Snapshot
Los Angeles International handles around 75 million passengers a year across nine terminals arranged in a U around the central theme building. The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) connects airside to Terminals 4 through 8, so many international passengers can reach connecting gates without going back through security. Getting out to the city is the main friction point: road traffic around LAX is genuinely unpredictable.
Lounges
| Terminal |
Lounge |
Access |
Showers |
Good for |
Price (paid) |
| TBIT |
Star Alliance, oneworld, SkyTeam lounges |
Alliance biz / elite |
Yes (most) |
Buffet, bar, showers |
N/A |
| TBIT |
Plaza Premium |
Priority Pass / paid |
Some |
Buffet, drinks |
~$35 to $60 USD |
| T4, T5, T6 |
American, Delta airline lounges |
Airline / eligibility |
Some |
Snacks, buffet |
Paid, varies |
TBIT has the strongest lounge selection by a margin. Alliance lounges are solid; paid/PP contract options are acceptable.
Traveler notes
- The free inter-terminal shuttle can take 20 to 30 minutes at busy times. Budget for it on tight connections.
- Arrivals and departures curbs frequently back up. Build in extra time when returning to catch your flight.
- TBIT security peaks mid-morning. Domestic terminal lines vary but T4 and T5 can be long.
Sleep / Rest
- Comfortable seating is limited landside. Lounges are a far better option for a real rest.
- No dedicated sleep pods or transit hotel in the terminals as of 2026. Verify before travel if this matters.
Food
- TBIT has the best airside selection, including the Randy’s Donuts counter: worth a visit if you have time before the gate.
- T3 and T4 have decent sit-down restaurants post-security. Domestic terminals vary in quality.
Showers
- Available in most airline lounges in TBIT and select paid contract lounges. No public shower rooms.
Luggage Storage
- Not reliably available in terminals. Services like Bounce offer storage in the city if needed.
Transit to City
- FlyAway bus to Union Station: 35 min, $14, every 30 min. Most dependable link to downtown LA.
- Metro C Line via free shuttle: 45 to 60 min total to downtown. Cheapest option, but involves two transfers.
- Rideshare from LAX-it lot: 30 to 90 min to the city depending on traffic. Take the shuttle from arrivals to the pickup lot.
- Return buffer: 3 hours before international departure, 2 hours for domestic. Add 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour (7 to 9am, 4 to 7pm).
Essentials
- Wi-Fi: Free throughout all terminals.
- eSIM: Buy before you arrive. Airport kiosks exist but charge a premium.
- ATMs: Available throughout. Decline dynamic currency conversion; pay in USD.
