Ranking as one of the world’s largest airports, Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to as its airport code LAX, handles dozens of direct international and domestic flights each day. Located 15 miles southwest of downtown, the airport is easily accessible and serves in excess of 60 million passengers a year. The main service providers at the airport are United, American and Southwest airlines.

Characterised by its Theme Building, which resembles a flying saucer that has landed on four legs (passengers can dine at the restaurant within), the airport’s nine terminals are laid out in a horseshoe shape. Another unique feature of the airport is the glowing light towers that change colour throughout the night.

Excellent facilities which include: restaurants, shops and beverages, ATMs, currency exchange, a business centre, lost and found, medical and first-air services, baggage storage, and provisions for travellers with disabilities. Car hire is available from several reputable firms.

Parking options at the airport include car parks P1 to P7, which are situated close to the terminals and suitable for short-term parking. There are also two long-term lots called Lot B and Lot C, situated farther away from the terminals. In addition, there is a Cell Phone Waiting Lot, ideal for drivers picking up passengers.

The airport can be reached via Highway 405, or alternatively I-105, with regular bus services running to all districts of the city. Shuttle buses connect every 10 minutes with the nearest Metro station, from where you can transfer to major stations with alternative rail links. The LAX FlyAway bus service runs between LAX and Union Station, from where Amtrak, Metro and Metrolink connections can be made. Alternatively, there are some shuttle companies that will take you directly to your hotel. Taxis are available from the Central Terminal Area for those who want door-to-door convenience.

An extensive but slow bus system does a good job at getting Angelenos around. However, if you plan on using the buses, be prepared for lengthy traffic jams if you are travelling during rush hour. Services run frequently and continue into the night at a reduced regularity. Tickets can be bought onboard or from any Metro station.

Metro Rail is the city’s subway and light rail system, with services in operation from 04:00 until 01:00. While you can escape the city’s traffic, lines are not well suited to visiting tourist attractions and were built primarily to transport commuters. Tickets can be bought from machines at stations and are randomly checked by conductors on the trains. Metro Link trains run from Union Station and provide access to outer suburbs such as Ventura, Lancaster, San Bernardino, and Oceanside, although there are no services at weekends.

Taxis are readily available in LA and you can either hail them at the curb side, at taxi ranks outside major hotels or shopping centres or you can pre-book taxis via telephone. Travelling by car is the only convenient way to get to some of LA’s attractions, but frequent travel by taxi will turn out to be expensive.