONT), and John Wayne Airport (SNA). Each offers different advantages depending on your destination and travel style. LAX is the largest and busiest, while Burbank and Long Beach are smaller and easier to navigate.
TL;DR
- Los Angeles has five major airports: LAX, BUR, LGB, ONT, and SNA. Each serving different regions and trip styles.
- LAX offers the most flights, international options, and ground transport, but also the most crowds and traffic.
- Burbank (BUR) is ideal for Hollywood, Universal Studios, Downtown LA. Is fast, small, and easy to navigate.
- Long Beach (LGB) and John Wayne (SNA) offer relaxed, quick arrivals perfect for beach cities, Disneyland, and Orange County.
- Ontario (ONT) best serves Pasadena, Inland Empire, Joshua Tree, and east LA County with low congestion.
- For LAX arrivals: know LAX-it rideshare pickups, FlyAway buses, rental car shuttles, and Metro transit center connections.
Related Reads:
- The Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
- Public Transportation in Los Angeles: Metro, Bus, and Rail Explained
- Driving in Los Angeles: Parking, Traffic, and Local Tips
Overview
Los Angeles is home to multiple airports, giving travelers flexibility and convenience when planning their trip. Each airport serves different regions of Southern California, helping visitors avoid long commutes after landing. Choosing the right one depends largely on where you’re staying, what you plan to see, and whether you prefer convenience or connectivity.
LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the main gateway and one of the busiest airports in the world. It offers the widest selection of domestic and international flights, making it ideal for most travelers. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is smaller and easier to navigate, perfect for those visiting Hollywood, Universal Studios, or Downtown LA. Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a relaxed, open-air experience for travelers heading to the South Bay or Long Beach area, while Ontario International Airport (ONT) provides a less crowded option for those going inland toward the Inland Empire or Pasadena. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is closest to Disneyland, Newport Beach, and other Orange County destinations.
Each airport has its advantages, from LAX’s global reach to BUR’s simplicity or SNA’s proximity to Orange County attractions. Selecting the airport closest to your final destination is the best way to minimize LA’s traffic and start your trip smoothly. This guide covers everything you need to know about arriving in Los Angeles, including airport tips, ground transportation options, and insider advice to help you move smoothly from plane to palm trees.
Arriving at LAX: Step-by-Step
Arriving at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) can feel like entering a small city. But don’t worry, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect from touchdown to leaving the airport.
Immigration and Customs (International Arrivals)
If you’re coming in on an international flight, your first stop will be immigration. Follow the “Arrivals” signs for passport control. LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) is the main international gateway, and it’s equipped with plenty of immigration booths and automated kiosks.
Still, lines can be long if many flights arrive at once. Have your passport and forms ready. Travelers with Global Entry can use the expedited kiosks for a quicker process. Once you clear the passport check, you’ll retrieve your checked bags from the baggage carousel and then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, it’s usually a straightforward exit – just hand over your customs form.
For those with connecting flights in the U.S., you will need to collect your luggage, go through customs, then re-check your bags at the transit counters just after customs. If Los Angeles is your final stop, you’ll simply walk out with your luggage after customs. Domestic arrivals (within the U.S.) get to skip all this – you’ll deplane and go straight to the baggage claim area.
Baggage Claim and Exiting the Terminal
LAX has nine terminals arranged in a big U-shape (imagine a horseshoe). Each terminal has its own baggage claim carousels on the lower level (arrival level). After you deplane, follow signs to “Baggage Claim.” Monitors will display your flight number and carousel.
Grab a free luggage cart if needed (they’re available near the carousels for a fee, though some international airlines provide them free). Once you have your bags, head for the exits which lead you out to the curbside Arrivals area (the lower level roadway). Here you’ll see signage and color-coded curbside zones for different transport options.
Take a moment to note which terminal you’re in (Terminal 1, 2, 3… or B for Bradley International). The terminal number is helpful if you’re meeting a driver or finding shuttle pickups. If someone is picking you up personally, they can meet you at the curbside outside your terminal’s arrivals area (there are labeled zones A, B, C along the curb). There’s also a 24-hour Cell Phone Waiting Lot where drivers can park free until you call them – a useful tip if your ride is running late.
