MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Los Angeles

How to Get to Los Angeles

Los Angeles California, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel Hubs

Major Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main international gateway. Other regional airports serve specific areas.

Local Airports

  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): For San Fernando Valley and Hollywood.
  • The Longest beach Airport (LGB): For A Stretch of sand and Orange County.
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA): For Disneyland and southern Orange County.

Airlines & Routes

Main U.S..S. Carriers have a strong presence at LAX. Nearly all major global airlines operate at LAX, providing direct ways from continents worldwide.

Carriers

  • U.S. Carriers: American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue.
  • International Carriers: British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas.
  • Direct flights from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Latin America.

Flight Deals

For smart travel planning, check Dollar Flight Club for less expensive fares.

Price Fluctuations

Peak seasons (summer, major holidays) bring stronger demand and prices. Shoulder and low seasons offer better deals.

Booking Ahead

Booking flights 3-6 months in advance is for better prices, especially during peak times.

Airport Transfers

LAX Transfer Options

  • FlyAway Bus: Direct service to Union Station, Van Nuys, Westwood.
  • LAXit Shuttle: Connects terminals to ride-share/taxi pickup.
  • Metro Rail: Green Line G-Shuttle connects to Metro C Line.
  • Taxis/Ride-sharing: Available at the LAXit lot.

Regional Airport Access

  • BUR, LGB, SNA, ONT: Easier access to taxis, ride-shares, rental cars.
  • Some possess direct public transit connections.
  • Rental car centers are accessible via dedicated shuttles at LAX.
  • Check Skyscanner for flight options.

Airport Facilities

LAX Amenities

Nine passenger terminals, extensive dining, shopping, duty-free stores, lounges, Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and car rental centers.

Regional Airport Services

Smaller airports (BUR, LGB, SNA, ONT) are less difficult to navigate, offering necessary amenities like dining, car rentals, and ground transit.

Terminal Connections

Shuttle buses connect all LAX terminals, simplifying inter-terminal transfers.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Los Angeles connects extensively overland or rail, offering train and bus options for regional and intercity travel.

Amtrak & Metrolink

  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Connects San Luis Obispo to San Diego via Union Station.
  • Amtrak Long-Distance: Coast Starlight (Seattle), Southwest Chief (Chicago), Sunset Limited (Nola).
  • Metrolink: Commuter rail to the surrounding counties from Union Station.

Long-Distance Buses

Affordable long-distance bus travel connects Los Angeles to various cities in California and neighboring states.

Bus Services

  • Greyhound: Major intercity service across the U.S. from Downtown LA station.
  • FlixBus/Megabus: Have cheap directions to various cities.
  • Smaller regional operators serve specific routes within California.

Self-Driving & Requirements

You must have a current driver's's license (domestic or international with an INTERNATIONAL driving permit if necessary). The minimum age for car rental typically starts from 21-25, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

Car Rental Essentials

  • Valid driver's license (IDP if foreign license is not English).
  • Credit card in the driver's name.
  • Rental car insurance is highly recommended.

Road Conditions & Safety

Los Angeles is known for heavy traffic jams, especially during peak commute hours. Factor in significant extra travel time for any drive. The freeway system is complex; HOV/carpool lanes are strictly enforced.

Driving Safely

  • Drive with caution; aggressive driving occurs.
  • Parking is expensive and challenging; read signs carefully.
  • Hands-free phone use is a rule while driving.

Important Driving Laws

  • Seatbelts are a rule for all occupants.
  • Stay on the right of the road.
  • Hands-free device for mobile phones is a rule while driving.
  • Read parking signs with care to avoid tickets or towing.
  • HOV lanes (carpool lanes) have strict occupancy rules.
  • Gasoline prices are typically higher in California.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise & Ferry Ports

Los Angeles hosts significant cruise ports and a dedicated ferry assistance to Catalina Island, presenting distinct ocean travel options.

Harbors

  • Port of La (San Pedro): World Cruise Center for major cruise lines.
  • Port of Long Beach: Smaller the cruise port, mainly for Carnival Cruise Line.
  • Catalina Express: Year-round ferry assistance to Catalina Island from multiple locations.

Immigration & River Travel

For international cruise arrivals, passengers undergo U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection upon disembarkation, similar to airport procedures.

River Transport & Entry

  • No significant river getting around for tourists in Los Angeles.
  • International cruise arrivals undergo CBP inspection; valid travel documents are necessary.
  • Information on crossing the border for land travel from Mexico/Canada adheres to standard U.S. Rules.

San Pedro Connections

Taxis, ride-shares, and minimal public transit (Metro Local Bus) are available from the World Cruise Center.

Long Beach Terminal

Taxis, ride-shares, and connections to Long Beach Transit buses are available.

Catalina Express

Terminals are nearby public transportation and have parking, taxis, and ride-shares.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply to travelers departing from La or the United States.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights (LAX): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights (LAX): Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Always factor in potential traffic delays when traveling to every LA airport.

Security & Efficiency

Allow ample time for TSA security screening, as wait times can vary significantly. Consider using TSA PreCheck or Clear if eligible to speed up the process.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • LAX possesses numerous amenities: lounges, dining, shopping, duty-free stores.
  • Other airports (BUR, LGB, SNA, ONT) provide essential services, dining, retail, and waiting areas.
  • Union Station features dining, waiting areas, ticketing, and Metro Rail/bus connections.

Planning Your Departure

Check-in

Allocate enough time for check-in and baggage drop.

Security

Be prepared for security screening; wait times vary.

Traffic Buffer

Always account for traffic to avoid rushing to the airport.

Departure Reminder

Booking flights ahead with services like Dollar Flight Club and planning your airport transfer using platforms like DiscoverCars.com for car rentals or ride-shares, leads to a smoother departure.