Finding a parking space that fits your needs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) doesn’t really have to be that difficult. Although parking at the Central Terminal Area (CTA) might offer the greatest convenience, the official LAX Economy Parking garage offers the cheapest rates. Knowing your avenues is a great way to save both your time and money. This guide details the simplest and most efficient ways to park your car, starting from valet services to various other off-site lots connected by shuttle. Discover how to pre-book online to lock in the lowest rates for your next trip.
Complete Breakdown of Parking Options at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The parking options at LAX are very flexible in terms of pricing and trip duration, allowing tourists to choose based on their needs, whether it is just a quick drop-off or a long international stay. Here are the detailed options, along with their rates and main features.
Reserved Parking
With reserved parking, you can schedule and pay beforehand, securing a parking spot for you even during busy travel times. Simply park and take the free shuttle to your terminal.
Benefits:
- Guaranteed parking space
- Free shuttle service
- Save up to 60% off drive-up rates
- Flexible options for short and long stays
| Parking Type | Best For | Initial Rate | Incremental Rate | Maximum Daily Rate |
| General Parking (CTA) | Pick-up, drop-off, & overnight; provides the best and most affordable prices; allows travellers to park closer | $9 First hour ($11 at P3/P4) | $7 per 30 mins after ($9 at P3/P4) | $60 |
| Premium Parking | Fastest terminal access (P1, P3 and P7); | $11 First hour | $9 for every extra 30 minutes | $70 |
| Valet Parking | Maximum convenience (P1, P3, P4, P7); visitors do not have to search for a space to park, the airport authority takes care of all of it; guarantees professional, friendly service | — | — | $75 (24hr min) |
| Economy Parking | On-site value with free shuttle service; has a covered garage and provides rooftop parking service options; there is also provision for EV charging | $8 First hour | $7 per 30 mins after | $35 |
| Budget Parking | Apt for long-term stays (Lot E area); one of the most affordable parking options; provides free shuttle (to and from terminal) | $5 First hour | — | $20 |
| Van Nuys FlyAway | FlyAway bus patrons only; provides cheap airport parking options | $2 per hour | — | $6 |
Payment Information
- Rates can be changed at any time (refer to the posted signage at the entrances of the parking lots)
- Charges include 10% Los Angeles City Parking Occupancy Tax
- Payment Methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Debit Cards
- Cash can be used at pay-on-foot machines only
- For any parking-related help, please call ABM at 310-646-2911.
Central Terminal Area Parking at LAX
LAX Official premium parking has more than 7,000 parking spaces available in eight parking lots directly opposite the passenger terminal buildings.
Central Terminal Area (CTA) Parking at LAX literally drops you at the check-in. With over 7,000 parking spaces in eight buildings right across the terminals, it is perfect for quick stops, overnight journeys, or long stays.
| Parking Type | Location | Rate Structure | 24-Hour Maximum |
| General Parking | All CTA Structures | 10 Mins: FreeFirst Hour: $9 ($11 at P3/P4)Addl. 30 Mins: $7 ($9 at P3/P4) | $60 |
| Premium Parking | P1, P3, and P7 (At Arrivals Level) | 10 Mins: Free First Hour: $ 11 Addl. 30 Mins: $9 | **$70** |
| Valet Parking | P1, P3, P4, and P7 | 24-Hours Minimum: Applies. No hourly rate; drop-and-go service. | $75 |
Important Rules & Policies
Here is what you must make note of:
- Vehicles entering the CTA may be subjected to a random check-up at any time.
- Everyone who takes a parking ticket and crosses the gate arm should pay the applicable rate (including disabled drivers).
- Vehicles parked over 30 days may be impounded at the owner’s expense (LAMC 87.35 & 89.41). To request an extension beyond 30 days, contact ABM at 310-646-2911.
Need Assistance?
For parking assistance, contact Parking Management at parking@lawa.org or 310-646-2911.
Best Economy Parking Deals at LAX Airport
Searching for the cheapest parking offer at LAX? The Official LAX Economy Parking facility at 6100 West. 94th Street, Los Angeles, California 90045, offers low daily rates, unlimited stay choices, and easy shuttle service to the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
- Drive-Up General Parking Rates: LAX Economy Parking is priced at $8 for the first hour (or any part of it), and $7 for each additional 30 minutes after that, with a maximum daily charge of $35 per 24-hour period. The $35 daily cap + the cheapest official parking lots at LAX, whether you’re staying overnight or away for a few days.
- EV-Friendly & Spacious: LAX Economy Parking has over 4,000 parking spaces, 514 of which are equipped with EV chargers, with more units coming soon. It is a great place for electric vehicle users to park their cars at the airport while enjoying their trip, as the parking lot has enough spots and offers convenient charging facilities.