Terminal Layout
As mentioned, LAX consists of Terminals 1 through 8 and Tom Bradley International (Terminal B) arranged in a U-shaped loop. The loop road (World Way) that runs past all terminals can get busy, but it’s well marked. Walking between adjacent terminals is possible via sidewalks on the Lower/Arrivals level – for example, T1 to T2 is a short walk.
However, distances can be long if your terminals are far apart (it’s about 2 miles end-to-end if you tried to walk the whole U). Luckily, free shuttles run continuously around the loop: look for the “Airline Connections Shuttle” sign or the “LAX Shuttle” sign on the inner curb.
These shuttles (often labeled with letter routes like A, B) will take you from terminal to terminal on the lower level for free. If you need to transfer to another terminal (say you landed at Terminal 7 but your friend arrives Terminal 2), hopping on a shuttle can save the long walk. Recently, LAX even opened a series of airside walkways connecting all terminals post-security – useful for connecting passengers, though if you’re arriving and exiting, you’ll be landside anyway.
Inside each terminal, you’ll find plenty of facilities. All terminals offer free Wi-Fi (look for the network “LAX Free WiFi” and accept terms; premium high-speed internet is available for a fee if needed). You’ll also find restrooms easily (usually near exits and throughout the concourse), as well as ATMs and currency exchange counters (especially in Terminal B and Terminal 2 arrivals).
If you need a local SIM card for your phone, some shops and kiosks in the international terminal arrivals hall sell SIM kits for major carriers. Grab a coffee or snack from one of the cafes in the arrivals area if you need a pick-me-up – but note that most dining options are past security in departures. Upon arrival, options are a bit limited, so you might just see a Starbucks or a convenience store in the arrivals hall.
Ground Transportation
Now comes the big question: how to get from LAX to your final destination in the city. LAX provides many transportation options, and each has a designated pickup area or procedure. Here’s how to find each:
- Rideshare Apps (Uber, Lyft): At LAX, rideshares do not pick up directly at the curb outside baggage claim due to traffic management. Instead, LAX has a special pickup lot called “LAX-it” (pronounced LAX-it, like “exit”). After you exit baggage claim, look for green signs that say “LAX-it” with a symbol of a shuttle bus.
You can either walk to the LAX-it lot (if you’re at Terminals 1, 2, 7, or 8 it might be a short walk) or board the free LAX-it shuttle from the inner curb at any terminal. The shuttles are bright green buses that say LAX-it; they come every few minutes. Ride it to the LAX-it lot, a central area where you can meet your Uber or Lyft driver. You’ll order your ride via the app as usual, and the app will direct you to the zone in the lot to meet your car.
This system may sound cumbersome, but it actually speeds up the process – you avoid the congested curbside and meet drivers in a streamlined lot. Taxis also queue at LAX-it, alongside the app cars. There are a couple of minor exceptions: passengers arriving at Terminal 3 or Terminal B (Tom Bradley) have the option of a short walk to a taxi stand in Parking Structure 3, and Terminal 7 has a taxi pickup at its far end. But generally, expect to go to LAX-it for any hired ride.
After baggage claim, follow the green “FlyAway Bus” signs for direct transfers to Downtown LA (Union Station) or other key spots. It’s an express bus service that’s cheap and easy to find.
- FlyAway Buses: LAX offers dedicated non-stop buses called FlyAway that go to a few destinations. Currently, routes include Union Station (Downtown LA) and Van Nuys (San Fernando Valley), with buses typically every 30 minutes to an hour. In the past there were FlyAway routes to Hollywood and Westwood, but those are suspended as of now.
To catch a FlyAway bus, look for blue signs that say “FlyAway” on the outer curb of the arrivals level at each terminal. Each bus is marked with its destination (e.g., “FlyAway – Union Station”). You buy tickets either online in advance or pay by card at a kiosk/with the driver (around $9.75 one-way to Downtown).
The Union Station bus is popular for those heading downtown or transferring to Amtrak or the Metro subway. It typically takes 30–45 minutes to reach Union Station (depending on traffic). The Hollywood route is currently not running, so if you need Hollywood, you could take the Union Station bus and then the Metro B (Red) Line to Hollywood, or just use a rideshare. The Van Nuys route is great for the San Fernando Valley.
