Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, featuring nine main passenger terminals arranged in a U-shaped layout around the Central Terminal Area (CTA): Terminals 1 through 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). Navigating this vast perimeter requires understanding the physical layout, inter-terminal distances, shuttle operations, and post-security walkways.

Transfers across LAX fall into two operational categories: Airside (Post-Security Connections) using elevated pedestrian bridge walkways or airside buses, and Landside (Pre-Security) using the complimentary LAX Shuttle buses along the lower level arrivals curb. Knowing exact distances, walking times, and terminal status updates is essential for avoiding missed connections.

LAX Inter-Terminal Distances & Transit Matrix
Route (Origin → Destination) Landside Transfer Airside (Post-Security) Walkway Distance & Est. Time
Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 2 Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Pedestrian Bridge 400 m (5 – 8 Mins)
Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 3 Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Delta Terminal Complex 350 m (4 – 6 Mins)
Terminal 3 ↔ Terminal B (Tom Bradley) Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Pedestrian Connector 500 m (6 – 10 Mins)
Terminal B ↔ West Gates (Gates 201-225) N/A (Airside Only) Underground Tunnel with Travelators 300 m (10 – 12 Mins)
Terminal B ↔ Terminal 4 Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Pedestrian Connector 250 m (3 – 5 Mins)
Terminal 4 ↔ Terminal 5 / 6 Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Subterranean / Elevated Tunnels 600 m (8 – 12 Mins)
Terminal 6 ↔ Terminal 7 / 8 Landside Sidewalk / LAX Shuttle Airside Passenger Walkways 500 m (6 – 10 Mins)
Full Horseshoe Loop (T1 to T8) LAX Shuttle Route A Continuous Airside Walkway Loop 3.5 km (35 – 50 Mins)

Golden Rule for LAX Connection Times

For domestic-to-domestic connections within the same terminal complex, budget at least 60 minutes. For inter-terminal transfers involving Terminal B (Tom Bradley) or changing airline alliances that require re-clearing security landside, budget a minimum of 90 to 150 minutes.

Terminal Overview & Operational Status

Each terminal at LAX hosts specific carriers, with several undergoing major multi-billion dollar modernizations:

Terminal 1

Primary Hub: Southwest Airlines

Includes a $477.5 million extension featuring a Vertical Core that will connect directly to the upcoming Automated People Mover (APM) station, a bus port, expanded ticketing counter space, and baggage carousels.

Terminals 2 & 3 (Delta Sky Way Complex)

Primary Hub: Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, LATAM

Gates 20-28 are part of the Terminal 3 complex. Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and LATAM check-in takes place in Terminal 2, with gate access via Terminal 3 connection bridges.

Terminals 4 & 5

Primary Hub: American Airlines, JetBlue

Undergoing a $1.6 billion modernization to create a unified departures hall and a new south concourse in Terminal 4. Note: Terminal 5 is temporarily closed for construction through 2028.

Terminals 6, 7 & 8

Primary Hub: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines

Terminals 7 and 8 feature expanded ticketing lobbies and a luxe United Club. Terminal 6 is undergoing a $230 million refresh to modernize ticketing and concourse areas.

Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal & West Gates)

Primary Hub: International Carriers, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qantas, Air France, Singapore Airlines

LAX’s flagship international terminal. Features the $1.73 billion West Gates expansion (Gates 201-225), accessible via an underground pedestrian tunnel equipped with high-speed moving travelators.

Terminal Airline Distribution

Airlines at LAX are mapped to specific check-in and departure concourses across the Central Terminal Area:

Terminal Key Carriers Primary Operations Transit Link
Terminal 1 Southwest Airlines Domestic Flights & Check-In Landside Walkway / T2 Connector
Terminal 2 Virgin Atlantic (Check-In), WestJet (Check-In), LATAM (Check-In) Ticketing & Bag Claim Airside Access to T3
Terminal 3 Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, LATAM Domestic & International Departures Airside Walkway to T-Bradley
Terminal 4 American Airlines Domestic & Transcontinental Hub Airside Bridge to T-Bradley & T5
Terminal 5 Closed for Modernization (Reopening 2028) N/A Under Construction
Terminal 6 Alaska Airlines, Air Canada Domestic & North American Routes Airside Tunnel to T5 / T7
Terminal 7 / 8 United Airlines, United Express Domestic & International Operations Airside Connector to T6
Terminal B (TBIT) Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qantas, Air France, ANA, Qatar Airways International Departures & Arrivals Central Hub with Walkways to T3 & T4

Detailed Inter-Terminal Routes & Transport Modes

Airside Connector Walkway Loop

Coverage: Terminals 1 through 8 & Terminal B | Est. Time: 5–45 minutes

LAX features a continuous post-security walkway system connecting all terminals airside.

