Sprawling over 4000 square miles and with a 2009 estimated population of nearly 10 million, the Los Angeles region is far too large for just one airport to serve. One airport, LAX, handles international traffic and is the one most travelers consider when visiting the area. However, several smaller airports can be more convenient, especially for travelers planning to visit movie studios, the cruise ship port or popular theme parks.
From LAX you can go to almost any airport in the U.S. or the world, 24 hours a day. However, in exchange for this travel convenience, you tolerate high vendor prices, much traffic and large crowds. Its u-shaped configuration of nine passenger terminals served nearly 59.8 million passengers in 2008, making LAX number six in the world for total passenger traffic. The facility ranks as the world's busiest origin and destination airport, which refers to passengers beginning or ending flights in L.A., rather than connecting. Parking is available at 8,000 stalls with additional parking for 7,300 at a remote lot.
Los Angeles International Airport
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-646-5252
lawa.org
Located closer to the movie studios and entertainment venues of the San Fernando Valley, VNY is the world's busiest general aviation (non-commercial) airport with nearly 400,000 flights annually. It primarily serves business people and tourists using charter and corporate aircraft, as well as fire, police, air ambulance and news media aircraft. Its primary plus is convenience to the valley and the lack of crowds and traffic. Its main disadvantage is the absence of scheduled commercial flights.
Van Nuys Airport
16461 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-442-6500
lawa.org
If you're heading for a cruise at the port of Los Angeles or an exhibition at the Long Beach Convention Center, the closest airport is LGB. Its 1930s roots extends to a cramped and crowded Art Deco building and boarding procedures that require walking across the tarmac. But parking lots, rental cars and gates are a few steps away, while the friendly staff keeps everything low key and personable. The facility serves only domestic routes and offers free tours requiring advance reservations. Though the airport is open 24 hours a day, noise abatement procedures limit the number and methods of takeoffs and landings.
Long Beach Airport
4100 Donald Douglas Drive
Long Beach, CA. 90808
562-570-2600
longbeach.gov
If your ultimate destination is Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, or the surfing beaches of Orange County, then John Wayne Airport, also called Santa Ana Airport (SNA) or Orange County Airport, is the closest airport for you. Two modern terminals, built in 1990, handle only domestic flights for both commercial and private aircraft. Noise abatement regulations limit the noise levels and times for arrivals and departures.
John Wayne Airport
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA. 92707
949-252-5200
ocair.com