The big advantage of FlyAway: you skip the hassle of driving/parking, and the buses use the carpool lanes when possible. Pro Tip: The free LAX-it shuttle outside arrivals takes you to a central rideshare & taxi pickup zone – much faster than waiting in traffic on the terminal curb.
- Rental Cars: Planning to drive in LA? All major car rental companies operate out of LAX, but their facilities are off-site (not in the terminals). After you get your bags, look for the purple signs that say “Rental Car Shuttles” on the curb’s island.
Dozens of company shuttles (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) stop here to pick up customers. You’ll take a shuttle van or bus 5–10 minutes to the rental car facility or lot where your company is located. It’s pretty straightforward – just make sure you know which brand you reserved with, and hop on that shuttle.
If you haven’t reserved, avoid renting at the counter walk-up, as airport rates can be high; you can often book online on your phone before hopping on the shuttle.
- Public Transit (Metro Rail/Bus): For the budget-conscious or adventurous, you can connect to Los Angeles’ Metro system from LAX. There is a free shuttle (look for signs for the “LAX/Metro Transit Center Shuttle” or “Metro Connector Shuttle”) that will take you to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station just east of the airport.
This station (opened June 2025) connects to Metro Rail’s C Line (Green Line) and K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line). From there, you can ride into Downtown LA, Santa Monica, or other areas by transferring lines. For example, you can take the K Line north to connect with the E Line toward Santa Monica or Downtown, or take the C Line east to connect with the A Line (Blue) into downtown.
The Metro fare is just $1.75 (plus $2 for a reusable TAP card) – very cheap Los Angeles airport transfer cost – but be aware it’s not the most direct route. With transfers, it might take 60–90 minutes to reach your final stop. If you’re light on luggage and not in a rush (or if traffic is terrible), this is a viable option.
Several city buses (Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, etc.) also stop at the LAX/Metro transit center , so you could catch a bus onward to regions like Westwood or Santa Monica from there.
- Hotel Shuttles and Other Shuttles: Many airport-area hotels offer free shuttles for their guests. These hotel shuttles pick up on the Upper/Departures level (one floor up) at the red marked curbs. If you’re staying at a hotel near LAX, head upstairs to catch the hotel courtesy shuttles (they usually have the hotel name on them).
Additionally, if you’ve pre-booked a private shuttle or shared van service, those often meet at the Shared Rides area (look for orange signs on the lower level), though shared vans at LAX have become less common post-2020.
Transfers from LAX to the City
Leaving LAX and getting to your final LA destination can be the trickiest part of the journey. Here are the main transport options to get from LAX into the city, with pros and cons:
FlyAway Bus
The LAX FlyAway is a dedicated airport bus service that offers nonstop rides to a couple of key locations. The most popular is Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. If you’re wondering how to get from LAX to downtown without a car, the FlyAway is a top choice.
Buses run roughly every 30 minutes during the day. You can catch it right outside your arrival terminal (look for the blue FlyAway sign on the curb). No reservations needed – just pay by card when boarding (about $9.75 one-way). The ride to Union Station can take anywhere from 30 minutes (no traffic, rare except late at night) to about 60 minutes in typical traffic. The buses are coach style – comfortable seats and luggage storage.
From Union Station, you can connect to the Metro subway (B Line or D Line) or Metrolink trains, or grab a rideshare to your hotel. There’s also a FlyAway route to Van Nuys (a park-and-ride lot in the San Fernando Valley) which is handy if you’re staying in the Valley or transferring to another regional bus.
A trip to Van Nuys is similarly priced and takes about 45 minutes. Former FlyAway routes to Hollywood and Westwood are still suspended as of now, so plan accordingly.
Metro Rail
For a $1.75 fare, you can actually take Los Angeles public transit from LAX all the way to many points in the city. With the June 2025 opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, LAX finally links to the Metro Rail network (though indirectly).
Here’s the journey: from your terminal, take the free shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (just ask for the Metro Shuttle). At the station, you can hop on the K Line (sometimes called the Crenshaw Line) or the C Line (Green Line). These lines connect you to major hubs where you can transfer to other lines.
For example, from the K Line you can transfer to the E Line (Expo Line) which goes to Santa Monica or Downtown LA. Or from the C Line you can connect to the A Line (Blue Line) toward Downtown LA. The total journey time from LAX to downtown via Metro might be around 50–70 minutes and involve one or two transfers.
