World Airport CodesLos Angeles International Airport, known widely as LAX, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with 2014 seeing a record number of passengers handled soar above 70 million.
Comprised of nine terminals with a wide range of amenities for travellers, LAX services over 60 airlines, flying to over 150 destinations across the world. It is located in the southwest of Los Angeles, and is served by a number of licensed taxi and private hire companies from all over the city.
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Getting to LAX Airport
LAX is the fifth busiest airport in the world as of March 2015, and second busiest in America. To support the high volume of travellers to and from the city, it has a vast transport infrastructure, making access to the airport much more simple.
Situated along the east coast of the pacific ocean in a pretty central-southwestern location, it’s roughly 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Passengers can reach the airport travelling by car, bus, taxi and shuttle transfer services.
Airport Address
Los Angeles International Airport
1 World Way
Los Angeles,
California
90045
Travelling by Car or Taxi
Travelling to LAX by car or taxi is probably the easiest way to reach the airport; it’s easily accessible and clearly signposted. There are nine taxi companies that are authorised by the city to serve the airport, so you should not have any trouble finding a taxi. If you’re feeling a bit more flush, how about taking a Limo, Private Hire or Jitney Cabs?
Southbound 405 Take the Howard Hughes PKWY exit to avoid traffic and head towards Sepulveda BLVD on the left. Head south for around 10 minutes through Westchester until you see the Airport entrance on your right.
Northbound 405 Take the 105 West FWY and exit at Sepulveda North. Keep right and you’ll see the signposts for arrivals and departures.
Traffic can sometimes be a problem, especially if you are travelling during rush hour on a busy weekday. We suggest that you plan your journey in advance an allow 1 hour for the trip, if heading there from Downtown.
Travelling by Other Methods of Transport
Aside from cars and taxis as a method of transport, there’s also the option of the main Airport Shuttle service. This free service travels from the Aviation station on the Metro Green Line through to Downtown, with connections to other major airports and popular destinations. You may also consider using a Fly-Away Bus to reach you desired location; these are a quicker option, but fees are applicable and vary on your route.
Taxis In Los Angeles
Whether you are travelling to the airport, or you are travelling into the city after arriving in LAX, you will usually find taxis to be the most convenient mode of transport, especially for direct airport journeys.
Always choose one of the regulated taxi companies to travel into the airport or anywhere else in the city. Look for a taxi with an official seal from the City of Los Angeles, which means they are fully insured and inspected, and only use professional drivers.
LA Taxi Costs
Taxis tend to be fairly expensive in Los Angeles. In fact, in the list of most expensive cities for taxis, LA placed 15th in the world (2014) at just over $50 for a 24km journey!
However, you may be able to agree a flat rate to travel into LAX or from LAX to your destination. Just make sure that you agree this with your drive before you begin your journey.
Typical Cab Rates in LA
When travelling to or from LAX by taxi, you can base the rough cost of your fare for your journey on the prices above. To give you a better idea of your fare, some typical fares to and from various destinations in LA are as follows:
| Service | Fare |
|---|---|
| Downtown | $46.50 Flat Rate |
| Norwalk | $55 Flat Rate |
| West Hollywood | $40 Flat Rate |
| Beverly Hills | $50-$70 |
| Brentwood | $50-$70 |
| Bel Air | $60-$80 |
| Vomit in taxi | $50 |
| Airport Arrival/ Departure Taxi | $4 |
*These taxi price rates are an estimate from November 2015 and are subject to change. You should use these prices as a guide and where possible, confirm the prices when you book or agree a fare at the taxi rank before getting into a taxi.
Tipping LA Taxi Drivers
On top of your fare, you will also be expected to tip your driver and this is the norm anywhere in the United States. The typical rate that you tip is usually between 10% and 15% of the total fare. You may find that this is added onto the fare automatically, especially if you pay by card.
What could affect the amount you tip your driver? You may pay more or less depending upon:
The driver’s local knowledge.
Whether they provide you with recommendations for things to see and do.
How friendly and courteous they are towards you.
Whether they help you with your luggage.
Other Airports in LA
As well as LAX, there are a number of other airports serving the city of Los Angeles, including both domestic and international airports.
Bob Hope Airport
Bob Hope Airport, also known a Burbank Airport, is a domestic airport located three miles northwest of Burbank, another of Los Angeles’ cities.
