Key Highlights
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Los Angeles has six airports. It’s not just Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that serves the area.
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The best airport to pick will depend on where in Southern California you are going.
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Some smaller airports like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB) often make for a quicker and easier trip. People might like these more if they want less stress.
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Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the best way to get to the Inland Empire. John Wayne Airport works well for Orange County.
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Always think about how much it will cost and how long it will take to get on the ground. In California, getting to or from any of the airports can get expensive and take a good amount of time.
Introduction
Welcome to the City of Angels! When you plan a trip to Los Angeles, you might think that LAX is the only place to land. But the Greater Los Angeles area has six main airports. This gives people more choices than they may know. The way you move around Southern California can be tough at times. Picking the right place to arrive can help you save time, money, and stress. In this guide, you will get to know about all the airports in the Los Angeles area. This will help you choose the best one for your travel plans in California.
Comprehensive List of Los Angeles Airports
The Los Angeles area has the los angeles international airport, called LAX, but that is not the only place people can fly in or out of. There are five more airports you can use for your trip.
The other options are hollywood burbank airport (BUR), long beach airport (LGB), john wayne airport (SNA) in orange county, ontario international airport (ONT), and san bernardino international airport (SBD). Each airport is in a different area, so one may work better for you depending on where you want to go in los angeles, burbank, ontario, or nearby places.
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport, known by most people as LAX, is the main international airport in the los angeles area. This airport is the busiest in the world when it comes to people starting or ending their trips here. In 2019, over 88 million people went through LAX. It is a huge place for both domestic and international airlines.
If you are going to the West Side, Mid-City, the South Bay, or downtown los angeles, LAX will be the best option for you. Many major airlines fly in and out of this airport, so los angeles world is well connected to places all over the world.
There can be a lot of traffic getting to or leaving LAX, especially at busy times or on holidays. It is a good idea to plan ahead and have extra time before your flight. This will help you get through this busy place without stress.
2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), once called Bob Hope Airport, is a great choice instead of LAX. This is true for people staying in the San Fernando Valley, East Los Angeles, or Pasadena. The airport is just three miles from downtown Burbank and around 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The location makes it very easy to get in and out.
The best part about Burbank airport is that it is easy to handle. There is much less traffic going to this airport. The check-in and security lines the are short, and the staff is fast. Because the airport is much smaller, the whole trip from curb to gate is quick, and you do not feel stressed.
It is a good idea to look at the total cost before you book. You might pay a little more to fly into BUR, but that can save you time and money. You also can skip the long drive and the heavy traffic you face when flying into LAX.
3. Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the place to go if you want an easy, smooth flying experience. It is just three miles from downtown Long Beach. You can use this airport if you plan to stay around Long Beach, in the South Bay, or northern Orange County cities. People know it for its modern look and chill vibe.
At LGB, they mostly have domestic flights. JetBlue Airways is one of the big names here. If you have ever been to LAX, you know it can get a bit wild. Long Beach Airport is not like that. Things move faster here. You will not have to walk far, stand in long lines, or wait forever when you get off your flight. Most people get out of here quicker than at LAX.
You arrive at Donald Douglas Drive, where the ground transportation is right there, by the curb. You can choose from different rideshare services. This is one reason people like to fly in and out of Long Beach Airport, both locals and guests.
4. John Wayne Airport (SNA)
If you are going to Orange County, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is your best choice. The airport is in Santa Ana, and it is the only airport in Orange County with commercial flights. Landing at John Wayne Airport can help you avoid the heavy traffic between Los Angeles and Orange County.
This airport works well for people traveling to Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, or Costa Mesa. If you want to visit Disneyland, you will find that John Wayne Airport is the closest airport to the park. It can save you time and trouble compared to going to LAX.
The airport is not big, but it is modern and runs smoothly. Getting through security and reaching your gate is often faster here than at larger airports, making your travel in or out of the Orange County area much easier.
5. Ontario International Airport (ONT)
If you are heading east of Los Angeles, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is your best choice. The airport be in the middle of the Inland Empire. It is just about two miles from downtown Ontario and around 38 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This makes it a simple way to get to a big part of Southern California.
Are you planning to go to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or the Coachella Valley? Using ONT will get you much closer to these places and help you stay out of Los Angeles traffic jams. The airport be a good pick if you want to visit other nearby spots like Riverside or San Bernardino.
Getting to Ontario International Airport is easy with the major freeways. This makes it simple for people to rent a car or get picked up from the airport. If you try to go from LAX to these places, it is a long mess on the road. That is why ONT is a smart, easy, and good option for your trip across California.
6. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is one of the smaller airports in the greater Los Angeles area. The airport is on the land that was once the Norton Air Force Base. SBD mostly helps people from the Inland Empire, which is made up of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
SBD does not have as many flights as other airports in Los Angeles. But, it is a good choice if you do not want the stress that comes from busy, big airports. Because SBD is small, your time from parking to boarding the plane will be quick and simple. This can be better for you if you want to get away from the crowds and long lines at bigger places.
This airport keeps growing and offers more flights. It is now a real choice for people who live in or visit the eastern side of the greater Los Angeles area or the Inland Empire. You might want to think about using this airport the next time you travel or need to fly out of the Los Angeles area.
Major International vs. Domestic Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County has a few airports that are good for different types of trips. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main place for international flights. LAX connects Southern California and the whole world by working with many international airlines.
Other airports in the area—like Burbank, Long Beach, and John Wayne—mostly have flights inside the United States. Some of these airports do have a small number of flights to Mexico or Canada, but their main job is making it easy for people to fly within the country. These airports help spread out air traffic and keep LAX from getting too crowded.