It’s not super fast, but it’s cheap and avoids traffic entirely. Trains run roughly every 10 minutes, and service runs until around midnight. If you’re a visitor, this option is best if you’re familiar with city transit or have light luggage.
Also note: in 2026, LAX is opening an Automated People Mover train that will connect directly to the terminals, making Metro access even easier – but until then, it’s shuttle + train. Many travelers still prefer the FlyAway for convenience, but the Metro rail is a great backup especially during rush hour when freeways are jammed.
Rideshare or Taxi
Hailing an Uber, Lyft or taxi is the most door-to-door convenient, and you’ll find them readily available at the LAX-it pickup lot as described earlier. Travel time can vary dramatically based on LA traffic – which is infamous.
For example, to get from LAX to Downtown LA (about 18 miles), it might be a 30–35 minute drive with no traffic, but at rush hour on a weekday afternoon, the same trip could easily take 60–90 minutes. Going west to Santa Monica (about 8 miles) might take 20 minutes off-peak or 45+ in bad traffic. Heading to Hollywood could be 45 minutes to an hour in typical conditions.
Always check your app’s ETA. Cost-wise, an UberX from LAX to downtown is around $40–$70 typically (it can spike higher if demand is high), while a taxi has a regulated flat rate of about $55 to downtown (including airport surcharge).
To Westside areas (Santa Monica, Venice) expect $30–$50. To Anaheim/Disneyland (which is 35 miles), rideshares often cost $80–$100, so in that case a shuttle or SNA airport could make sense. One advantage of taxis: the flat rates to certain zones (Downtown, Westwood, Santa Monica, etc.) mean you know the price upfront – just confirm the flat rate with the driver.
Both Uber/Lyft and taxis will drop you off exactly where you need (hotel, etc.). Just remember that for pickup at LAX, you have to get to the LAX-it lot first; for drop-off going to LAX, they can take you right to your terminal on the upper level.
Car Rentals
If you’re renting a car and driving yourself, factor in not just the rental process time but also the drive. Getting out of LAX by car means merging onto either the busy 405 freeway (if you’re going north/south) or Sepulveda Blvd/Century Blvd to surface streets.
Once you’ve picked up your rental car, follow the signs to Sepulveda Boulevard to leave the airport area. From there, you can connect to the I-405, I-105, or other routes depending on your destination. Travel times by car from LAX (with no traffic) might be: 20–30 min to Downtown via I-105 to I-110; 20 min to Hollywood via I-405 to US-101; 30 min to Anaheim (Disneyland) via I-105 to I-605/I-5.
But again – in realistic LA traffic, double those times during rush hour. One perk of renting at LAX: you can time your drive outside of peak hours if possible (flights arriving in the evening could mean a pleasant late-night drive with minimal traffic). Just be prepared for LA driving conditions if you choose this route, and budget for parking fees at your hotel.
Departing from LAX
When it’s time to head home or onward, departing from LAX has its own routine. Give yourself plenty of time. LAX is large and often busy, but a calm departure is possible with some preparation.
Arrival Time: Aim to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This may seem generous, but consider the steps: returning a rental car or arriving via shuttle, checking bags, going through security, and potentially taking a shuttle between terminals if you’re connecting.
If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you might not need the full 2 hours, but unexpected traffic or long bag-drop lines can eat up time. It’s better to grab a coffee past security than to stress in a freeway traffic jam watching the clock tick.
Security Checks: All LAX terminals have TSA security checkpoints at their entrances. Mid-morning and late evening can see surges (especially the 9–11am wave of departures and the overnight international bank around 10pm).
Lines vary by terminal; for example, Terminal 1 (Southwest) and Terminal 7/8 (United) can have long lines at peak times, whereas Terminal 5 or 6 might be shorter. Look for signs for TSA PreCheck lanes if you’re enrolled – these usually have much shorter waits. LAX also offers CLEAR at most terminals, a paid service that lets you use biometric ID to skip the front of the line (you still go through normal screening, but you bypass the initial ID check line).
Between PreCheck and CLEAR, you could be through in minutes – but even if you’re in the general line, it usually moves efficiently. Just remember to empty your water bottle and pack any liquids over 3.4oz in checked luggage to avoid holdups.
Once through security, you’re in the gate area. Check the monitors for your gate number, as sometimes there are last-minute changes.
