Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport · Los Angeles, United States
Verified airport guidance · Last checked September 2026
LAX's terminals — 1 to 8 plus Tom Bradley International (Terminal B) — form a horseshoe, and all of them are connected after security. Terminal 5 is closed for construction until 2028, and the SkyLink people mover isn't open yet.
Connecting after an international flight
Arriving from abroad, you go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at LAX, pick up your bags, bring them through customs and check them back in with your airline. LAX doesn't publish where the recheck point is — follow the signs or ask airline staff.
Getting between terminals
All terminals are connected after security — the walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 is about two miles. With Terminal 5 closed, follow the connection signs between Terminals 4 and 6.
Outside security, the free “A” shuttle runs 24 hours between terminals from the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Source: LAX — Inter-terminal connections
Departing from LAX
LAX advises at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. You need a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative. There's no U.S. exit passport control — your airline registers your departure.
Arriving at LAX
International arrivals go through CBP at Tom Bradley International or Terminal 7; Mobile Passport Control works here. Taxis and ride-apps pick up at LAX-it, next to Terminal 1 — walk there or take the free green-signed LAX-it shuttle from outside baggage claim.
Source: LAX — LAX-it
Connection tips
- All terminals connect after security — no need to leave and re-screen for a domestic connection.
- Terminal 5 is closed until 2028; its airlines moved to other terminals — check your boarding pass.
- Uber, Lyft and taxis pick up at LAX-it, not at the terminal curb.
Getting around LAX
Where you can walk, and where you'll need a train or bus. Walking times are shown only where the airport publishes them.
Between any terminals: free “A” terminal shuttle (before security)
| Between | Walk? | Other ways |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 2 | Yes after security | — |
| Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 3 | Yes after security | — |
| Terminal 3 ↔ Tom Bradley International (Terminal B) | Yes after security | — |
| Tom Bradley International (Terminal B) ↔ Terminal 4 | Yes after security | — |
| Terminal 6 ↔ Terminal 7 | Yes after security | — |
| Terminal 7 ↔ Terminal 8 | Yes after security | — |
| Terminal 4 ↔ Terminal 6 | Yes after security | — |
| Any terminal ↔ Any terminalfree “A” terminal shuttle (before security) | No | free “A” terminal shuttle (before security) |
Sources: LAX — Inter-terminal connections · LAX — Traffic and ground transportation
Airport map — LAX
LAX indoor map
Map data © Mapbox. Indoor maps are an experimental Mapbox feature. We don't draw walking routes.
We don't mark gates or checkpoints until we have verified locations for them.
Getting away from LAX
Official options, in no particular order. Times only where the operator publishes them.
Uber, Lyft and taxis — LAX-it
Walk to the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, or take the free LAX-it shuttle from the green signs outside baggage claim (Lower/Arrivals Level).
Shuttles every 3–5 minutes. A few taxis also wait in Parking Structure 3 and at the far end of Terminal 7.
Source: LAX — LAX-it
FlyAway bus to Union Station
Blue FlyAway columns on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal.
Every 30 minutes, 5:40 a.m.–1:10 a.m. Cash isn't accepted on the bus.
Source: LAX — FlyAway to Union Station
Metro C and K Lines
Take the free “M” shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (every ~10 minutes, 4 a.m.–1 a.m.).
Source: Metro — LAX
Check fares and schedules with the operator before you travel.