  • No Re-Screening Needed: Walk post-security between T1, T2, T3, TBIT, T4, T6, T7, and T8 without exiting TSA checkpoints.
  • West Gates Tunnel: Access Gates 201-225 from Terminal B via the subterranean pedestrian walkway.

Landside LAX Shuttle Bus (Route A)

Coverage: All CTA Terminals | Frequency: Every 10 minutes (24/7)

For pre-security transfers along the main terminal loop.

  • Pick-up Location: Board at the lower arrivals level curbside under the blue "LAX Shuttles" signs.
  • Cost: 100% Free service operating continuously around the Central Terminal Area.

Step-by-Step Guide for Airside Connecting Passengers

If your luggage is checked through to your final destination, stay inside security (airside) to avoid TSA re-screening:

LAX Airside Transfer Procedure

Step 1

Follow Terminal Signs

Upon exiting your gate, locate directional overhead signage leading to your connecting terminal (e.g., "Terminal B Connector").

Step 2

Use Airside Walkways

Proceed through elevated overpass bridges or subterranean pedestrian tunnels connecting the concourses airside.

Step 3

Verify Departure Gate

Check the Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) located along the concourse corridors for gate updates.

Step 4

Board Next Flight

Arrive directly at your departure gate without having to re-clear TSA security screening checkpoints.

LAX Modernization Alert: Terminal 5 Closure

Terminal 5 is currently closed for major construction as part of LAX’s multi-billion dollar capital improvement program. Reopening is anticipated in 2028. Check with your airline prior to arrival for updated check-in locations and gate assignments.

Essential LAX Distance & Transit Takeaways

All LAX terminals are connected post-security via airside pedestrian walkways.
Free 24/7 LAX Shuttle (Route A) runs continuously around the lower level arrivals curb.
Terminal 5 is closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2028.
West Gates (Gates 201-225) are reached via an underground travelator tunnel from TBIT.
Allow at least 90–150 minutes for inter-terminal flight connections involving international security.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are inside the secure area, walk through the continuous post-security airside connectors linking Terminals 1–8 and Terminal B without re-clearing TSA. If you are outside security, board the free 24/7 LAX Shuttle (Route A) running along the lower arrivals curbside.

Yes. Following major infrastructure investments, all open terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and Terminal B) are fully connected airside via elevated overpass walkways and underground tunnels, allowing passengers to transfer without exiting security.

Terminal 5 is closed for major capital construction as part of LAX’s multi-billion dollar modernization initiative. The facility is being completely upgraded and is expected to reopen in 2028.

The West Gates complex is located west of Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal). After clearing security in Terminal B, proceed down to the underground pedestrian tunnel, which features high-speed moving travelators (approx. 10-minute walk).

Yes. LAX Shuttle Route A provides complimentary 24/7 service around the Central Terminal Area loop. Pick-up stops are located outside each terminal on the lower arrivals level under blue "LAX Shuttles" curbside signage.

Passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, LATAM, and WestJet check in at Terminal 2. After completing check-in and baggage drop, passengers walk to Terminal 3 to access their departure gates.

For domestic connections staying airside, allow at least 60 to 90 minutes. For international arrivals or connections requiring landside transfer between separate terminals, budget at least 120 to 150 minutes to accommodate US Customs and TSA re-screening.

Delta Air Lines operates out of the modernized Terminal 3 complex (which includes gates 20-28 in Terminal 2). Check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and departure gates are primarily managed in Terminal 3.

Rideshare pick-ups (Uber, Lyft, Ooli) take place at the dedicated "LAX-it" lot located adjacent to Terminal 1. Passengers can walk from Terminals 1, 2, 7, and 8, or board the free LAX-it shuttle bus from the lower arrivals level outside any terminal.

Yes. Access to LAX is strictly restricted 24/7 to ticketed airline passengers, persons meeting or assisting travelers, and authorized airport personnel. General public access without travel business is not permitted.