Food and Amenities: One nice thing about LAX: each terminal has been improving its food and shopping options. If you’re early, you can enjoy a meal or browse shops. Terminal B (Tom Bradley International) in particular now boasts one of LA’s best airport food courts – with options from ramen and sushi to burgers and local LA chef-driven eateries in the Great Hall.
It’s worth arriving a bit early to enjoy the variety, especially for international travelers who get to experience the modernized terminal. Other terminals have standouts too: e.g., Terminal 1 has a Chick-Fil-A and local brewery, Terminal 3 (Delta’s new terminal) has Shake Shack and Starbucks Reserve, etc. Duty-free shopping is available in international terminals for those outbound.
Lounges: If you have access (through business class tickets, memberships, or credit cards), LAX has many lounges: Delta Sky Club (T3), American Admirals Clubs (T4 & T5), United Club (T7), plus the Star Alliance Lounge and oneworld lounges in Tom Bradley for international premium passengers. There are also pay-per-use lounges like the Alaska Lounge (T6) or Be Relax spa in some terminals. Lounges can provide a quiet escape with snacks and Wi-Fi if you’re early.
When it’s time to board, remember that LAX is spread out – walking to some gates (like the TBIT west gates or the “Eagle’s Nest” for American Eagle regional flights which requires a shuttle bus from T5) can take extra minutes. Listen for boarding announcements and give yourself time to reach your gate.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
If LAX is a sprawling city, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the friendly town square. Stepping into BUR, you immediately notice how small and manageable it feels. This airport is often hailed as LA’s most convenient airport, and for good reason.
Quick In and Out: With just two terminals (A and B) and about a dozen gates total, Hollywood Burbank Airport is compact. Many flights board via old-school stairs directly on the tarmac (no long jet bridges here), so you often walk a few steps outside to board, with the backdrop of sunny skies and mountains.
It’s a charming throwback and also speeds things up. From curb to gate can be as little as 15 minutes on a good day. Security lines are typically short – often 5-10 minutes wait at most. If you arrive an hour before your flight, you’ll likely still have time to sit down at the gate with a coffee.
Airlines and Destinations: BUR may be small, but it’s well-connected. Southwest Airlines is a major player (with nonstop flights to many Western U.S. cities), and other carriers like American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Avelo, and Alaska also operate here.
You can often catch a one-stop flight to anywhere in the country (usually via a hub like Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, etc.). The airport does not have true long-haul international flights (no direct Europe or Asia flights), but it’s increasingly offering a few flights to Mexico or seasonal destinations as demand grows. Most importantly, if BUR fits your itinerary, it can save you the stress of LAX.
Location Advantages: Burbank’s location in the San Fernando Valley means it’s closer to many LA hotspots than LAX. It’s only about 12 miles to Hollywood, 15 miles to Downtown LA – roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive with light traffic. Compare that to potentially an hour from LAX for the same destinations.
If you’re visiting Universal Studios, Hollywood, Burbank studios, Pasadena, Glendale, or staying in Downtown, BUR is geographically a great choice. Even getting to Westside areas (Santa Monica, etc.) is possible in 40–60 minutes drive from Burbank. Many locals use BUR as a hassle-free alternative whenever they can.
Facilities and Ease of Use: The airport has all the basics: rental car counters on-site (in the adjacent Regional Intermodal Transportation Center – you can walk or take a short skybridge with moving walkway to reach the rental car garage), free Wi-Fi (network #NBCWifi throughout the terminals), a few cafes and snack stands (don’t expect a fancy dining experience – options are limited but adequate for a quick bite or coffee), and even some unique touches like a Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar for a burger and local craft beer.
Baggage claim is right outside the gates – you’ll often see bags on the carousel by the time you walk over. And stepping outside, the pickup/drop-off area is literally curbside next to the terminal; you won’t face layers of traffic. You can call an Uber/Lyft and they’ll find you in seconds, or hop in a taxi right outside.
Another perk: public transit and trains. There’s a Metrolink and Amtrak train station named “Burbank Airport–South” just a short shuttle ride away (the airport runs a free shuttle to the train station on request). From there, commuter trains can take you to Downtown LA’s Union Station in about 30 minutes, or even down to Orange County or up to Ventura County.
