LAX has 9 terminals around a horseshoe. Transit between terminals takes 15-20 minutes via shuttle. Plan accordingly.
2-hour layover
Stay airside. Eat at Border Grill (TBIT), Real Food Daily (T6), 800 Degrees (T7). Skip the food court.
3-hour layover
Lounge access if you have Priority Pass. AmEx Centurion at Terminal 4 (TBIT-connected). Otherwise sit-down restaurant + rest.
4-6 hour layover
Lounge + dedicated rest. International travelers: pre-clear customs makes returning easier.
6-8 hour layover
Uber to Venice Beach (15-30 min, $30-50) or Santa Monica (25-40 min, $35-60). Limited time for traffic.
8-12 hour layover
Get out to a beach or food spot. The LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station ($9.75, 30-50 min) opens up downtown LA + Korean BBQ + Grand Central Market.
Overnight layover (12+ hours)
LAX has on-site hotels: Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Gateway, Westin LAX. All $200-350/night. Or Uber to a hotel near Venice Beach for a more interesting layover.
Sleeping at LAX
TBIT (Tom Bradley International Terminal) is best for sleeping. Most terminals close 11pm-4am for passengers.
Best lounges
Amex Centurion (TBIT), Star Alliance Lounge (TBIT), Qantas First Class Lounge (TBIT), United Polaris (T7-8).
Inter-terminal transport
Free shuttle bus between terminals 24/7, every 10-15 min. Allow 20-30 min for connections.
Showers + freshening up
Terminals 1, 2, 4, 7 have lounges with showers. Priority Pass and elite status lounges include shower access.
Related travel guides
- Airport Lounge Access Guide
- Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR
- Credit cards with lounge access
- Pre-travel checklist
FAQs
How long is a “long” layover at LAX Airport (Los Angeles)?
4+ hours is when going outside the airport makes sense. 6+ hours is when you can do something memorable. 8+ hours opens up half-day city visits.
Can I leave the airport during a layover at LAX Airport (Los Angeles)?
Yes if you have time + your bags transfer automatically (verify with your airline). International transit varies by country.
What’s the best way to spend 6 hours at LAX Airport (Los Angeles)?
Eat, use a lounge if possible, and consider transit into the city if it’s 8+ hours total.
Are there showers at LAX Airport (Los Angeles)?
Yes, in premium lounges. Showers are typically in Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and airline first-class lounges.
Should I book a hotel for an overnight layover at LAX Airport (Los Angeles)?
Yes if budget allows. Sleep matters. On-site hotels usually $180-400/night.