How to Choose the Right LAX Airport Parking Options for Your Trip?

Are you worried that finding a parking spot at LAX Airport might be more stressful than the flight itself? You are not alone. Nobody dreams of circling LAX looking for a parking spot while their flight board ticks away. To keep your stress low, take advantage of the variety of lots available, whether you are looking to save money or spend more on a closer spot. The ultimate pro-tip? Book your spot online in advance. It takes the mystery out of the process, making the Los Angeles Airport’s parking experience surprisingly fast and easy.

So, stop overpaying! This comprehensive handbook covers essential transit fees and shuttle schedules, plus the ultimate “pro tips” for better discounts on every single trip. So, you get to know all about LAX Parking at length. 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Airport Parking Options:

Your trip starts the moment you pull into the airport, and choosing the right parking spot is the first step toward a stress-free journey. You can check the posted rates at the entrance before you pull in, as prices can fluctuate. Just a heads-up: your total will include a 10% city parking tax. 

Additionally, when it comes to paying, you have options! You can use your preferred mobile wallet (Apple Pay or Google Pay), a credit card, or cash at the designated payment stations. 

So, to find the best spot for your trip, take a close look at these LAX parking options– 

Central Terminal Area (CTA) Parking

For the fastest way to your flight, you can use one of the 7,000+ spaces in their eight CTA parking structures. Located directly across from the terminals, these spots are perfect for everything from overnight business trips to long vacations.

To ensure airport safety, all vehicles entering the area may be subject to random inspection. If you plan to leave your car for more than 30 days, please call ABM at 310-646-2911. Without a pre-approved extension, vehicles exceeding the 30-day limit may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Drive-Up General Parking:

• 10 Minutes Free Parking
• $9 first hour (P3 and P4: $11)
• $7 each additional 30 minutes (P3 and P4: $9)
• $60 maximum per 24-hour period

Premium Parking (P1, P3 & P7- Arrivals Level):

• 10 Minutes Free Parking
• $11 first hour
• $9 each additional 30 minutes
• $70 maximum per 24-hour period

Valet Parking (P1, P3, P4 & P7):

• $75 maximum per 24-hour period
• 24-hour minimum charge

Vehicle Height Restrictions:

Each CTA structure has marked vertical clearances:

• Structures 1, 3 & 4: 7’6” max (P1 Valet: 8’2”)
• Structures 2A & 6: 8’2” max
• Structure 2B: 6’10” max
• Structures 5 & 7: 7’0” max (P7 Valet: 8’2”)

LAX Economy Parking

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, LAX Economy Parking offers lower daily rates while still providing convenient airport access.

Drive-Up General Parking:

• $8 first hour
• $7 each additional 30 minutes
• $35 maximum per 24-hour period

This option works well for longer trips when you want to save money without parking too far away. You will have access to a covered garage as well as rooftop parking. Free shuttles are available for pickup and drop-off throughout the terminal. There are also provisions for EV charging. 

LAX Budget Parking

LAX Budget Parking is another affordable choice for travelers who don’t need premium convenience.

Drive-Up General Parking

• $5 first hour
  
• $20 maximum per 24-hour period

Therefore, this is one of the lowest daily rates available at the airport, making it ideal for extended stays. The surface lot is uncovered, and EV charging is not available. 

Van Nuys FlyAway Parking

If you are traveling via the FlyAway bus service, the Van Nuys FlyAway facility provides convenient public parking exclusively for FlyAway passengers.

Rates

• $2 per hour
• $6 maximum per day
• $12.75 to be paid for the FlyAway Bus
• Maximum vehicle height: 8 feet
  

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved parking is also available. For more details, contact the facility or visit the official Van Nuys FlyAway website. You can Prebook at a rate of $6 per day, and the prebook price doesn’t include the shuttle cost. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking at LAX

LAX Airport just got a major EV upgrade. LAWA has installed more than 1,200 new chargers across its main terminal and economy garages. Driving electric? You can make an advance booking to secure a guaranteed charging space before you leave home.

EV Charging Locations in CTA Garages: Here’s how the chargers are distributed:

• P1- 120 Level 2 (L2), 2 DC Fast Chargers (DCFC)
• P2A- 55 L2, 1 DCFC
• P2B- 39 L2
• P3- 87 L2, 1 DCFC
• P4- 89 L2, 1 DCFC
• P5- 60 L2
• P6- 114 L2, 1 DCFC
• P7- 186 L2, 2 DCFC
• LAX Economy Parking- 514 chargers
  

EV Charging Rates:

• Level 2: $2 per session + $0.45 per kWh
• DC Fast Charging: $2 per session + $0.80 per kWh

Additionally, you can stay plugged in for the entire duration of your trip; no idle fees apply.

Cell Phone Waiting Lots

If you are picking up arriving passengers, LAX offers two free Cell Phone Waiting Lots. Drivers may wait up to two hours for their passenger to be ready for pickup in the Central Terminal Area.

Original Cell Phone Waiting Lot:

• You will find it at 96th Street and Vicksburg Avenue
• Open 24 hours a day
• Easily accessible via La Tijera, Sepulveda, Manchester, and Century Boulevards
  

Secondary Cell Phone Waiting Lot:

• Located at the 96th Street and Alverstone Avenue
• Open daily from 6 AM to 2 AM
• Accessible via Sepulveda Boulevard and westbound Century Boulevard
  

Important guidelines you need to follow:

• No commercial or ride-service vehicles allowed
• Vehicles must be attended to at all times
• No shuttle service is provided
• No parking outside designated areas
  

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcycle riders can enjoy free parking in all General and Premium parking areas within the CTA structures. However, valet areas are excluded.

• Do not take a ticket when entering
• Do not park in car spaces
• Park only in approved areas such as row ends or corners
• Do not block access routes, elevators, doors, or disabled pathways
  

Furthermore, you must remember that violations may result in citations. LAWA is not responsible for damage or loss of motorcycles parked in CTA garages.

Bike Parking

At LAX Airport, you will find bike racks conveniently located all around the Central Terminal Area, making it a breeze to lock up your ride and catch your flight.

Valet Parking

You can park with convenience. You will have EV charging provision. The best part is that you do not have to search for parking. The airport authorities will handle this. You will be impressed by the professional and friendly service you receive. The daily rate is $75, which is also the maximum rate. 

Tips for Parking at Los Angeles International Airport:

Here are some essential tips for parking at LAX Airport. Hope it helps. 

• Reserve in Advance:

When you reserve your parking online, you ensure a spot is waiting for you even on the busiest travel days. Plus, you will enjoy exclusive online savings that make drive-up pricing look like a splurge.

• Plan Extra Time:

LAX Airport traffic is never consistent. Do yourself a favor and allow an extra hour for the parking and shuttle leg of the trip. You will thank yourself when you aren’t sprinting to your gate!

• Check Shuttle Pick-Up Points:

You must keep an eye out for the color-coded signs in the arrivals area. Identifying your shuttle’s specific pickup zone in advance eliminates guesswork and gets you on the road without extra hassle.

Explore our other blogs for more insights and updates.

Conclusion:

The best parking spot really depends on your priorities, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to park at LAX Airport. While the terminal spots are convenient, choosing the Economy or Budget lots can save you significant money, especially on long trips. Also, remember that booking your spot online in advance is the best way to secure the lowest possible rates. If you plan ahead, you can keep your travel costs down and your stress levels even lower.

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