This is a rarity in California – an airport with an actual train link – and can be a fun, traffic-proof way to arrive or depart. There are also Metro buses connecting the airport to North Hollywood (where you can catch the Metro Red Line subway). However, most travelers just use car transport given LA’s car culture.
In sum, Hollywood Burbank Airport offers a calm, user-friendly experience that’s the polar opposite of the LAX hustle. It may lack the plethora of shops and dining of a big airport, but if your priority is getting in and out quickly, BUR shines. Many who try Burbank never want to go back to LAX for intra-California or West Coast trips.
Other Useful Regional Airports
Los Angeles is unique in having multiple smaller airports that can make your trip easier if they match your itinerary. Aside from LAX and BUR, consider these airports:
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport is a hidden gem for those who value a stress-free experience. Often called a “boutique” airport, LGB is quiet, uncrowded, and even a bit nostalgic.
The airport’s design has a retro modernist terminal and outdoor boarding areas lined with palm trees – you might feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1950s glamour of air travel. Don’t be surprised if you exit directly onto the tarmac and walk across a short open-air path to the terminal; that’s part of the charm.
Size & Ease: LGB is very small compared to LAX – just a few gates (around 11 gates in total spread across north and south concourses) and minimal walking. Security lines are typically extremely short. In fact, many travelers report getting from the curb, through security, to their gate in 10 minutes or less on normal days. It’s that easy.
The airport consistently wins awards for passenger experience. Recently, they even expanded to add one more security lane (from 5 to 6 lanes total) to ensure wait times stay low during morning rush hours. Even at peak times with multiple flights, you might wait 10–15 minutes max in the TSA line – a far cry from big airport waits.
Airlines & Destinations: Southwest Airlines has a big presence at LGB now, flying to cities like Oakland, Vegas, Salt Lake City, Austin, etc. Delta flies to Salt Lake City (and sometimes Seattle). Hawaiian Airlines has a nonstop to Honolulu from Long Beach, which is a popular alternative to LAX for Hawaii-bound travelers.
There are also a few smaller carriers like Breeze Airways or American Eagle that have come and gone – it’s worth checking current schedules. Overall, LGB focuses on West Coast and mid-country routes. If you find a flight that fits your plans, it’s a delightful airport to use.
Location & Access: Long Beach Airport sits on the border of LA County and Orange County, about 20 miles south of downtown LA and 18 miles from Disneyland in Anaheim. It’s fantastic for those visiting Long Beach (obviously) – downtown Long Beach and its cruise port are a 15-minute car ride. It’s also relatively convenient for the South Bay area (Torrance, Palos Verdes, even down to Huntington Beach or Newport Beach in OC).
If your trip involves both LA and Orange County, Long Beach is nicely in between. Driving times with no traffic: ~30 minutes to Downtown LA, ~30 minutes to Disneyland, 35 minutes to West LA. With typical traffic, double those. Rideshares and taxis are readily available at LGB and usually you can hop right in since the terminal is so small.
Facilities at LGB include a relaxed outdoor courtyard with seating (often used while waiting since the weather is usually pleasant), a couple of cafes/coffee shops (there’s Starbucks and some local eateries), and even a wine bar. The vibe is just chill. One caution: being small, flights at LGB are less frequent. There might be only a few per day to a given destination, so timing and price can vary. But if it works out, you’ll love the convenience.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International is the major airport serving the Inland Empire region (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties). It’s about 35 miles east of Downtown LA – which, depending on where you’re headed, can be either a big trek or a perfect solution. ONT has undergone a resurgence in recent years, gaining more flights and even ranking high in J.D. Power customer satisfaction for medium airports.
Why use ONT? If your itinerary includes places like Pasadena, Claremont, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Big Bear, or anywhere in the Inland Empire (Ontario, Riverside, San Bernardino), flying into Ontario can save you from driving across the entirety of LA.
It’s also an option for Disneyland (34 miles away) and Orange County’s eastern cities, though John Wayne or Long Beach are closer for OC. For Pasadena or the San Gabriel Valley (Arcadia, etc.), ONT is roughly a 45-minute drive west on the 210 freeway (with no traffic) – quite convenient relative to slogging from LAX.
Airport Experience: ONT has two modern terminals (Terminal 2 and Terminal 4). They’re spacious and usually uncrowded. Walking from one end to the other is quick, and signage is clear.
