Los Angeles (LAX) airport guide & terminal map

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It handled about 73.7 million passengers in 2025, which makes it the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and a major gateway to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It is big, fast-moving, and always full of people. But once you understand how it is laid out, it is not hard to get around. This guide walks you through the full LAX airport map — every terminal, where each airline sits, the best places to eat, where to grab your bag, and how to get to and from the airport. Read it before you fly so your trip starts stress-free.

LAX is in the middle of a multi-year, multibillion-dollar rebuild ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, so terminals and roads are changing. Always confirm your terminal and gate on your boarding pass before you travel.

LAX airport quick facts

How the LAX airport map is laid out

LAX is shaped like a U (a horseshoe). The terminals sit along the curve, and a two-level road runs through the middle. This shape makes it easy to picture:

Upper level – Departures and check-in

Lower level – Arrivals and baggage claim

The terminals are numbered from Terminal 1 at the northwest corner around to Terminal 8 at the southeast. The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), also called Terminal B, sits in the middle of the south side. This is the main hub for international flights.

Each terminal has its own check-in area and its own security checkpoint. After you pass security, most terminals connect to each other airside, so you can often walk between them without leaving the secure area.

Important 2026 update: Terminal 5 closed in October 2025 for a full teardown and rebuild, and the new terminal is expected to reopen just before the 2028 Olympics. The airlines that used to be there have already moved: JetBlue went to Terminal 1, Spirit went to Terminal 2, and American went to Terminal 4. A brand-new satellite concourse (Midfield Satellite Concourse South), with eight extra gates, opened next to Tom Bradley to absorb the change. Because of the T5 work, the airside tunnels between Terminals 4 and 6 are closed, so a free airside shuttle bus links those terminals for now.

Which terminal is my airline at LAX?

This is the question most travelers ask first. Here is a clear airline-to-terminal guide based on the official LAWA listings. Gate and terminal assignments can change, so always check your boarding pass before you go.

Good to know: Some airlines check in at one terminal but fly from another. For example, British Airways and Japan Airlines check in at Terminal 4 but depart from Tom Bradley. Always read your boarding pass and follow the signs.

LAX terminal map: a closer look

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is home to Southwest Airlines and JetBlue (JetBlue moved here when Terminal 5 closed). It sits at the northwest end of the U, closest to the LAX-it rideshare lot. It has been expanded and updated with more check-in counters and modern security lanes.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 handles Spirit (newly moved here from T5), LATAM, and some international check-in. It is also part of Delta's hub at LAX, working together with Terminal 3. You'll find dining, shops, currency exchange, and a Delta Sky Club here.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is Delta's modern home base, along with Aeromexico. WestJet flights also depart from here, though WestJet passengers check in at Terminal 2. This terminal was rebuilt as part of Delta's "Sky Way" project and has new gates, a large Delta Sky Club, and fresh dining. CLEAR and TSA PreCheck lanes are available here.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 belongs to American Airlines (which grew here after leaving T5). It connects airside to Tom Bradley through a walkway, so American's international travelers can move between the two without leaving security. Look for the Admirals Club and the premium Flagship Lounge here.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 is closed and being demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. It is expected to reopen just before the 2028 Olympics. The airlines that used to fly here have moved to Terminals 1, 2, and 4.

Terminal 6

Terminal 6 serves Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and Hawaiian Airlines, and has an Alaska Lounge. It connects to Terminals 7 and 8, so Alaska and United travelers can walk between them airside.

Terminal 7 & 8

Terminals 7 and 8 are the home of United Airlines. They share check-in and security but have separate gate areas. Gates in the 70s are Terminal 7, and gates in the 80s are Terminal 8. You'll find United Club lounges and the United Polaris Lounge here.

Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B)

Tom Bradley is the main international terminal. More than 40 global airlines fly from here, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. It has luxury shopping, top-rated lounges (including the Amex Centurion Lounge and the Star Alliance Lounge), and a wide range of dining. Most international arrivals from every terminal also clear customs here.

How to get between terminals at LAX

Getting around LAX is easier than it used to be. Here are your options:

Walk airside (after security): Many terminals connect after you pass security. You can walk between Terminal 4 and Tom Bradley, and between Terminals 6, 7, and 8. Terminals 2 and 3 also connect. (During the Terminal 5 rebuild, a free airside shuttle bridges Terminals 4 and 6.)

Free shuttle (landside): If you need to move between terminals before security, or after collecting bags, take the free terminal connector shuttle. Look for the green or pink "LAX Shuttle" signs on the lower (arrivals) level. Shuttles run every few minutes.

Walking outside: You can also walk along the lower-level sidewalk between terminals. Allow about 10–15 minutes per terminal.

Coming soon: LAX has been building an Automated People Mover train for years. As of mid-2026 it is still in testing and not yet open to the public, with the airport hoping to start service later in the year. Once it opens, it will connect the terminals, parking, the rental car center, and the Metro rail system with quick, frequent trains. Until then, the free shuttles are the way to move around.

LAX food map

You will never go hungry at LAX. Every terminal has food, from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Here is what to expect on the LAX food map:

Terminals 1, 2, and 3: A mix of fast bites, coffee shops, and local favorites.

Terminal 4: Sit-down dining and lounges, with both quick and full-meal options.

Terminals 6, 7, and 8: Plenty of grab-and-go spots plus restaurants for United and Alaska travelers.

