Getting Around

The city of LA sprawls over such a large area that getting around without a car can be frustrating and time consuming. The complex network of freeways connecting the sprawl can be intimidating, especially for those not used to driving in big cities, but with a map or good directions, hiring a car is the best and most popular way to see LA. If possible, visitors should avoid rush hour traffic, which is heaviest from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm, when freeways often come to a standstill.

It is also possible to get around by bus, but frequent transfers and long distances can make this slow and impractical, and it is not recommended for late-night travel. The Metro rail system has three lines, which cover only a small area of LA, but it is frequent and efficient. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive due to the long distances. Ride-hailing taxi services, such as Uber, are a good option.

Airports

Los Angeles International

The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) southwest of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles International (LAX)

Location

The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) southwest of Los Angeles.

Getting to the city

A free shuttle bus service runs to the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station from the lower level of each terminal. Another shuttle connects to the Bus Center, from where city buses serve the Los Angeles area. Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle are both shared-ride van services; reservations are recommended. Some hotels also offer transport. Ride-hailing taxi services, like Uber, are also available.

Time

GMT –8 (GMT -7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Vehicle rental sites are located off the airport property, but travellers can request a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available outside the lower level of the airport. Passengers receive a ticket stating the typical fare to major destinations. Airport authorized taxis display an official seal and passengers who use an unauthorized taxi service do so at their own risk. Ride-hailing taxi services, such as Uber, are also available.

Transfer between terminals

A free shuttle bus carries passengers between terminals.

Facilities

Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, mobile charging stations, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars.

Parking

The airport offers short and long-term parking and its car parks are connected to the terminals by the LAX shuttle bus. There is also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Parking is charged at $5 for the first hour and $4 per half hour thereafter, up to $40 per day. The Economy Lot is $4 for the first hour and $4 per hour after that up to $12 per day.

www.flylax.com/

Long Beach Airport

The airport is situated three miles (4.8km) northeast of Long Beach City, in Los Angeles County.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Location

The airport is situated three miles (4.8km) northeast of Long Beach City, in Los Angeles County.

Getting to the city

Long Beach Transit bus routes 102, 104 and 111 service the airport. Regular bus fare is $1.25. Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are also available at the airport.

Time

GMT –8 (GMT –7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.

Airport Taxis

Long Beach Yellow Cab taxis are available at the taxi stand outside the terminal. A taxi to downtown Los Angeles costs roughly $72 and a taxi to Disneyland costs about $66.

Facilities

The terminal has recently been renovated at Long Beach Airport and passengers should be able to find everything they need. Airport facilities include ATMs, gift shops, cafes, fast food outlets and a restaurant.

Parking

An hour of free parking is allowed in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. The hourly rate in all other parking lots is $2, with the first 15 minutes free, but daily rates do vary slightly, with Parking Lot B slightly cheaper than Parking Lot A. Valet parking is available.

www.lgb.org