Los Angeles has five commercial airports where you can book a scheduled passenger flight. The total number of airports in the Los Angeles basin jumps to over 20 when you count general aviation and executive airfields.
Most travelers only need to know about the five airports that actually serve commercial airlines. Choosing the right one can save you hours of ground transit time in Southern California traffic.
This guide names every commercial airport, gives exact IATA codes, and explains ground transfers to where you are actually going. You will know which airport to book before you search for flights.
How Many Airports in Los Angeles Total
The greater Los Angeles area has over 20 airports including commercial service airports, general aviation fields, and military airfields. Only five airports serve scheduled commercial passenger flights bookable by the public.
The five commercial airports are Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Ontario International Airport. Every other airport in the region handles private planes, cargo, or military operations.
First-time visitors often see airport codes like VNY for Van Nuys Airport in search results and assume it is a booking option. Van Nuys is a busy general aviation airport but does not serve any commercial passenger airlines.
The FAA classifies Los Angeles International Airport as a large hub primary airport while the other four are medium or small hub airports. This classification reflects passenger volume not airport quality or convenience.
Budget travelers should note that the total airport count includes no secondary commercial airport that matches LAX for long-haul international flights. If you are flying from overseas, LAX will almost certainly be your arrival airport.
Los Angeles Commercial Airports vs Private Airports
Los Angeles commercial airports are the five fields with scheduled airline service while private airports serve general aviation, charter flights, and corporate jets. Knowing the difference saves you from wasting time researching airports you cannot book a ticket to.
The private airports in the Los Angeles basin include Van Nuys Airport, Santa Monica Airport, Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Compton Woodley Airport, and Brackett Field among others. None of these sell tickets on commercial airlines.
Business travelers flying on corporate jets or charter flights will use private airports far more than the commercial terminals. Van Nuys Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States for private jet traffic.
The commercial airports all have fixed-base operators handling private aircraft alongside their passenger terminals. LAX, BUR, and SNA all serve private aviation in addition to their scheduled airline operations.
Budget travelers searching for flights should limit searches to LAX, BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT airport codes. Adding VNY or SMO to a flight search will return no results because those airports have no commercial airline service.
| Airport Name | IATA Code | Commercial Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles International | LAX | Yes | International, all domestic |
| Hollywood Burbank | BUR | Yes | Hollywood, downtown LA |
| Long Beach | LGB | Yes | Anaheim, coastal Orange County |
| John Wayne Orange County | SNA | Yes | Disneyland, Irvine, Newport |
| Ontario International | ONT | Yes | Inland Empire, eastern LA County |
| Van Nuys | VNY | No | Private jets only |
| Santa Monica | SMO | No | Private aviation only |
Los Angeles International Airport LAX Overview
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary international gateway for Southern California with nine passenger terminals served by over 60 airlines. It handles more passengers than any other airport on the US West Coast.
The airport sits approximately 16 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles with ground transfer times ranging from 30 minutes to over 90 minutes depending on traffic. The Tom Bradley International Terminal handles most long-haul international arrivals.
First-time international travelers will arrive at LAX for virtually all flights from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. The immigration hall at Tom Bradley International Terminal processes thousands of passengers hourly during peak arrival banks.
The airport is undergoing a multi-billion dollar modernization program with new terminal connectors, an automated people mover train, and a consolidated rental car facility. Construction continues to affect roadway access in 2026.
Business travelers should build in extra ground transfer time when departing LAX during weekday afternoon hours. The 405 freeway access to LAX is some of the most congested roadway in the United States between 3pm and 7pm.
Key Takeaway: LAX is the only Los Angeles airport for most international flights; domestic travelers should check BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT before defaulting to LAX.
Hollywood Burbank Airport BUR Guide
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the closest commercial airport to Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley. It offers a significantly less stressful passenger experience than LAX.
The airport has two terminals with Southwest Airlines operating the majority of flights. Other carriers include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines serving primarily West Coast and select transcontinental routes.
Business travelers heading to downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood should choose BUR over LAX whenever their route is available. The drive from BUR to downtown takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes compared to 45 to 90 minutes from LAX.
The Amtrak and Metrolink train station sits adjacent to the BUR terminal building. You can walk from the baggage claim to the train platform in under five minutes for connections to downtown Los Angeles Union Station.
Solo travelers who value a calm airport experience will appreciate BUR’s compact size and quick security lines. The entire airport from curb to gate takes under 15 minutes on a normal weekday morning.
Long Beach Airport LGB Overview
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a small commercial airport serving southern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County with a famously relaxed passenger experience. The open-air concourse design feels more like a resort arrival than a major airport.
Southwest Airlines dominates LGB operations with the majority of flights connecting to Northern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver. Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines also serve select routes from LGB.
Families with young children will find LGB to be the least stressful airport in the Los Angeles region. The small terminal means shorter walks, fewer crowds, and a manageable security checkpoint even during peak periods.
The airport sits approximately 20 miles from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim with a typical drive time of 25 to 40 minutes. This is comparable to John Wayne Airport SNA for Disneyland access but with a calmer airport experience.
Budget travelers flying Southwest Airlines should compare fares at LGB against LAX and BUR. Southwest often prices LGB departures competitively with LAX while offering a much better pre-flight experience.
John Wayne Airport SNA Orange County Overview
John Wayne Airport (SNA) serves Orange County with flights from major US carriers to destinations across the country. The airport is the closest commercial option to Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, and Irvine.
The airport has three terminals with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines providing the most service. International flights are limited to Mexico and Canada with no long-haul overseas routes.
Families visiting Disneyland should prioritize SNA for the shortest ground transfer to Anaheim resort hotels. The drive from SNA to the Disneyland entrance takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
The airport operates under a strict noise curfew with no commercial departures after 10pm and no arrivals before 7am. This makes SNA unusable for late-night arrivals but preserves a quieter experience for daytime travelers.
Business travelers heading to Irvine, Newport Beach, or Costa Mesa will find SNA dramatically more convenient than LAX. The ground transfer time difference can exceed 60 minutes during weekday afternoon traffic.
Key Takeaway: SNA is the best airport for Disneyland and Orange County business destinations; the noise curfew makes late-night flights impossible.
Ontario International Airport ONT Overview
Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the Inland Empire region east of Los Angeles with flights from major US carriers. The airport offers a calm alternative to LAX for travelers whose destination lies east of downtown Los Angeles.
The airport has two terminals with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines providing the most service. International flights serve Mexico with limited options for other international destinations.
Budget travelers heading to destinations east of downtown LA like Pomona, Riverside, or San Bernardino should compare ONT fares against LAX. The ground transfer savings on the eastern side of the metro area can be substantial.
ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles with a typical drive time of 45 to 60 minutes. The airport does not make geographic sense for travelers staying in Santa Monica, Hollywood, or coastal Los Angeles.
Families living in or visiting the Inland Empire will find ONT to be the obvious choice for any route it serves. The airport is clean, modern, and significantly less congested than LAX with faster security processing.
Ground Transportation from LAX to Los Angeles Destinations
LAX ground transportation connects to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and surrounding areas through multiple options at different price points. The FlyAway Bus service is the most cost-effective public transit option to downtown LA and Van Nuys.
The FlyAway Bus from LAX to Los Angeles Union Station costs a flat fare and operates approximately every 30 minutes during daytime hours. The trip takes 35 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions on the 110 freeway.
Budget travelers should use the FlyAway Bus to reach Union Station then connect to Metro Rail lines for Hollywood, Pasadena, or Santa Monica. This combination costs far less than a taxi or rideshare from LAX to the same destinations.
Rideshare pickup at LAX now operates from a dedicated LAX-it lot adjacent to Terminal 1. A shuttle bus connects the remaining terminals to the LAX-it lot during the ongoing construction period.
First-time visitors arriving at LAX should research the FlyAway Bus route before landing. The bus is easier to navigate than the Metro Rail connection which requires a shuttle bus transfer before reaching the train station.
Ground Transfer Options from LAX:
FlyAway Bus to Union Station: flat fare, 35 to 60 minutes
FlyAway Bus to Van Nuys: flat fare, 35 to 50 minutes
Metro Crenshaw Line: rail connection via shuttle bus to Aviation/Century Station
Rideshare: variable pricing to downtown LA, 30 to 75 minutes
Taxi: metered fare to downtown LA, 35 to 75 minutes
Ground Transportation from Burbank to Hollywood and Downtown
Hollywood Burbank Airport ground transportation to Hollywood takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes by car or rideshare. The airport is the closest commercial airfield to Hollywood, Universal Studios, and the eastern San Fernando Valley.
The Amtrak and Metrolink train station adjacent to the BUR terminal offers direct service to downtown Los Angeles Union Station. The train ride takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes with frequent departures on weekday schedules.
Solo travelers heading to Hollywood or downtown LA should take the train from BUR to Union Station. The walk from baggage claim to the train platform is under five minutes making this the easiest rail-to-air connection in Southern California.
Rideshare from BUR to Hollywood Boulevard costs significantly less than a rideshare from LAX to the same destination. The shorter distance and less congested freeway route make BUR the clear winner for Hollywood access.
Business travelers with meetings in downtown LA can take the Metrolink train from BUR to Union Station and walk to most downtown office buildings. This commute is faster and more predictable than driving from LAX in weekday traffic.
Airlines Serving Each Los Angeles Airport
Each Los Angeles commercial airport hosts a different mix of airlines with LAX offering the most comprehensive service and the regional airports serving primarily domestic routes. Southwest Airlines maintains a strong presence at BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT.
Los Angeles International Airport hosts over 60 airlines including every major US carrier, most international flag carriers, and several low-cost carriers. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines all operate hubs or focus city operations at LAX.
Budget travelers will find Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines at LAX while Southwest Airlines dominates the regional airports for low-fare domestic options. Comparing Southwest fares across BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT often reveals significant price differences on the same travel date.
International carriers serving LAX include British Airways, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and ANA All Nippon Airways among many others. The regional airports have very limited international service to Mexico and Canada only.
Business travelers loyal to a specific airline should check which Los Angeles airports their carrier serves before booking. Southwest Airlines serves all five commercial airports while Delta, American, and United focus primarily on LAX with limited regional airport presence.
| Airport | Major Airlines | International? |
|---|---|---|
| LAX | All major US carriers, 60+ international | Global |
| BUR | Southwest, Alaska, American, Delta, United | No scheduled intl |
| LGB | Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian | No scheduled intl |
| SNA | Southwest, American, Delta, United, Alaska | Mexico, Canada |
| ONT | Southwest, American, Delta, United, Frontier | Mexico only |
LAX Terminals and Passenger Experience
Los Angeles International Airport has nine passenger terminals numbered 1 through 8 plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Terminal assignments change periodically as the airport modernization program reshapes the facility.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal handles most long-haul international departures and arrivals with modern gates, extensive dining options, and premium lounges. The terminal renovation completed several years ago delivers a genuinely pleasant international departure experience.
Business travelers connecting through LAX should verify the current terminal assignment for their connecting flight. The inter-terminal walkways and shuttle buses are functional but slow during peak periods.
Terminals 1 through 8 serve domestic and short-haul international flights with varying levels of renovation. Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 have been updated recently while older terminals show their age in seating areas and restroom facilities.
Families with a connection at LAX should build in at least 90 minutes between domestic flights to allow for terminal changes. The post-security connectors between some terminals are not yet complete which means exiting and re-clearing security for certain connections.
Key Takeaway: LAX is large, congested, and under construction in 2026; travelers with a regional airport option should avoid LAX for domestic flights whenever possible.
Which Los Angeles Airport Is Closest to Disneyland
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest commercial airport to Disneyland Resort with a drive time of approximately 15 to 25 minutes to the park entrance. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the second closest at roughly 25 to 40 minutes.
