City guides
United States of America
California
Getting Around
The city of LA sprawls over such a large area that getting around without a car can be frustrating and time consuming. The complex network of freeways connecting the sprawl can be intimidating, especially for those not used to driving in big cities, but with a map or good directions, hiring a car is the best and most popular way to see LA. If possible, visitors should avoid rush hour traffic, which is heaviest from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm, when freeways often come to a standstill.
It's also possible to get around by bus, but frequent transfers and long distances can make this slow and impractical, and it's not recommended for late-night travel. The Metro rail system has three lines, which cover only a small area of LA, but it's frequent and efficient. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive due to the long distances. Ride-hailing taxi services, such as Uber, are a good option.
Airports
Los Angeles International
The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) southwest of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles International (LAX)
Location
The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) southwest of Los Angeles.Getting to the city
A free shuttle bus service runs to the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station from the lower level of each terminal. Another shuttle connects to the Bus Center, from where city buses serve the Los Angeles area. Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle are both shared-ride van services; reservations are recommended. Some hotels also offer transport. Ride-hailing taxi services such as Uber are also available.
Time
GMT –8 (GMT -7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).Car rental
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Vehicle rental sites are located off the airport property, but travellers can request a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.
Airport Taxis
Taxis available outside the lower level of the airport. Passengers receive a ticket stating the typical fare to major destinations. Airport authorised taxis display an official seal and passengers who use an unauthorised taxi service do so at their own risk. Ride-hailing taxi services such as Uber are also available.
Transfer between terminals
A free shuttle bus carries passengers between terminals.
Facilities
Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, mobile charging stations, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars.
Parking
The airport offers short- and long-term parking and its car parks are connected to the terminals by the LAX shuttle bus. There's also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot where motorists meeting arriving passengers can wait for free, up to two hours, until passengers are ready to be picked up in the Central Terminal Area.
Long Beach Airport
The airport is situated three miles (4.8km) northeast of Long Beach City in Los Angeles County.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Location
The airport is situated three miles (4.8km) northeast of Long Beach City in Los Angeles County.Getting to the city
Long Beach Transit bus routes 102, 104 and 111 service the airport. Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are also available at the airport.
Time
GMT –8 (GMT –7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).Car rental
Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.
Airport Taxis
Long Beach Yellow Cab taxis are available at the taxi stand outside the terminal.
Facilities
The terminal has recently been renovated at Long Beach Airport and passengers should be able to find everything they need. Airport facilities include ATMs, gift shops, cafes, fast food outlets and a restaurant.
Parking
Online reservations are not available, but the airport has ample parking. An hour of free parking is allowed in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.