Security lines at ONT are typically short as well – you might spend 5-15 minutes in line, though mornings can get a bit busier (Southwest has a morning bank of flights). Overall, it’s a calm experience. Baggage claim is easy and quick, and walking outside, you won’t encounter the traffic chaos of LAX’s loop. It’s a straight-forward pickup zone.
Airlines & Flights: Southwest is a major carrier at Ontario (with many domestic flights). You’ll also find American (to Dallas, Phoenix), Delta (to Atlanta, Salt Lake City), United (to San Francisco, Denver), JetBlue (occasional East Coast flights), and Alaska (to Seattle, etc.).
ONT also has some international flights: notably, China Airlines flies direct between Ontario and Taipei, which is a big draw for Asian travel without going to LAX. Mexican carriers (Volaris, AeroMexico) and others seasonally fly to Mexico and Central America. With about 6.4 million passengers in 2023, ONT is growing and adding routes. Parking is abundant and much easier than LAX if someone’s driving.
One of the best parts of ONT: it’s relatively traffic-free to get there (until you hit downtown LA traffic, if that’s where you’re going). The airport is right off Interstate 10 and the 60 freeway, and near the 15, so it’s accessible from many directions without going through central LA. Many travelers in east LA County or north OC will choose ONT over LAX to avoid the 405/105 mess.
Ground transportation options include all the usual: rental cars (very popular here, and the rental car lot is on-site or via a quick shuttle), app rides (Uber/Lyft pickups are allowed at the curb, much simpler than LAX), and there’s even a Metrolink commuter rail station (East Ontario) a couple miles away (though you’d need a taxi/rideshare to reach it – not terribly convenient for immediate transit). Some regional shuttles and bus lines serve ONT, but generally, plan on a car or being picked up.
Vibe: ONT feels easy and unpretentious. It doesn’t have a lot of fancy amenities, but you’ll find a few eateries (a Starbucks, fast food, and some local chains) and shops for basics. It gets the job done with minimal hassle. If you’re tired of the big airport grind and your travels take you more to the east of LA, Ontario can be a savvy choice.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
John Wayne Airport, serving Orange County, is another popular LAX alternative – especially if Disneyland or the OC beaches are on your agenda. SNA is located in Santa Ana, right by Irvine, roughly 40 miles south of Downtown LA. It’s the second-busiest airport in the greater LA area (around 10+ million passengers a year), yet it maintains an efficient and calm atmosphere.
Convenience for Disneyland & Orange County: SNA is by far the closest airport to Disneyland (Anaheim) – just about 14 miles away, which can be a 20-25 minute drive with little traffic.
Compare that to 35+ miles and potentially 1-2 hours from LAX. If your trip is primarily to see Mickey Mouse or to stay around Orange County’s beaches (Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach), John Wayne is ideal. It’s also right next to Irvine’s business district, so many business travelers to tech and finance companies in OC use SNA.
Airport Setup: John Wayne has three terminals (A, B, C) in one connected building, so it feels like one mid-sized terminal divided into sections. Walking from Terminal A to C is maybe 5-10 minutes.
Security lines can build up during morning rush (7-9am) and late afternoon, but they generally move efficiently. Still, plan on the standard 1.5-2 hours before your flight if at a busy time, just in case. The airport is clean, modern, and has a reputation for being well-organized.
Flights: You’ll find all major domestic carriers: Southwest (lots of California and west coast flights, plus some to Texas and beyond), American and United (major hubs like Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago), Delta (Salt Lake City, Atlanta), Alaska (Seattle, Portland), Spirit and Frontier (Vegas, etc.).
There are also a few international flights: Southwest and others fly to Mexico (Cabo, Puerto Vallarta), and Air Canada/WestJet seasonally fly to Vancouver or Calgary. However, for long-haul international you’d still use LAX – SNA tops out at flights 5 hours or so.
One quirk: SNA has one of the strictest noise abatement rules in the U.S. – flights can’t depart early or late (no departures after 10pm, none before 7am most days), and planes do a steep climb on takeoff to minimize noise over Newport Beach. As a result, you won’t get red-eye flights here, and late-night arrivals are rare.
