Serving the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area, the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) has the unique distinction of being one of the world’s busiest airports. Combining both passenger and cargo traffic, LAX is the second busiest in the US and the third busiest in the world! Located strategically on the Pacific coast in Southern California, it sees a whopping 88 million passengers every year. It is a lifeline for the trans-Pacific air routes.
But for Angelinos, these distinctions mean fierce competition for reliable and affordable LAX parking spots from where they can park and fly. Finding parking at the Los Angeles airport is a hellish experience for many passengers. Not only do you have to contend with the expensive on-site LAX parking, but you have the hassle of getting there during rush hour or driving around looking for affordable spots.
To get the best Los Angeles parking spots, you’ll need to have all the answers to your questions at the tips of your fingers – like where to find the best parking at LAX airport; the cheapest rates that don’t leave your wallet too light; or even cheap off-site parking near LAX that can save you time, money, and stress!
We’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about parking in Los Angeles Airport. This way, you won’t be caught unawares about details like Los Angeles parking rates or even off-site LAX parking.
1. Review the LAX parking lots
Los Angeles parking spots are offered at several different lots at the airport. So you need to know where exactly you want to park, whether spots are available, and what the rates are like before heading over. Currently, on-site parking at LAX is offered at the Central Terminal Area (CTA) Parking, which has more than 8000 parking spaces spread across eight parking structures. There is an Economy Lot E, but it is closed until further notice. LAX valet parking is also provided by LAX Parking Curb Express.
Off-site valet parking lots are also available at places like the Marriott LAX parking lot, Sam’s Airport parking, and Park at LAX.
2. Compare the long-term and short-term rates for LAX parking
Your Los Angeles parking rates also vary, making it quite confusing to choose. Depending upon the duration of your trip, you can choose between long-term LAX parking or short-term LAX parking. Both of these are offered at the Central Terminal LAX parking lots. We’ve collected the Los Angeles parking rates and lots for your benefit in the tables below.
LAX on-site parking rates
| LAX Airport parking lot | LAX Airport parking rates |
| Central Terminal Long term parking | $40/day |
| Central Terminal Short term parking | Free for 15 minutes
$5 for the first hour after $4 for every 30 minutes after that |
| Economy Lot E | Temporarily closed |
3. Research the costs of on-site parking at LAX Airport
You would have noticed the steep price of on-site parking in Los Angeles airport. With a starting rate of $5/hour and reaching a maximum of $40/day, on-site LAX parking will probably cost you an arm and a leg. Since LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, the rates could also shoot up because of heavy demand. LAX Curb Express charges $29/day for indoor LAX valet parking and $26/day for outdoor LAX valet parking.
If you’d prefer a reliable and cheap off-site parking lot to the official Los Angeles parking lots, you can even use websites like Way.com to get you great deals on the same.
4. Check for cheaper off-site parking near LAX
You’ll be surprised to know that you can find affordable and safe parking near LAX just around the corner – at several off-site parking lots. Many websites allow you to search and compare the rates for convenient LAX parking at off-site lots that are well-maintained and secure. For example, through the Way.com parking app/website, you can browse, choose, and book LAX parking in just a few minutes at heavily slashed prices. Off-site rates can be as cheap as $4.50/day and will not cost you more than $20/day at the most! You can even avail special offers, discounts, and coupon benefits that will help you save up to 60%!
Most of these lots belong to hotels near LAX airport, and you can park there even if you are not booking a room with them. If you’re looking to catch a red-eye flight, you can book a room at a cheap rate and stretch your legs until it’s time to zip out. They even provide free shuttle services that are available 24×7, making it convenient for those late-night or early-morning flights!
5. Leave home early to beat rush hour traffic
The Los Angeles Airport is located approximately 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles. That means that at an average speed, it might take you around 35-45 minutes to travel one-way – but that’s only the best-case scenario! You may be delayed by as much as 90 minutes if you leave during peak rush hour or if there’s construction on the highway and you are forced to take a diversion. It’s better to be safe than sorry and plan so that you arrive well in advance at LAX airport and don’t miss your flight.
Other LAX parking tips
- There is free parking at the cell phone lot. You can park here for a maximum of 2 hours while picking friends or family.
- Parking coupons are often available for LAX parking and can be availed through sites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Ebates.
- Rideshares like Uber and Lyft aren’t allowed at LAX airport terminals, so you’ll have to walk to LAX-it or take a shuttle there. You’ll find shuttles to LAX-it outside baggage claim on level one.
- There are no pre-security food options at LAX airport. So, if you’re planning on grabbing a bite before your trip, it would be a good idea to dine at a nearby restaurant before parking at Los Angeles Airport.
- The LAX airport is a shopper’s paradise. You can probably find some great bargains on popular brands here.