Los Angeles Layover Guide (LAX)

What are you looking for in LAX?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the major international airport in Los Angeles, California, serving the city and its environs. It is located 30 km (18 mi) from the center of Los Angeles. The international airport was established in 1949. There are several flights to destinations worldwide and it serves as the world’s busiest origin and destination airport. Los Angeles is a global city and it is known for its great weather, lively culture, ethnic diversity, the entertainment industry, and Hollywood.

Can you leave Los Angeles Airport (LAX) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible for certain travelers to visit Los Angeles during a layover but others require a visa depending on nationality. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Los Angeles Organized Tours

Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience and enjoy up to 2 days of action-packed entertainment with thrilling theme park rides and shows and a tour of the world’s largest working movie studio. Got to go behind-the-scenes. Experience the largest street movie set in Hollywood history built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Explore popular sets like The War of the Worlds, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Walking Dead and even Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. » book this tour

Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood Tour

This iconic 110-acre backlot brought many incredible stories to the big screen! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood takes you behind the camera for a revealing look at your favorite TV shows and movies. This is an amazing experience that will leave you with great memories. Explore the “DC Universe: The Exhibit” which has original props and costumes from Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and enter the Picture Car Vault, currently featuring Batmobiles from the celebrated film series. Re-enact a scene from “Friends” on the iconic “Central Perk” set. Or choose to design your own Batmobile and movie costumes. There are many sets to explore and after the tour, the Warner Bros. Studio Retail store will offer the right souvenir! » book this tour

Los Angeles: 1-Hour Airplane Flight for 2 Persons

Take to the sky and fly soar over the iconic sights of Los Angeles as you soar above the skyscrapers. Experience the City of Angels like never before and see Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Sign, Dodger Stadium, and the spectacular Pacific coast beaches from a birds eye view. One person gets to even do a little flying! This flight will have you feeling like one of the Hollywood celebrities and give you lasting memories. » book this tour

Los Angeles Things to do / Sightseeing

Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory

Being the largest state park in California,Griffith Park is located in the eastern part of the Santa Monica mountains. A planetarium, Los Angeles zoo, Griffith Observatory, and other attractions can be located here. Yes! It is that large!! The Griffith Park and Observatory were named after Griffith J. Griffith who owned a greater part of the parkland.

Time required: 3 hours is recommended.

Airport to here: It usually takes 30 minutes to get here by taxi and 40 minutes by shuttle.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland has been attracting visitors since the 1950’s, it is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Apart from the rides and Disney characters wandering happily on the streets, the resort also offers a full complement of features and services required for a complete vacation. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and all kinds of entertainment you can think of are available at the Disneyland Resort.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: it takes 35 minutes and 50 minutes to get here by taxi and train respectively.

Hippodrome

The hippodrome was completed by Constantine the Great in AD 330 continuing from where Septimius Severus stopped. Even though there isn’t much left of the hippodrome to see, a small section of the gallery walls on the southern side is quite evident and is a historic site you cannot ignore.

Time required: An hour is recommended.

Airport to here: You can get here in 15 minutes by taxi or 53 minutes by tram.

TCL Chinese theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre originally known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was opened in 1927 and stands for the excess of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This theatre shows newly released films throughout the year and is certainly not a place to miss out on when on tour in LA.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes an average of 20 minutes to get here by taxi or 50 minutes by bus.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier, one of LA’s most iconic landmarks dates back to more than a 100 years. It is easily noticed by its solar-paneled Ferris wheel. This is also where Pacific Park amusement park is located where there’s also a roller coaster. The pier has an aquarium and is home to countless public activities, of which many are free.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes an average of 15 minutes to get the this location either by taxi or bus.

Venice Boardwalk

Located at the south of Santa Monica is the bohemian Venice. Walking down leads one to the iconic Venice Boardwalk which provides beautiful ocean views, shopping, bars, and eclectic street performers. Very important spots in the area are the Venice Skate Park and Muscle Beach Venice. You could also enjoy a coffee from Groundwork Coffee Company or Menotti’s Coffee Stop.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It may take one about 15 minutes to get here by taxi or an hour by bus.

Jumbo’s Clown Room

Being in existence since the 70’s, the small red and black themed bar is one of the most enjoyable places to be in LA. It is currently known as a famous bikini bar full of talented dancers and contortionists who perform to songs from an old jukebox. One isn’t permitted to take pictures here.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: It’s a 20 minutes drive to here by taxi or almost 45 minutes by bus.

Museum of Jurassic Technology

The Museum is not organized in any logical fashion and thus makes it difficult to explain what place it is , but one is assured to be fascinated by the surreal assemblage of unrelated objects even though some of the information here may not be entirely true. and some of the information may not be entirely true. Made from a strand of hair, a collection of tiny sculptures can be seen here. Then there is a whole gallery of paintings of dogs who were involved in the soviet space program.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes an average of 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 50 minutes to get here by bus.

Things to Do in Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The airport has several lounges » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Many hotels are found within a mile of the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no designated resting zones.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Connect to the “_LAX Free WiFi” network for the Free WiFi is available.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Los Angeles Airport (LAX) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: There are taxis to be found in front of each terminal of the arrivals.

Train: There's a shuttle that links passengers to the Metro Green Line. (more info).

Bus: There are several bus options to the city and back to the airport. (more info).

Shuttle: There are Airport hotel shuttle services and free shuttles with wifi that operates throughout the airport grounds.

Car rentals: Numerous rental car companies serve the airport and can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There is spacious parking available and it is possible to book a parking space in advance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no designated luggage storage spaces. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks