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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has nine passenger terminals arranged around a U-shaped Central Terminal Area (CTA). Whether you're flying domestically or catching an international connection, knowing your terminal before you arrive can save time.
| Airport | Los Angeles International Airport |
|---|---|
| Airport code | LAX |
| Total terminals | 9 |
| Terminal layout | U-shaped, two-level roadway |
| Total gates | 161 |
| Currently closed | Terminal 5 (demolition and rebuild) |
Located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, LAX serves as the main gateway to Southern California. The airport handles more than 70 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2025, LAX recorded 36.93 million departing passengers and 36.75 million arriving passengers, along with 580,996 aircraft operations.
LAX’s terminals sit in a horseshoe around the Central Terminal Area, with parking structures and roadways inside the loop. Departing passengers use the upper level; arriving passengers use the lower level. LAX has added pedestrian connections between many terminals.
Some connections require an airside shuttle bus rather than a walk. For example, the Regional Terminal (used exclusively by American Eagle) is only reachable by shuttle from Terminal 4.
LAX has nine passenger terminals, plus a separate Regional Terminal for American Eagle flights. Terminal 5 is currently closed for reconstruction.
Built in 1984, LAX Terminal 1 has 14 gates and is home to Southwest Airlines (its LAX operating base) and JetBlue. It also handles check-in for Allegiant Air, Cayman Airways, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Viva Aerobus, among others. The terminal has been renovated and expanded over the years and will connect to the future CTA Center Automated People Mover Station.
Terminal 1 serves Gates 9-18B. Some international passengers check in at Terminal 1 and are then transported to Tom Bradley International Terminal’s West Gates for their flights.
LAX Terminal 2 has 13 gates and serves as a check-in point for Norse Atlantic Airways and WestJet. Delta Air Lines uses Terminal 2 as part of its LAX hub alongside Terminal 3. Gates 20-28 are now part of Delta's Terminal 3 complex and can be accessed from Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was built in 1962 and has gone through major changes in recent years.
LAX Terminal 3 was opened in 1961 and operates 15 gates, with the new Terminal 3 concourse featuring 11 gates. Terminal 3 is a Delta Air Lines hub (paired with Terminal 2) and also handles check-in for Delta’s SkyTeam partners like Aeroméxico. Terminal 3 underwent a rebuild in 2023 as part of the "Delta Sky Way at LAX” project and now includes a Delta Sky Club and the Delta One Lounge.
LAX Terminal 4 has 16 gates and is American Airlines’ primary LAX hub. Following the 2025 closure of Terminal 5 (see below), American Airlines relocated affected operations to Terminal 4 and TBIT. The terminal includes an Admirals Club and a Flagship Lounge. Terminal 4 is also undergoing major modernization. Terminal 4 is part of the $1.6 billion modernization of Terminals 4 and 5, which includes a unified departure hall, a new south concourse, and more space for holding rooms, concessions, and restrooms.
Terminal 5 had 17 gates before closing for demolition and reconstruction in 2025. Terminal 5 is part of the broader modernization of Terminals 4 and 5. LAX anticipates reopening Terminal 5 in 2028.
Originally opened in 1963, LAX Terminal 6 features 16 gates and serves as the hub for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. It's also used by Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Horizon, Porter Airlines, and Southern Airways Express. The terminal includes an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and an Alaska Airlines Lounge.
LAX Terminal 7 has 13 gates and, together with Terminal 8, forms the United Airlines hub at LAX. The terminal includes United Club and United Polaris Lounge facilities, and a Federal Inspection Station (a customs area on the arrivals floor) used by international United flights. A multi-million-dollar renovation was completed in 2019, adding an expanded ticketing lobby, improved security screening, upgraded seating, and additional charging stations.
LAX Terminal 8 has 8 gates and operates as an extension of Terminal 7. It doesn’t have its own ticketing counters, security checkpoint, or baggage claim, relying entirely on Terminal 7’s facilities. Originally known as Concourse 8 or Satellite 8, the terminal serves as a hub for United Airlines.
TBIT is LAX’s primary international terminal, with 40 gates split across five areas: the North Concourse, South Concourse, West Gates, Bus Gates, and a Bus Port. International carriers operating at Terminal B include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways, among many others. TBIT has multiple lounges, including alliance lounges for Oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance, plus individual lounges operated by multiple airlines.
A smaller, physically separate terminal east of Terminal 8, the Regional Terminal has 9 gates and is used exclusively by American Eagle flights. The terminal is popularly known as the Eagle's Nest. Since it isn’t connected to the main terminal complex, passengers reach it via a dedicated shuttle bus from Terminal 4.