Amenities: John Wayne offers a pleasant experience with decent amenities. There are a few sit-down restaurants and bars, plus quick service spots (e.g., CA Pizza Kitchen, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, fast food). Shopping is mostly travel essentials and some boutique stores.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Car rentals are super convenient – the rental car counters are right across a walkway from the terminal baggage claim, in the parking structure, so no shuttles needed. Just walk across the street and you’re at the rental garage.
If you’re getting picked up, the roadway is much simpler than LAX: one level for arrivals and one for departures, usually not congested. Rideshares pick up just outside in designated zones (and it’s easy to find your driver since the curb isn’t crazy crowded).
Because it’s Orange County, you’ll notice the airport is very clean and orderly. Even the TSA agents seem friendlier (maybe it’s the sunshine or the smaller crowds). There’s also a statue of John Wayne himself in the arrivals area, a nod to the airport’s namesake.
Ground transport: Many hotels around Disneyland offer shuttles from SNA, or you can use the Disneyland Resort Express shuttles (if they are operating) which run from SNA to Disney hotels. An Uber from SNA to Disneyland is usually around $40–$60, and takes about 20-30 minutes outside of rush hour.
To Newport Beach, it’s even closer, about 6 miles (15-20 min by car). To downtown LA, you’re looking at 40+ miles; unless it’s very late at night, that drive can be over an hour. Thus, use SNA for OC destinations primarily.
Airport Transfers and Ground Transport Summary
To help you compare these airports, here’s a quick-reference chart of the main Los Angeles-area airports, the areas they’re closest to, typical travel times to those areas, and the best transport options from each:
As you can see, every LA trip begins with an airport. Choose the one that brings you closest to your version of the city. Maybe that’s the beachy Westside, the glitter of Hollywood, the tranquility of Orange County, or the vast suburbs of the Inland Empire.
The Takeaway
Getting through Los Angeles airports is easier than it looks once you know what to expect. Each airport in the region offers a different experience. LAX, while large and busy, runs smoothly with clear signage, efficient shuttle services, and plenty of amenities for travelers. Once you understand how to use FlyAway buses, LAX-it rideshare shuttles, and terminal connections, the airport becomes much easier to manage. The smaller regional airports like Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, and John Wayne provide a completely different pace, offering quick check-ins, shorter lines, and convenient access to nearby destinations.
When booking your trip, think beyond ticket prices. Sometimes paying a little more to arrive at an airport closer to your hotel or meeting can save hours of travel time and rideshare costs. Los Angeles is vast, and smart airport planning can make your arrival smooth and stress-free. Choosing the right airport is about balancing cost, convenience, and location.
After you land, it won’t take long to settle into the Los Angeles rhythm. You’ll step outside to sunshine, palm trees, and that unmistakable California energy. Whether you’re here for business or vacation, you’ll move from airport to adventure with confidence. With a little preparation, you’ll find that your LA arrival is just the beginning of a seamless, exciting stay in the City of Angels.
FAQ
Q1. Which Los Angeles airport should I fly into?
Choose based on where you plan to stay: LAX for most flights, BUR for Hollywood or Downtown, LGB for Long Beach or South Bay, ONT for the Inland Empire or Pasadena, and SNA for Disneyland or Orange County.
Q2. Is LAX hard to navigate?
It’s large but well marked. Once you know about LAX-it rideshare pickups, FlyAway buses, rental car shuttles, and terminal loops, it’s straightforward.
Q3. How long does it take to get from LAX to Downtown Los Angeles?
Travel time ranges from 30 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. FlyAway buses, taxis, rideshares, or the Metro rail and shuttle combination all work.
Q4. Are smaller airports like BUR and LGB easier than LAX?
Yes. BUR and LGB are compact, fast, and low stress with short security lines, easy baggage claim, and quick curbside pickups.
Q5. Is Metro a good option from LAX?
Yes, especially for budget travelers. A free shuttle connects terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, where you can ride the C and K Lines to connect across the city.
Q6. How early should I arrive at LAX for a flight?
Plan to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures due to potential traffic, bag-drop lines, and security queues.
Q7. Is there a train from any Los Angeles airport?
Burbank Airport has a Metrolink and Amtrak station nearby with free shuttle transfers, an efficient option for reaching Downtown or nearby suburbs.
Q8. Which airport is closest to Disneyland?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest at 14 miles, usually 20 to 30 minutes by car, much faster than traveling from LAX.