| Quick Answer: LAX is the best choice when you need the most flights, international routes, or a specific airline, but it brings the most traffic and the longest trip from plane to car. Hollywood Burbank suits trips to the Valley, Hollywood, and Pasadena. Long Beach is easiest for the South Bay, Long Beach, and north Orange County. Pick by destination first, then prebook your ride if you land late or travel with bags or a group. |
Southern California has more than one front door. Most visitors default to LAX because it is the name they know, yet the best airport for a trip often depends on where you are staying, what you are flying, and what time you land. A flight into Burbank can save an hour if your hotel is in Pasadena. Long Beach can feel almost relaxed next to a Sunday evening at LAX.
This guide compares the three airports on flights, access, and ground transportation, then covers how to arrange a ride once you land, from rideshare to a prebooked limo service in Los Angeles.
The Three Airports at a Glance
| Airport | 2025 passengers | Best for | Watch out for |
| LAX | About 73.7 million | International flights, widest airline choice, Westside and South Bay | Heavy traffic, pickup lots away from the terminals |
| Hollywood Burbank (BUR) | About 6.2 million | San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena | Domestic flights only, smaller schedule |
| Long Beach (LGB) | About 3.8 million | Long Beach, South Bay, the Orange County border | Fewer routes, heavy reliance on one airline |
Passenger figures come from LAWA’s 2025 aviation report and airport-reported data.
LAX: The Widest Choice, With the Most Friction
LAX handled about 73.7 million passengers in 2025, according to Los Angeles World Airports. It is the only one of the three with a large international network, so if you are flying overseas or need a particular airline, it is usually the practical pick.
What Works in LAX’s Favor
- The broadest list of nonstop routes and airlines in the region
- Close to the Westside, Santa Monica, and the South Bay
- Plenty of hotels, rental cars, and transit connections nearby
What Makes LAX Harder
Traffic around the terminal loop is the main complaint. Uber and Lyft riders are generally sent to the LAX-it lot, reached by shuttle from the terminals, rather than picked up at the curb (this guide explains how LAX pickups work). SkyLink, the automated train meant to connect the terminals, rental cars, and the LAX/Metro Transit Center, is not carrying passengers yet. NBC Los Angeles reported in September 2026 that the target had slipped to January 6, 2027, so plan on shuttles for now. For the full picture of getting to and from LAX, compare the shuttle, train, and car options.
If you would rather skip the lot, a booked LAX airport limousine service lets you agree on a meeting point ahead of time and have a driver following your flight status.
Hollywood Burbank (BUR): Small, Quick, and Brand New
Hollywood Burbank opened its replacement terminal on October 13, 2026, after a project valued at about $1.3 billion. The airport kept its 14 gates, and passengers still walk across the ramp to board, with no jet bridges. The main entrance moved to Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way; rideshare riders use a new pickup lot near the terminal, and the Burbank Airport-North Metrolink station connects by a walking path and an on-demand shuttle.
Because the terminal is new, pickup details may still change. Check the airport’s website before you travel.
BUR handles domestic flights only. It makes the most sense if you are headed to the San Fernando Valley, the studios, Glendale, or Pasadena. For a late arrival or a group, a prearranged airport transfer takes the guesswork out of finding the new pickup areas.
Long Beach (LGB): Easy, With a Narrower Route Map
Long Beach Airport served about 3.8 million passengers in 2025. Southwest carries most of its traffic, with Delta and Hawaiian also flying there, so the route list is shorter than at LAX or Burbank. Airline schedules change, so confirm which carriers serve your route before you book, and look at the local Long Beach Airport shuttle options for ground transportation.
What Long Beach offers is a compact terminal and a spot between Los Angeles and Orange counties. The airport has added new ticketing and baggage claim areas in recent years as part of a terminal improvement program. It suits trips to the Long Beach waterfront, the South Bay, and parts of north Orange County. For door-to-door service, a private ride from Long Beach Airport is another option.
Heading to Orange County? Look at John Wayne Airport
If your trip centers on Anaheim, Irvine, or Newport Beach, John Wayne Airport (SNA) may be closer than any of the three airports above. The same booking habits apply there: arrange a car service to John Wayne Airport with your flight number and a set pickup point. If Disneyland is the goal, this comparison of the closest airports to Disneyland shows how each one stacks up.
How to Get a Ride From Each Airport
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
| Rideshare | Solo travelers with light bags | Pickup lot at LAX, surge pricing at busy times |
| Taxi | Travelers without a ride app | Metered fares vary with traffic, so ask for an estimate |
| Bus, Metro, or Metrolink | Budget-minded trips | Fixed routes and more steps with luggage |
| Prebooked chauffeured car | Groups, early or late flights, tight schedules | Higher cost, needs advance booking |
When a Prebooked Car Makes Sense
Luxury airport transportation means a prearranged, chauffeured ride, usually in a sedan, SUV, or larger vehicle, with a confirmed pickup time and a price agreed beforehand. A luxury airport transfer is the same service tied to a specific flight.
It tends to fit groups, early-morning or late-night flights, business travelers on a tight schedule, and anyone landing at LAX who would rather avoid the shuttle to the lot. If you are weighing a private car service and Uber Black side by side, or wondering what a limo costs in Los Angeles, those guides break down the differences. When comparing any limo service in Los Angeles, ask:
- Does the quote include tolls, parking, and airport fees?
- Will the driver track my flight if it is delayed?
- Where exactly will we meet?
- Is gratuity included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
For a longer checklist, ABA Unique Limousine’s guide to questions to ask before booking a SoCal ride is a good next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for visiting Hollywood?
Hollywood Burbank is usually the shortest trip to Hollywood and the Valley. LAX also works but often means a longer drive. Time of day matters, so check traffic for your arrival window.
Is Long Beach cheaper than LAX?
Not always. Fares depend on the route, season, and airline, so compare the full cost of the trip, including how you will get from the airport to your hotel.
Does Burbank have international flights?
Hollywood Burbank reported no international passengers for 2025, and its service is domestic. Check with your airline for current routes.
Can I get an Uber or Lyft at the LAX curb?
At the moment, pickups are generally directed to the LAX-it lot. LAWA has approved new rideshare fees tied to SkyLink’s opening, so the setup may change. Check LAWA’s website before you travel.
How far ahead should I book a car service?
Booking as soon as your flight is confirmed is a safe habit, especially around holidays and large events. Give the company your flight number so the driver can track delays.
Conclusion
There is no single best airport, only the best one for your route, your destination, and your arrival time. LAX wins on choice, Burbank on proximity to the Valley and Hollywood, and Long Beach on a simpler, smaller experience. Whichever you pick, sort out the ride before you land. If you want a fixed pickup and a price you know in advance, you can book your ride with ABA Unique Limousine.