LAX is approximately 35 miles from Disneyland with a typical drive time of 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. The 405 and 5 freeway corridor between LAX and Anaheim is heavily congested during weekday afternoon hours.
Families visiting Disneyland should fly into SNA or LGB and avoid LAX unless international flight requirements force a LAX arrival. The ground transfer time savings with young children after a long flight is genuinely valuable.
Ontario International Airport sits approximately 30 miles from Disneyland with a drive time of 35 to 55 minutes. ONT makes geographic sense for families approaching from the east but SNA remains the closest option.
Budget travelers should compare total trip cost including ground transfer when choosing between airports for Disneyland access. A cheaper LAX fare may be offset by a longer and more expensive rideshare to Anaheim.
Which Los Angeles Airport for Hollywood and Santa Monica
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the best airport for Hollywood, Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Hills with a drive time of 15 to 25 minutes. LAX is the best airport for Santa Monica and Venice Beach with a drive time of 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
BUR sits approximately 8 miles from Hollywood Boulevard making it dramatically closer than LAX which is 18 miles from the same destination. The drive from BUR to Hollywood follows surface streets that are less congested than the LAX freeway access.
Solo travelers visiting Hollywood and West Hollywood should prioritize BUR for the combination of proximity and a calmer airport experience. The rideshare from BUR to Sunset Boulevard costs a fraction of the LAX to Hollywood fare.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are closest to LAX at approximately 8 to 12 miles distance with a 15 to 30 minute drive. BUR to Santa Monica requires crossing the Sepulveda Pass which can take 45 to 60 minutes in weekday traffic.
First-time visitors splitting time between Hollywood and the beach should consider flying into BUR and out of LAX. This open-jaw strategy puts you closest to each destination at arrival and departure with no backtracking.
Los Angeles Airport Selection for Connecting Flights
LAX is the primary connecting hub for flights to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific with extensive onward connections throughout the region. Domestic connecting passengers through Los Angeles should consider whether a regional airport offers a direct flight to their destination.
Connecting at LAX between domestic and international flights requires a terminal change in most cases. The minimum connection time at LAX is 90 minutes for domestic-to-international and 120 minutes for international-to-domestic connections.
Business travelers connecting through Los Angeles to Asia or Australia will almost certainly use LAX for the international leg. Check whether the domestic feeder flight arrives at a terminal close to the international departure gate.
Domestic connections through Los Angeles may be possible at BUR, LGB, SNA, or ONT but these airports offer limited connecting route networks. Southwest Airlines at BUR connects through to several West Coast and Mountain West destinations.
Budget travelers with a long layover at LAX should check whether a regional airport connection makes sense. A Southwest flight into BUR followed by a rideshare to Hollywood for a layover day can be more pleasant than 6 hours inside LAX.
Important Accuracy Notes for Los Angeles Airport Selection
LAX terminal assignments are changing due to the ongoing modernization program which affects connecting times and inter-terminal transfers.
Verify the following directly before traveling:
Your airline’s current terminal at LAX on the Los Angeles World Airports official website
Minimum connection time requirements on your specific booking at aa.com or your airline’s site
Rideshare pickup zone location at LAX which has changed during the construction period
Ground transfer time estimates using a traffic app at your planned arrival time of day
The single most important action is confirming your LAX terminal assignment 72 hours before departure because moves happen during the ongoing construction.
Budget Airlines and Cheapest Los Angeles Airport Options
Southwest Airlines serves all five Los Angeles commercial airports with competitive fares that make regional airport departures viable for budget travelers. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines operate primarily from LAX with ultra-low base fares.
The cheapest Los Angeles airport for a specific route depends entirely on the airline competition on that city pair. Southwest fares at BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT sometimes undercut LAX prices on the same date for the same destination.
Budget travelers should search Google Flights with the “Los Angeles (Any)” location code to compare fares across all five commercial airports simultaneously. This search returns LAX, BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT results in a single view.
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines fares from LAX appear cheapest on the base ticket price. The carry-on and checked bag fees on these carriers can make the total cost higher than a Southwest fare from a regional airport with bags included.
