2 Airports in Los Angeles - LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport

Los Angeles is a city that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime. Filled with popular celebrities, glamorous lifestyle, and not to mention their all-time balmy temperatures, it’s no wonder why this place is one of the most populous cities in Southern California. However, this also gives rise to the situation that it’s not easy to navigate through the city, especially their airports in Los Angeles. You need to be aware of all their airports and which one should you choose that would be closest to your final destination.

1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Located in the Westchester neighborhood in Los Angeles, this international airport is known to be the second busiest airport in the US and the fourth busiest passenger airport in the world. It gets 85 million passengers each year and occupies about 3,500 acres of land, making it one of the largest airports on California and the US West Coast. Another reason behind being one of the popular airports is its location as this place is close to many popular beaches, deserts, and mountains.

Operating airlines: Allegiant, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Southwest, Spirit, and Volaris Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, and others, Alaska, JetBlue

Airport Details

This airport in Los Angeles consists of 9 terminals shaped in the U shape with parking garages in the center and an overall of 132 gates. The passengers can travel between the terminals via a shuttle bus or the various inter-terminal pedestrian connections. Moreover, the shuttle bus is available at the front of each terminal and leaves every 10 minutes throughout the day, making it easier for people to travel between them. 

However, The Tom Bradley International Terminal is situated at the last of the driving loop. The airport is split into two levels- arrivals on the lower level and the departures on the upper level- but car availability is there on both levels. Also, due to its huge size, there are signposts along the loop of each terminal mentioning the airlines in the terminals. And if you have a plane to catch, arrive early and avoid the peak times as the traffic here is nothing less than the la streets. It’s bustling with people day and night.

Distance and transport

Distance: 18 miles southwest of Downtown and a 45-minute drive from The Hollywood.

1. Bus: The LAX FlyAway bus service takes between the terminals and also from the airport to other locations, including Long Beach and Hollywood. The price starts at $8 per person.
2. Metro: Take a free shuttle to reach the LAX station. From there, you can take the green line that runs from east to west between Redondo Beach and Norwalk.
3. Taxis: They are available on the lower level at each terminal under the yellow signs; however, only the authorized taxis are allowed there. It can cost $50 to reach Downtown but can also add more depending on the rush hour. You can also use rideshare apps where the passengers have to meet them at the departure level. Pick up is now at the Lax-it lot beside Terminal 1. Catch a shuttle bus to go there.

Services and Facilities 

1. Food and drink:  Being one of the largest airports, LAX offers more culinary choices than others. You’ll never run out of options here, and whether you want vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, this place has everything. In Terminal 4, it has Real Food Daily, which is the first plant-based airport restaurant in the world. And the other terminals have many award-winning restaurants.

2. Spas: The XpresSpa is at the Tom Bradley terminal as well as in the airside of Terminal 1 and 5 providing a variety of spa options from facials, massage to waxing.

3. Shopping: LAX is one of the most expensive when it comes to buying or shopping.  And although shops are widely scattered all around the terminals, the Tom Bradley terminal is the hotspot as it includes all the top-notch designer shops.

4. Lounges: There are many lounges in the airport, but the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club have the most outlets, three each. If not a member, you can pay at the entrance with the proof of the said airline tickets, and all of these outlets come with showers instilled in them. Others include Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, The United Club, and The KAL Lounge, and Qantas Club.

5. The private Suite: There is a VIP private terminal at LAX, which is a traveler’s dream to use it. Their team will manage the check-in and baggage handling and the private suites they offer, consist of a bathroom, pantry, bed, and a view of the runway aircraft. When the time comes to board the plane, you will be taken by a BMW 7 Series sedan to the airplane directly.                                                      

2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Also known as the Bob Hope Airport, this airport in Los Angeles is closest to Hollywood and central LA, thus, acquiring its name. And although it is much smaller than the LAX airport, it is most convenient if you want to stay near Universal Studios or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Moreover, it is closest to Disneyland and serves the northern Greater Los Angeles and Downtown LA. It is the only airport in the city to have a rail connection with Downtown LA and has also instilled strict procedures to reduce the noise pollution of aircraft arriving and departing.

Operating airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United

Airport Details

This airport in Los Angeles has two terminals and a total of 14 gates, with nine gates in Terminal A and 5 in Terminal B. It is a domestic airport, and only seven airlines fly here. The Southwest airline offers direct service to BUR from 10 cities of the United States, whereas JetBlue provides direct service to New York and Boston. This place covers an area of 555 acres (224 ha) of land and consists of two asphalt runways. It remains open from 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Distance and Transport

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown Burbank

1. Taxi: All the taxis and shuttles are there at the pedestrian islands in front of the airport terminal.
2. Metro: Local bus routes are accessible and served by Metro and Burbank bus. Free shuttles are there to ride from the airport to Burbank Metrolink station. The bus stop is at the floor level of RITC.
3. Trains: The train station is served by Metrolink trains on weekdays, and there are daily services from Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains.

Services and Facilities

1. Eateries: In total, there are about 14 food and drink outlets distributed throughout the terminals, including Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar Burbank. However, they don’t have any 24-hour open food or beverage concession.

2. Shopping:  Even though duty-free shopping is not available, there are quite a few newsagents within the terminal that offers many gifts and souvenirs to buy.

3. ATMs: There are many ATMs available if you want to withdraw money. They are placed at the landside, airside, and outside of the car valet parking lot.

4. Pet relief area: The airport offers a pet-friendly area at Terminal B where your furry friends can take a rest and drink water.

5. Wi-Fi: Connect to the “NBC4” network to use their free Wi-Fi

Apart from this, there is John Wayne International airport nearest to all the theme parks and Ontario International Airport, best if you are staying in San Bernardino County. Besides, there is the Long Beach airport that offers domestic services and is the smallest compared to the rest.