Los Angeles International Airport
LAX as it is commonly referred to because of its airport code, or Los Angeles International airport, to give it its full name, is the fourth busiest airport in the world with more than 60 million passengers going through there each year. The location of the airport has held an aviation field since 1928 when it was called Miles Field and it became a commercial airport in 1946. The LAX that we know today was constructed in 1961 and it has been expanded and developed over time to cope with the growing number of passengers and airplanes that use the airport each year. Today the airport has a central complex that is home to nine passenger terminals which are all connected by U-shaped two tier road. Get yourself familiar with the overall airport layout before you go, and try to have your onward travel booked before you fly, or at least have a plan on how you are going to get wherever you want to go.
More About Los Angeles Airport
Airport Car Hire
LAX airport is a huge hub for car hire, there are over 40 car hire providers in and around the airport, however, when you are booking, check exactly where your company is located. There are a number of providers who provide a pickup service at the terminal to bring you to your hire car and then many more providers who you call from airport courtesy phones at the airport to organize your shuttle. The offsite providers generally offer lower prices, so you will need to balance price and convenience for your booking. Car Book compares the prices and hire car discounts and offers from providers, and selects the best deals so you can pick the hire car that suits you best for your trip. For onsite providers, they will meet you under the purple sign “Hire Car Shuttles” on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim to bring you to your pick up point; Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Fox, Payless, National and Thrifty. Use the phone for all other providers.
Getting there & Away
Firstly check if your hotel provides a shuttle and if not, you have a few options to get to where you need to go. At the airport there are free shuttles that will bring you between terminals and to Parking Lot C or to the Metro Rail Green Line Station where you can connect to other transportation. From Parking Lot C, you can walk to the City Bus Centre. ‘Flyaway’ operates to and from the airprot and have the following routes; Van Nuys ($8), Union Station ($7), Westwood ($10) and Expo/La Brea ($7) seven days a week, check for suitable times. For Taxis at the airport, you will find a yellow Taxi sign on the lower level of each terminal, then get a ticket with typical fares. Always use the authorized taxis from LAX, you will recognize them by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation seal on the side of them.
Nearby Attractions
Welcome to Hollywood! LA is a veritable heaven for tourists, not just in Los Angeles city but around it and outside it, there is so much to do. With the year round great climate, LA is a city to be outdoors and active, so try the local forms of transport including skateboarding, rollerblading or cycling on Venice Beach. Depending on your budget you go shopping or just window shopping on Rodeo Drive. Get out of the city and visit the Griffith Observatory or go to Disney Land. Or use your hire car to see some famous sites, you can do day trips or overnights depending on how much time you have. Here are a few ideas; Bear Lake only 120kms, Joshua Tree 150kms, check out the famous Laguna Beach only 70kms from LA, or Palm Springs 125kms. When you have a little more time, why not spend a few days in San Diego and La Jolla only 150km down the road.