Airports in California

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.

www.flylax.com/

San Francisco International (SFO)

Location

The airport is situated 14 miles (23km) south of San Francisco.

Getting to the city

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail service connects the airport to the city centre, and provides a connection to the Caltrain commuter rail service at Millbrae Station, from where trains leave regularly to downtown San Francisco and San Jose. SamTrans Service, bus 292, leaves every 30 minutes for the city centre and suburbs. There are also shared vans, which provide a door-to-door service and are cheaper than taxis. Reservations are sometimes needed for service after 11pm. Ride-hailing 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

The AirTrain links the terminals to the rental car centre. Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, National, Thrifty and Hertz.

Airport Taxis

Airport employees are available at the taxi pick up area, outside all terminals, to help passengers. Taxi drivers will expect a tip.

Transfer between terminals

The AirTrain light rail service operates on two lines: the Red Line connects all terminals, garages and the BART Station; and the Blue Line connects to the rental car centre. However, the AirTrain does not provide service to the airport's long-term parking lot.

Facilities

There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available. Facilities for the disabled are very good. Other facilities include baggage storage, a medical clinic, bars and restaurants, duty-free, shops, childcare and baby changing facilities, mailboxes, WiFi, tourist information and hotel reservations. There's also a museum, library, art gallery and an aviation history museum within the terminal.

Parking

Short- and long-term parking is available at the airport.

www.flysfo.com

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Location

The airport is situated two miles (3km) northwest of San Diego.

Getting to the city

Amtrak and Coaster community train services connect San Diego International Airport to the city centre as well as neighbouring cities. City Bus Public transit number 992 leaves the airport for the city centre every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends between 5am and 11.30pm. It goes directly to the airport, and also connects with train services. A host of shuttle and taxi companies are available for rides into downtown; shared shuttle vans offer door-to-door services and are usually a cheaper alternative to taxis.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs take place at the Car Rental Center. A free shuttle travels between the Car Rental Center and all of the terminals.

Airport Taxis

A variety of taxi companies service San Diego Airport, departing from the Transportation Plazas, which are indicated by signs in the airport.

Transfer between terminals

A free Airport Loop shuttle service operates between the terminals at frequent intervals.

Facilities

Lifts, bathrooms and telephones cater for the disabled. Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Other facilities include bars and restaurants, ATMs, shoeshine services, shops, several airport club rooms and lounges, spas, tourist information and bicycle lockers.

Parking

Travellers can choose between different parking options; shuttles are available from all lots to the airport.

www.san.org

Burbank Airport (BUR)

Location

The airport is situated three miles (5km) from Burbank and 14 miles (23km) from Los Angeles.

Getting to the city

The Metrolink and the train station are linked to the main terminal by a free shuttle service. The airport is also on the Metro Bus and Burbank Bus routes, which go to Burbank as well as downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. Taxis and shuttles are located on the ground transportation islands immediately in front of the airport terminal.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

Taxis available on the islands in front of the airport terminal include City Cab, United Taxi and Checker Cab.

Transfer between terminals

The terminals are within walking distance of each other, in the same building.

Facilities

Facilities include ATMs, WiFi, a pet rest area, shops and an information desk. There is a restaurant and a variety of other food and beverage options, as well as a few retail shops.

Parking

There are several parking options available at the airport.

hollywoodburbankairport.com

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Location

The airport is situated around 10 miles (16km) from Oakland.

Getting to the city

The Oakland Airport BART station is located across from Terminal 1 and a short walk from Terminal 2. A shuttle service links the airport to Coliseum Station in just 8 minutes, with fares depending on the final destination. AC Transit bus line 73 connects passengers to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART station every 15 minutes, while Line 805 connects the airport to Downtown Oakland every hour between 12.35am and 4.30am.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

The Rental Car Center is open 24 hours (operating on an 'on demand' basis in the later hours) and has all rental companies in one location, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty. A rental car shuttle bus ferries passengers between the terminals and Rental Car Center every 10 minutes. Prior booking is recommended.

Airport Taxis

Taxis, limos and a shuttle service are available from outside the airport. Taxi services are provided by Friendly Cab and Veteran's Cab.

Transfer between terminals

The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.

Facilities

ATMs, shops (including duty-free), restaurants and bars are available in both terminals. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for, but those requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking

There are four parking options at Oakland International: the premier, hourly, daily and economy lots. The premier lots are closest to the terminal and the hourly lot is the next closest car park and is probably best for short-term or overnight parking. The daily and economy lots are furthest from the terminal; the Economy Lot has a flat rate. Shuttle services to the terminal from the further parking lots are in operation.

www.oaklandairport.com

San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Location

The airport is located four miles (6km) northwest of San José.

Getting to the city

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates a special Airport Flyer service that links the airport to the Metro Light Rail Station and the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. It runs every 15 to 30 minutes between 5am and 11.30pm. There are also limousines and taxis available, and several hotels offer door-to-door shuttles for their guests.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

Car rental companies can be found at the Rental Car Centre, which is serviced by a blue shuttle bus from Terminal A, and is within short walking distance from Terminal B. Companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Fox, National, Payless, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis

Both on-demand and pre-arranged taxi services are available from San Jose airport, from both terminals.