One of the biggest improvements at LAX is the ability for ticketed passengers to move between terminals after security check. Following modernization work completed in 2023, passengers can use post-security pedestrian connections across the terminal area without going through TSA multiple times. LAX says the total path from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 is approximately two miles, meaning you don’t always need to leave the secure area to make a terminal connection.
LAX has pedestrian connections between many terminals, but whether you can remain inside the secure area depends on your connection. Passengers connecting within Terminals 5, 6, 7, 8 and Terminal B can remain airside, while some connections from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 require passengers to exit security and be screened again.
Free shuttles operate throughout LAX for travelers who prefer not to walk. These terminal-to-terminal buses are useful for travelers who prefer not to walk or whose airline connection requires a shuttle. The Airline/Terminal Connections shuttle provides terminal-to-terminal service 24 hours a day. Separate shuttles serve Budget and Economy Parking, while the Metro Connector links the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Because construction can affect roads and terminal access, follow the airport signs and your airline’s instructions rather than relying on an older shuttle route you found online. Many airport-area hotels and offsite parking lots also offer shuttle service.
LAX terminals offer a wide range of dining, shopping, and passenger services. Tom Bradley International Terminal has one of the airport’s largest selections, including its Great Hall, international dining, retail stores, and airline lounges. Other terminals also offer food and beverage outlets, newsstands, stores, and charging areas.
Passengers with a valid same-day boarding pass can access other terminals for additional dining and retail options. Just make sure you leave enough time to get back to your departure gate.
LAX provides nursing rooms across the terminal complex. According to the official LAX site, nursing rooms are available at these locations:
Tom Bradley also has children’s play areas. Parents should still check the current terminal map for the closest facility because locations can change during construction.
LAX provides animal relief areas both before and after security.
The airport’s current accessibility information lists post-security relief areas in terminals including Terminal 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and Tom Bradley International Terminal. LAX also provides outdoor relief areas around the Central Terminal Area. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) also features a Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program to provide stress relief and comfort to passengers through pet interaction.
Passengers traveling with pets or service animals should check their airline's rules and procedures before their trip.
LAX provides accessibility services and facilities for passengers with disabilities, including accessible restrooms and wheelchair assistance.
Passengers who need wheelchair assistance should arrange the service through their airline before traveling. LAX also provides specialized assistance for eligible travelers making terminal connections. Other services at LAX include adult changing stations, first aid stations, complimentary ADA paratransit services, the Aira app for blind and low-vision travelers, and accessible parking.
LAX offers several ground transportation options, including:
LAX’s transportation operations continue to evolve as airport modernization work progresses, so check out the current airport transportation information before your trip. For airport parking rates, offsite long-term parking, and reservations, use Way’s dedicated LAX Airport Parking page.
The Central Terminal Area's parking structures sit inside the terminal loop, but choosing a parking facility is a separate decision from choosing your terminal.
For the best parking option for your trip, compare onsite and offsite LAX parking, current rates, shuttle services, and reservation options on Way. If you are using offsite parking, allow additional time to park and take the shuttle to your terminal.
Check your terminal before leaving home: Airline assignments can change, especially while LAX modernization projects continue.
Know whether your airline’s check-in and departure locations are the same: They aren’t always. Delta, WestJet, and several international carriers are examples where travelers may check in at one location and depart from another.
Give yourself extra time for connections: LAX is large, and although many terminal connections can now be made post-security, long walks are still possible.
Watch airport signs: Construction and temporary closures can change pedestrian and vehicle routes.
Don’t rely on an old terminal guide: Terminal 5’s current closure is a good example of why travelers should verify the latest information.
Keep your boarding pass handy: A valid same-day boarding pass gives you access to the secure area and other terminals' amenities, subject to screening.
Yes. Some airlines have separate check-in and departure locations at LAX. For example, WestJet passengers check in at Terminal 2 but use Terminal 3 for security and departures, while some international passengers check in at one terminal and are transported to Terminal B for their flight. Check your airline’s current instructions before heading to the airport.
Yes. Travelers with a valid same-day boarding pass can access other terminals for dining and retail options. This can be useful during a long layover, but leave enough time to return to your departure terminal and gate.
First, check your airline and gate information. Depending on the terminals, you may be able to walk through a post-security connection. Otherwise, use the courtesy shuttle service, which offers terminal-to-terminal connections and operates 24 hours daily.
Generally, no. LAX limits access to secure areas to ticketed passengers and authorized individuals. However, airlines may accommodate requests from individuals who need to accompany a minor, a passenger with a disability, or an elderly passenger to a departure gate.
No, passenger and personnel access hours can vary by terminal. Travelers should check with their airline for the applicable hours rather than assuming every terminal operates on the same schedule.
Yes. Service animals can travel between terminals with you, and passengers with disabilities can also ride the ADA shuttle with service animals and medical devices.