Tom Bradley (TBIT): The best variety at the airport, with high-end dining, well-known chef spots, and global cuisine to match the international crowd. It is a great place to grab a real meal before a long flight.

Tip: A valid boarding pass lets you visit other terminals that connect airside. If your terminal is quiet, you can sometimes find better food a short walk away.

Lounges at LAX

If you have lounge access, LAX is a strong airport for it. Tom Bradley holds the Amex Centurion Lounge and the Star Alliance Lounge, plus several airline lounges. American's Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge are in Terminal 4, the United Club and United Polaris Lounge are in Terminal 7, Delta Sky Clubs are in Terminals 2 and 3, and the Alaska Lounge is in Terminal 6. Access usually depends on your ticket, an airline membership, or a credit card like the Amex Platinum or a Priority Pass card, so check before you rely on one.

Security, TSA PreCheck and WiFi

Each terminal has its own checkpoint, and lines can be long at peak times, so leave extra time. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are offered in most terminals (for example, both run in Terminal 3), though hours can vary — follow the signs. Free, unlimited WiFi is available in every terminal; just connect and open your browser.

Baggage claim and arrivals map

When you land at LAX, head to the lower level of your terminal for baggage claim. Every terminal has its own claim area, and screens show which carousel matches your flight.

If you arrive from an international flight, you will usually clear customs and immigration at Tom Bradley first, then pick up your bags. Some airlines route international arrivals to a different terminal for baggage, so follow the signs or ask a staff member if you are unsure.

How to get from LAX

LAX-it for taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Right now, taxis and rideshare pickups happen at the LAX-it lot, just east of Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the free LAX-it shuttle (look for the green signs on the lower level). Drop-offs still happen at the terminal curbs on the upper level. Premium rides like Uber Black may pick up at the terminal curb.

Metro train (cheapest option)

You can now reach LAX by Metro rail through the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which opened in June 2025. Take the Metro C or K line to the transit center, then hop on the free "LAX Shuttle" that runs every 10 minutes from the lower level of each terminal (look for the pink "LAX Shuttle" columns). Metro fares are low (around $1.75), and the ride into the city is budget-friendly. Once the Automated People Mover opens, it will replace the shuttle between the transit center and the terminals.

FlyAway bus

The FlyAway bus runs between LAX and Union Station in downtown LA. It takes about 35–45 minutes, costs around $12.75, and is a simple, low-stress choice. You catch it on the lower level outside each terminal.

Driving and directions

LAX is reached from the 405 freeway, the 105 freeway, and Century Boulevard. Drop-offs are on the upper (departures) level. Pick-ups are on the lower (arrivals) level or at LAX-it. There is a free Cell Phone Waiting Lot if you are picking someone up and want to wait nearby.

Parking at LAX

If you drive and park, the Central Terminal Area garages (P1–P7) sit right next to the terminals with short walks. For cheaper rates, use the Economy Parking lot off-site, which has a free shuttle to the terminals. You can book parking ahead of time on the official LAX website during busy travel periods. Always check current rates, since prices change.

Hotels near LAX

There is no hotel inside the LAX horseshoe, but a large cluster of hotels sits just east along Century Boulevard — places like the Hyatt Regency LAX, the H Hotel, and many others — and most run a free shuttle to the terminals. This is a handy option for very early departures, long layovers, or red-eye arrivals from India.

Arriving from India and connecting to a U.S. flight

Many Myflyyatra travelers fly between Los Angeles and India, so here is the part that trips people up: connecting from an international arrival to a U.S. domestic flight. Even if your bags are tagged to your final city, U.S. rules mean you have to handle them yourself in the middle. Here is the simple version:

1. You land and clear immigration at Tom Bradley (Terminal B), where almost all international flights are processed.

2. You collect all of your checked bags at the TBIT carousels — even if you have an onward flight.

3. You clear customs.

4. You re-check your bags at the connections counter for your domestic flight.

5. You go to your departure terminal and pass through security again. If your onward flight is from Terminal 4, 6, 7, or 8, you can use the Tom Bradley Connector airside; for Terminals 1, 2, or 3 you take the free landside shuttle.

Bag claim alone can take 20–45 minutes (longer when several big jets land together), so give yourself room. For an international-to-domestic connection at LAX, plan for at least 2.5–3 hours, especially after a long flight from India. If you are on one ticket and a delay makes you miss the connection, your airline will rebook you at no extra cost.

Smart tips before you fly from LAX

Check your boarding pass for your exact terminal and gate. Some airlines check in and depart from different terminals.

Give yourself extra time. LAX is large and traffic around the U-shaped road can be slow.

For international flights, plan for Tom Bradley and arrive early.

Remember Terminal 5 is closed, so double-check your terminal if you flew from it before.

Use the free shuttle if you need to switch terminals landside.

Popular flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to India

Flying from Los Angeles to India? LAX connects to all major Indian cities with one-stop routes through hubs in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Below are popular routes to help you plan. Fares change with season and demand, so check current prices before you book.

Ready to book your trip to India? MyFlyyatra finds you the best deals on Los Angeles–to–India flights, with friendly support every step of the way. Compare fares and reserve your seat today.

Note: Airline and terminal assignments at LAX can change, including during ongoing airport upgrades. Always confirm your terminal and gate with your airline or your boarding pass before you travel.