Plan your trip through LAX around four decisions: where to check in, how to reach your gate, where to eat and how to leave the airport. Use this guide to choose your transport and check the details before traveling.
Before You Leave: Check Your Terminal and Allow Extra Time
LAX recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allow extra time for construction detours and shuttle trips, especially if you are returning a rental car or parking away from the terminals. Check your flight status and departure terminal before setting out.
For United flights, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You can also check-in at an airport kiosk or staffed counter. If you have checked luggage or need a document check, follow the airline’s bag-drop and counter instructions. Check your flight’s deadlines separately: completing online check-in does not change the minimum time required for checking bags or reaching the gate.
If someone is driving you to the airport, ride-app vehicles can drop you directly at your departure terminal. Confirm the terminal with your driver before entering the airport loop.
Getting Between LAX Terminals
LAX’s terminals connect through post-security pedestrian routes, so you can walk between them once you are inside the secure area. Distance matters: the full route from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 is approximately two miles. Check the airport map and leave enough time to return to your gate before heading to another terminal for a meal or shopping.
For a terminal change outside security, use the free Terminal Connector shuttle, which runs 24 hours a day. Look for the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
As of October 3, 2026, SkyLink is not open to travelers. The airport says trains moving along the guideway are undergoing testing. Plan around the available shuttle services and follow current signs for parking, rental cars and other ground transportation.
Where to Eat: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and More
For a warm meal before boarding, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is in Terminal B near Gate 148. Mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches are among its signature café dishes. The menu also includes sandwiches, soups and salads; check the counter menu for current choices and prices.
Choose your meal around the time you have available. If boarding is approaching, ask which dishes can be packed to go. For advance ordering at participating airport restaurants, use LAXshopdine.com. Confirm the restaurant’s location and your route back to the gate before ordering.
Terminal B also offers duty-free shopping and luxury boutiques, including DFS, Gucci and Hermès, with P.F. Chang’samong the dining options. Leave room in your schedule for the walk back to your departure gate, particularly if you have crossed from another terminal.
Where Can You Fly From LAX With United?
LAX lists United at Terminal 7 and United Express at Terminals 7 and 8. Check your booking for the departure terminal, then use your boarding pass and airport displays for the latest gate assignment.
United Express flights are operated by regional partners such as SkyWest. When booking, check the operating carrier and the baggage rules for your particular flight.
United’s nonstop options from LAX include domestic hubs, Hawaii and destinations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Examples in current route listings include:
| Region | Example nonstop destinations |
|---|---|
| Continental U.S. | San Francisco (SFO), Denver (DEN), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR) |
| Hawaii | Honolulu (HNL) |
| United Kingdom | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| Japan | Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT) |
| Australia | Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) |
These are examples, not a complete list. Routes and frequencies can change, so confirm nonstop availability for your travel dates in United’s booking system.
Take the LAX FlyAway® Bus to Union Station or Van Nuys
LAX FlyAway® connects the airport terminals with LA Union Station and Van Nuys, seven days a week. It is a useful option if either stop fits your onward journey. At LAX, board on the Lower/Arrivals Level at the blue FlyAway signs and check the destination displayed on the bus.
| Route | One-way fare | Estimated travel time |
|---|---|---|
| LAX–LA Union Station | $12.75 | 30–60 minutes |
| LAX–Van Nuys | $12.75 | 40–80 minutes |
Traffic can extend these operator estimates. At the stated fare, two one-way journeys cost $25.50 per person. Allow extra time when using FlyAway to catch a flight.
Buy tickets through the FlyAway website or app, or pay onboard with a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash is not accepted. Activate an app ticket when you board; it expires three hours after activation. A ticket does not reserve a seat, and boarding is first come, first served.
Each ticketed passenger may bring up to three stored bags and one carry-on, subject to the baggage rules. A standard stored bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches when length, width and height are added together. Buses have free Wi-Fi and reclining seats, but no onboard restroom. Check the timetable and live bus tracker before heading to the stop.
Using Metro From LAX
The free airport shuttle connects the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, where you can access the C and K rail lines. Metro’s regular fare is $1.75. Check your complete route, including transfers and service times, before choosing Metro for your destination.
Rideshare and Taxi Pickup: Know Where to Go
For UberX, XL and Comfort, head to LAX-it, beside Terminal 1. You can walk or take the free shuttle from the green LAX-it signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Uber Black and Black SUV offer terminal curbside pickup. Compare the options in the app and follow its assigned pickup instructions.
For taxis, passengers arriving at Terminal B or Terminal 3 can use the stand inside Parking Structure 3. Those arriving at Terminals 7 or 8 can use the stand outside baggage claim at the far end of Terminal 7. These locations provide alternatives to taking a taxi from LAX-it.
Meeting Family or Friends at the Airport
Private vehicles can collect passengers at the outer curb on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Arrange pickup after you have your bags and are ready to meet your driver. Share your terminal and the curbside location so they know where to find you.
Drivers can wait in a free cell phone waiting lot until you are ready. LAX lists two locations: 6217 W. 96th Street and 5800 W. Century Boulevard. Call or message your driver when it is time to approach the terminal.
Rental Cars and Airport Parking
LAX’s consolidated Rental Car Center opened on March 11, 2026. For participating rental companies, follow the purple Rental Car Shuttles signs outside baggage claim on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Some companies operate off airport, so use the pickup instructions in your reservation.
If you are driving and leaving your own car at LAX, reserve parking in advance. The airport recommends prebooking for its best rates and a guaranteed space. Compare locations and allow time for any shuttle journey to your terminal.
A Landmark at LAX and an Idea for Your Los Angeles Stay
The Theme Building, with its sweeping white arches, has been an LAX landmark since 1961. Look out for it as you travel through the airport’s central terminal area.
If your trip includes time in the city, consider the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Exposition Park, which celebrated its public opening on September 22, 2026. Check current tickets and visiting information when planning your Los Angeles itinerary.
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