Families flying with checked luggage should compare the all-in cost including bag fees when evaluating budget airline fares from LAX. Southwest Airlines includes two checked bags with every fare which can swing the value comparison significantly.
Los Angeles Airport Passenger Experience Comparison
Long Beach Airport LGB offers the best passenger experience of any Los Angeles commercial airport with a calm open-air design and minimal crowds. LAX offers the most amenities but also the most congestion, longest lines, and highest stress level.
Hollywood Burbank Airport BUR ranks second for passenger experience with a compact terminal, quick security processing, and an adjacent train station for easy ground transfers. The airport feels manageable even during peak travel periods.
Solo travelers who value a low-stress airport experience should prioritize LGB and BUR for any route they serve. The time saved at security and the calm pre-flight atmosphere genuinely improves the travel day.
John Wayne Airport SNA and Ontario International Airport ONT offer pleasant mid-sized airport experiences that outperform LAX for passenger comfort. Both airports have modern facilities with shorter security lines and easier navigation.
Families with children should avoid LAX whenever a regional airport serves their route. The difference in stress level between LGB’s small terminal and LAX’s crowded departure halls is meaningful when traveling with young children.
| Airport | Passenger Experience | Security Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGB | Excellent, calm, open-air | Fast | Stress-free travel |
| BUR | Very good, compact | Fast | Convenience |
| SNA | Good, modern, uncrowded | Moderate | Orange County |
| ONT | Good, clean, spacious | Fast | Inland Empire |
| LAX | Congested, busy, under construction | Variable, often slow | International, no alternative |
Key Takeaway: LGB and BUR deliver dramatically better passenger experiences than LAX; choose them whenever your route is available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Airports
How many commercial airports are in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has five commercial airports where you can book scheduled passenger flights.
These airports are Los Angeles International (LAX), Hollywood Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), John Wayne (SNA), and Ontario International (ONT).
All other airports in the Los Angeles area serve general aviation, cargo, or military operations only.
Which Los Angeles airport is closest to Disneyland?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest commercial airport to Disneyland with a 15 to 25 minute drive to the park entrance.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the second closest at 25 to 40 minutes from Disneyland.
LAX is 45 to 75 minutes from Disneyland and should be avoided for Disneyland trips when SNA or LGB serve your departure city.
Is Burbank airport better than LAX?
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is better than LAX for domestic flights to Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.
BUR offers faster security, shorter walks, and a train station adjacent to the terminal for easy ground transfers.
The limitation is that BUR serves fewer routes than LAX with no international flights beyond Mexico.
How do I get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
The FlyAway Bus from LAX to Union Station costs a flat fare and takes 35 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Rideshare from LAX to downtown Los Angeles takes 30 to 75 minutes with variable pricing.
The Metro Rail connection requires a shuttle bus transfer from LAX to Aviation/Century Station before boarding the Crenshaw Line toward downtown.
What airlines fly out of Long Beach Airport?
Southwest Airlines operates the majority of flights from Long Beach Airport (LGB).
Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines also serve select routes from LGB.
The airport has no international scheduled passenger service beyond seasonal flights.
Which Los Angeles airport is cheapest to fly into?
The cheapest Los Angeles airport varies by route with Southwest Airlines fares at BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT sometimes undercutting LAX prices.
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines offer low base fares at LAX but bag fees can make the total cost higher.
Search Google Flights with the “Los Angeles (Any)” location code to compare all five airports simultaneously.
Los Angeles has exactly five commercial airports you can book a flight into. The right one depends entirely on where you are actually going in the sprawling Southern California basin.
Check flight availability at BUR, LGB, SNA, and ONT before defaulting to LAX for any domestic trip. The smaller airports deliver a better passenger experience and often put you closer to your destination.
Airline terminal assignments at LAX and route availability at regional airports change seasonally and without public notice. Confirm your airport and terminal on the official airport website before departure and verify ground transfer logistics with a traffic app on your travel day.