Key Features of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport in the area. It is a big place and is made to handle millions of people every year. LAX is known for being the top spot for long trips and international flights. You can fly to just about anywhere in the world from here.
LAX is known as the West Coast’s biggest major international gateway. It is a main stop for many flights that connect people to other places. This is why you see so many people just going through the airport to get to another city or country. Each terminal of LAX has many major airlines, including both U.S. and international airlines.
Key characteristics of LAX include:
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Global Connectivity: Works as a main hub for many international airlines.
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Massive Scale: Has a lot of terminals that are spread out over a big area.
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High Passenger Volume: Is one of the busiest airports in the world.
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Full Service: Gives a lot of services for people flying with all major airlines.
Main Differences Between LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Choosing between LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) often comes down to a trade-off between flight options and convenience. The main differences between the two are scale, location, and the overall travel experience. LAX is a global behemoth, while the Burbank airport offers a more streamlined, local feel.
LAX provides a vast number of domestic and international flights but comes with the stress of traffic, crowds, and long walks through terminals. In contrast, BUR has fewer flight options but is famously easy to navigate, with short lines and quick access to Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. Your choice depends on what you value more for your trip.
Here’s a quick comparison of their key differences:
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Feature |
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) |
|---|---|---|
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Size & Scale |
Massive, multiple terminals, very crowded |
Small, two terminals, manageable crowds |
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Travel Experience |
Can be stressful, long lines, heavy traffic |
Relaxed, short lines, minimal traffic |
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Location |
West Side, near the coast |
San Fernando Valley, closer to Hollywood |
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Flight Options |
Extensive international and domestic flights |
Primarily domestic flights, fewer options |
Navigating Los Angeles Airports: Transportation and Accessibility
When you get off the plane, the next thing to do is figure out how to get where you want to go. Los Angeles airports have many ways for people to get around and get to their destination. You can use rideshare cars, the Metro Bus system, taxi cabs, or public buses. Still, getting from the airport to downtown Los Angeles can take some planning. It is usually better to think about your ride before you arrive.
You will find choices like the Metro Bus, shuttle vans, and taxi cabs at the airport. How easy and good these are depends on which airport you are at. We will talk about some of the usual ways people get where they need to go once they pick up their bags.
Public Transportation Options From Los Angeles Airports
Public transportation can get you from Los Angeles airports, but there are only a few direct rail links. People use Uber and Lyft a lot at all airports. But, these rides can be expensive. If you want to save money, check out buses and shuttles.
At LAX, you can’t take Metro Rail straight from the airport. Still, the LAX Flyaway bus is a good service. It gives cheap rides to Union Station, where you can get on Metro Rail or Metrolink, and also to Van Nuys. Airports like LGB have bus options too, like Long Beach Transit.
Here are some ground transportation options:
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Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are easy to get but they add extra airport charges.
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LAX Flyaway Bus: This is a cheaper shuttle that takes you from LAX to Union Station and Van Nuys.
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Public Buses: You can use the Metro Bus system or other local transit buses at the airports.
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Rail Connections: You can hop on Amtrak or Metrolink from places like Union Station.
Best Airports for Quick Access to Downtown LA
If you want to get to the city centre in Los Angeles, you may want to know which airport is the best option for going to Downtown Los Angeles. People often think LAX is close, but the traffic can make that short trip take a lot of time. So, using LAX can be slow and really stressful, especially during busy hours. Because of that, another airport can sometimes be the better choice.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), also called Burbank Airport, is often the fastest and easiest way to get to downtown. This airport is about 15 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. The drive from Burbank to the city centre usually does not have as much traffic as the way from LAX. This means you get less travel stress and you may save a lot of time, which is good for your trip.
A flight to Burbank may sometimes cost more than a flight to LAX. But you can end up saving money because ground transportation can be cheaper, and saving time matters too. People often want to have a smoother trip, so picking BUR or Burbank can be a good way to get into downtown Los Angeles quickly. Try to check or compare drive times and rideshare prices before you go. That way, you know if LAX is really the best option for your travel plans into Hollywood, bur, and the heart of Los Angeles.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the Los Angeles airports can be simple if you have the right details. It does not matter if you land at LAX, BUR, or SNA. When you know what each airport offers and how to get around, you will have a better time. Pick the airport that is best for you, and find out which way gets you to downtown LA the fastest. Knowing these things will help you have an easy trip. Your travel starts even before you get on the plane, so be sure you have the right facts for a smooth and happy journey in Los Angeles. If you want more help that fits what you need, you can ask for a consultation. Have a good and safe trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Los Angeles airport is best for avoiding crowds?
If you want to stay away from big crowds, try to use smaller airports instead. You can fly into Long Beach Airport (LGB), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario International Airport (ONT), or San Bernardino International Airport (SBD). These places make your trip easier and quicker than LAX. At long beach, ontario, John Wayne, or san bernardino, you will likely notice less stress. Using these smaller airports can help you start your trip in a better way.
What are the official websites for Los Angeles-area airports?
Each airport has a website where you get the best and latest details about flights, parking, and getting around. Just search the name of the airport online, like Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, or Ontario International Airport. This way, you find what you need about Los Angeles, Long Beach, Burbank, Hollywood, or Ontario.
Which Los Angeles airport should I use for a flight to San Francisco?
Flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco happen often. These flights leave from most airports in the area. You can fly out of LAX, Hollywood Burbank (BUR), or Ontario (ONT), as well as some others. To pick the best airport, look at which one is easiest for you to get to.