If you’re driving from Downtown, head north on Interstate 5 and take exit 149 towards North Hollywood Way. Follow the sign posts along this road until you reach the airport.
Shuttle busses also go to and from the airport regularly, and if you are arriving at the airport, you’ll find the shuttles and taxis in front of the passenger terminal. Nearby hotels also run their own shuttle services, and there is even a rail connection to the Downtown area.
If you decide to take a taxi, the rates are the same as they are for travelling anywhere else in Los Angeles. A typical fare for travelling from the airport to the Hollywood Bowl is approximately $40, and to Downtown LA you should expect to pay in the region of $65.
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport is located in Long Beach, southern Los Angeles, and it is also a domestic airport.
To reach the airport by car, find your way onto the Interstate 405 and take exit 27 towards Lakewood Boulevard. Follow the road until you reach Donald Douglas Drive, turn right and continue until you reach the airport.
If you arrive at the airport and want to take a taxi, you will find the taxi stand just outside the terminal and you’ll find the rates are the same as in any area of Los Angeles . You may also be able to arrange a flat rate, which will be in the region of $80 to Downtown LA.
If you would prefer to take another mode of transport, there are many shuttles and other transport services such limousines operating from the airport.
John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport is one of the three international airports in Los Angeles, and it is located in Santa Ana, Orange County.
To reach the airport from Downtown LA, travel on I-5 S before taking the exit onto CA-55 S before taking exit 6b and following signs to the airport.
If you take a taxi from the airport to your destination, you will find plenty of taxis to choose from, and prices are similar to those mentioned above. A taxi to Downtown LA will cost about $120, and you may also be able to arrange a flat rate to a specific destination.
You will also find plenty of shuttle services and door-to-door private hire vehicle. Both are located at the Ground Transportation Centre on the lower level of the airport.
LA/Ontario International Airport
More commonly referred to as Ontario International Airport, this is the third international airport in Los Angeles. It is located two miles from Ontario in San Bernardino County, and about 40 miles from Downtown LA.
To reach the airport from Downtown LA, find your way onto the I-10 E/San Bernardino Freeway and travel along it for about 36 miles. Then take the Archibald Avenue exit (55) and follow signs to the airport.
You will be able to catch a taxi from the stand that is located near to the baggage claim, and prices are similar to the prices mentioned above. A taxi to Downtown LA will cost you around $130.
What to do in LA?
Visitors to Los Angeles will never find themselves short of things to see and do. It’s one of the most exciting cities in the world, and attractions are plentiful.
Hollywood – Los Angeles
Taxi Fare from LAX: Flat rate to West Hollywood $40 but can rise to $70 depending where in Hollywood you go.
Hollywood is one of the most famous districts in LA, and there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy. Visit the famous ‘Hollywood’ sign on Mount Lee, find your idols’ star on the Walk of Fame, catch a concert in the famous Hollywood Bowl and of course keep your eyes out for the celebrities!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Taxi Fare from LAX: $90-$100
The renowned theme park and movie studio is one of the biggest attractions in LA and it’s the perfect destination if you’re travelling with kids. With exciting rides based Despicable Me, The Simpsons and Fast and Furious, there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Taxi Fare from LAX: $70-$80
You will find this excellent museum on Wilshire Boulevard, and you can happily spend a whole day exploring its collection of over 100,000 works. It covers everything from Architecture to Jewellery and all that sits between with items dating back to 10,000 BC!
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Taxi Fare from LAX: $90-$100
Set over more than 130 acres, the Zoo and Botanical Gardens are another top family attraction in LA. Comprised of exciting zones including The LAIR, Elephants of Asia and Rainforest of the Americas, you can easily be able to spend a whole day here learning about endangered species, animal conservation and even get up close to the hippos!
Griffith Observatory
Taxi Fare from LAX: $90-$100
Head to Los Feliz and step into a world of science and space at the Griffith Observatory. With free entry all year round, you can truly discover everything you ever wanted to know about our solar system, the history of our planet and even watch a live programme in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Disneyland Resort
Taxi Fare from LAX: $100-$120
Disneyland Park Resort is one of the most popular attractions for families and children for all ages. It’s home to hundreds of your favourite Disney characters and covers a larger area than some cities!
Dodger Stadium
Taxi Fare from LAX: $70-$100
If you’re a baseball fan, a trip to the home of the LA Dodgers is a must. If you’re lucky to be there when any games are on, make sure you get a ticket for an unforgettable experience!