- Free 24/7 Shuttle Service: There is a free shuttle that runs all day between Economy Parking and the CTA terminals. Travelers can get on the shuttle at Level 1 (Southeast section) of the parking lot, while the airport pick-ups are made on the Arrivals Level at the pink LAX Shuttle zones, so it is really easy and stress-free to get from one terminal to the other.
- Vehicle Height Clearance: Vehicles on Level 1 of LAX Economy Parking are allowed up to 14 feet in height, whereas vehicles on Levels 2 can only be 8 feet 1 inch tall. These height restrictions at all entrances are nicely displayed to guarantee easy and safe access for all drivers.
Important Parking Policies
- Every visitor (including persons with disabilities) who takes a parking ticket and enters through the gate arm must pay as per the price list.
- Cars left parked for more than 30 days will be towed, and the owner will be responsible for the towing costs (LAMC 87.35 & 89.41).
- If you want to extend your stay for more than 30 days, talk to ABM at 310-646-2911.
LAX Budget Parking Made Easy
The Official LAX Budget Parking lot at 5455 West 111th Street, Los Angeles, California 90045 features over 2,000 outdoor parking spaces and availability of both same-day drive-up and reservations. Ideal for long stays or overnight trips, it is a wise choice for travelers who want to save while staying convenient.
- Drive-Up General Parking Rates: Parking at LAX Budget Parking charges $5 per hour (or part of an hour), and the maximum fee is $20 for every 24 hours. This daily limit prevents parking rates at the airport from being too expensive, which is convenient if you are traveling for a short period or going away for a longer time.
Important Parking Policies
- Everyone who pulls a parking stub and comes into the lot, including persons with disabilities, must pay the posted rates.
- Vehicles parked for more than 30 days can be towed, and the towing costs will be charged to the owner (LAMC 87.35 & 89.41).
- If you want to ask for an extension after 30 days, please call ABM at 310-646-2911.
Hassle-Free Van Nuys FlyAway Parking to LAX
The public parking lot at the Van Nuys FlyAway is only for FlyAway bus passengers and is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the FlyAway Bus Terminal. Parking charges are $2 per hour, a daily cap of $6, and the lot has a vehicle height limit of 8 feet max.
Charge Your EV at LAX: Convenient Station Locations
LAWA has implemented the Smart Parking program, which has installed more than 1,200 EV chargers in the Central Terminal Garages and the Los Angeles International Airport Economy parking facility. EV owners can park in advance and be sure of a charging spot. New rates will be charged based on the type of access and the amount of energy used (kWh). For news on further EV Smart Parking options, please visit the LAX website regularly.
Here is the breakdown of the available equipment and the current charging rates.
| Location | Level 2 (L2) Chargers | DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) |
| P1 | 120 | 2 |
| P2A | 55 | 1 |
| P2B | 39 | — |
| P3 | 87 | 1 |
| P4 | 89 | 1 |
| P5 | 60 | — |
| P6 | 114 | 1 |
| P7 | 186 | 2 |
| LAX Economy Parking | 514 | — |
Navigate LAX Parking Easily with Interactive Maps
Getting around parking at the Los Angeles International Airport has just been made a lot easier with the help of the LAX interactive maps. You can locate the nearest parking lots, see the prices, check if there are spaces, and also find your way from the parking lot to the terminal, and all this will be done in one single place. So your experience parking at the airport will be quick, convenient, and stress-free.
Conclusion:
The LAX Parking lots are easy, flexible, and convenient. You can easily find the closest lots, compare prices, check for available spots, and get to the terminal after parking with no hassle. The maps ensure your LAX check-in experience is quick, easy, and hassle-free, whether you are dropping off or leaving your car for a few days.
FAQs
The top LAX parking option really depends on what you value most: If it’s convenience, then go for the Central Terminal Area (CTA) Parking that is right next to the terminals. If it’s the price that matters most to you, LAX Economy or Budget Parking offers great low rates and shuttle service.
Parking at LAX ranges from $7/hour in Economy lots to $50/day in Terminal garages. Rates vary by lot and duration, with EV charging available in select areas.
Yes, you may leave your vehicle at LAX for a week. Parking for customers is allowed in the Central Terminal Area for a maximum of 30 days.
LAX parking daily in the terminal garages is about $40- $50 per day. Economy lots provide a much lower rate – $15- $20 per day.
Yes, LAX budget parking is safe for the most part. The lots are well-lit, with security cameras installed at various points, and guards are regularly on the lookout to ensure safety.