Transfer between terminals

A courtesy shuttle connects Terminals A and B and the parkings lots, running every seven to 10 minutes from 2.30am to 1am.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include several restaurants and cafes, WiFi access, a gift shop, ATMs, bureaux de change, lounges, and massage chairs. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking

Short-term and long-term parking are available at San José International Airport.

www.flysanjose.com

Sacramento Airport (SMF)

Location

Sacramento International Airport is located 11 miles (18km) northwest of downtown Sacramento.

Getting to the city

Affordable public transport to the Sacramento Airport goes by the name Yolobus. This service offers daily routes throughout the region, including downtown, Davis, Woodland and beyond. Services to downtown run from 5.30am, Monday to Friday, and from 8.20am on the weekends. Last buses depart from downtown and the airport shortly after 10pm. Regular fare is $2.25 for a single journey, with concessions available. Limousine and shared shuttle services are also available from the airport.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

A separate car rental terminal on airport grounds hosts all the rental agencies. A shuttle runs between the main terminal buildings and the car rental building around every 10 minutes. Available agencies include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

Taxis, serviced by the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association (SITOA), can be located outside the baggage claim area. Rates start at $3, with an additional $2.50 per mile. A round trip to the airport from downtown will cost roughly $66.

Transfer between terminals

An interterminal shuttle is available for travel between terminals A and B. Walking time is 10 minutes and is recommended as the faster option.

Facilities

Facilities include a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, a shoeshine, ATMs, a massage bar and free WiFi access in all public places. Disabled facilities are also available. Travellers requiring assistance should contact their airline prior to departure.

Parking

The airport offers short- and long-term parking. A shuttle from the airport is available to get to these lots. There's also a free cell phone lot for picking up passengers. Cars here must remain attended at all times in the free waiting area.

www.sacramento.aero/smf

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Location

The airport is just over three miles (5km) from downtown Ontario, and 39 miles (63km) east of downtown Los Angeles, in California.

Getting to the city

The best way to get into town from Ontario Airport is to take Omnitrans bus No. 61. It runs at 15-minute intervals.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

A free shuttle transports passengers to the Rental Car Center from which most major rental companies operate, including Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis

Travellers can find metered taxis on the curb outside baggage claim in both Terminals 2 and 4.

Transfer between terminals

The terminals are located adjacent to one other. A free shuttle runs between the terminals at regular intervals of around five to 20 minutes depending upon time of day.

Facilities

ATMs, baggage cart rental, pet relief areas, WiFi, retail outlets, duty-free shopping and restaurants are all available at Ontario International Airport.

Parking

Short-term parking is best at daily Lots 2 and 4, which are close to the terminals. Long-term parking is available in Lot 5; it's connected to the terminal via a free shuttle service.

www.lawa.org/welcomeONT.aspx

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Location

The airport is three miles (5km) from downtown Palm Springs.

Getting to the city

The Amtrak bus is located at the north end of the terminal, and the Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) provides a bus service to Palm Springs. Taxis and rental cars are available. Some mobile app based taxi services are also available.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to first Sunday in November)

Car rental

Car rental companies offering services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

A number of taxi companies operate at Palm Springs International Airport.

Facilities

Palm Springs International Airport passenger facilities include a range of restaurants, a selection of shops, a USO Service Club, a kid's play area, ATMs, currency exchange services and free WiFi.

Parking

Parking is available at the airport and includes cell phone waiting lots.

www.palmspringsairport.com

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Location

The airport is located in Orange County, California, just 14 miles (23km) from the Disneyland Resort.

Getting to the city

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses, and the iShuttle service John Wayne Airport. Additionally, an express bus runs to the Disneyland Resort on a set schedule. Taxis and rental cars are available. Uber and other similar mobile app based taxi services are also available. Most ground transportation services pick up travellers in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC).

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

On-site rental car companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available from the Ground Transportation Centre at John Wayne Airport. Metered service is available but it is also possible to negotiate a flat rate for certain destinations. There is no charge for additional passengers. Uber and other similar mobile app based taxi services are also available.

Transfer between terminals

It is possible to walk between the terminals through connecting walkways.

Facilities

John Wayne Airport is well equipped with airline club lounges, a wide variety of restaurants from fast food outlets to sit-down dining and pubs, a broad selection of shops for basic necessities and gifts, ATMs, currency exchange, power outlets, lockers, pet facilities and art exhibits.

Parking

The four parking lots are located directly opposite the main terminal building.

www.ocair.com

Fresno Airport (FAT)

Location

Fresno Airport is located more than 65 miles (105km) south of Yosemite National Park, on California State Route 41 in eastern Fresno.

Getting to the city

Tour buses, shared shuttles, taxis and buses that connect to Yosemite and downtown Fresno are all available in front of the terminal building.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from the mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

Car rental services are available from the airport, from companies including Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo. Pre-booking is always recommended.

Airport Taxis

Taxi cabs operate from the curb in front of the terminal building.

Facilities

Amenities in Fresno airport include a tourism and information centre, a newsagents, a sports bar, fast-food outlets, and a pub.

Parking

Fresno Airport has three parking options for visitors: a free 'pick up' area, where patrons are required to remain with their car at all times while waiting for their guests to arrive, a short-term lot, and a long-term lot. The lots are located to the east of the airport terminal.

www.flyfresno.com

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.

www.lgb.org