The 5 Best Airports Near Los Angeles CA – 20 Mins to LA
We researched all the options and found the best airports near Los Angeles based on ease of access, overall experience, and their ability to connect travelers with the city without too much frustration.
These hubs serve both domestic and international flyers and, frankly, give visitors and locals alike a bit more flexibility when traveling to and from Southern California.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best nearest airports to Los Angeles, we analyzed a mix of real-world travel times, traffic patterns, terminal convenience, and whether each airport operates as a public commercial facility.
Basically, we filtered out private and military airports, and focused only on facilities with regular scheduled passenger service.
We considered how straightforward it usually is to get into Los Angeles proper from each airport, and how much time one might actually save, even with extra driving.
The 5 Best Airports for Los Angeles – 2026 Full Guide
5. LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Driving Distance from Los Angeles, California: 45 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
ONT is technically in Ontario, a city that’s part of the Inland Empire region. It’s not exactly next door, but it’s still one of the closest airports to Los Angeles California (especially the eastern parts) that offers a wide variety of domestic and limited international service.
So, while it may be just a little farther east, the relatively chill terminals, quicker security checkpoints, and less chaotic pickup zones often make up for that extra drive.
As a matter of fact, it’s often one of the best airports for Los Angeles travelers who are trying to avoid the heavier traffic tangles closer to the city’s core.
For those who don’t mind spending an hour or so on the freeway, ONT can be a fantastic alternative. The airport itself is fairly modern, featuring a clean layout with newer concessions and fairly reasonable parking options.
It also often has cheaper flights compared to the airport closest to Los Angeles CA, especially if you’re headed to cities like Phoenix, Dallas, or Seattle.
Ontario also gives travelers a chance to explore local gems like the Ontario Mills shopping complex, a few solid breweries, and even some of the quieter mountain towns nearby. Overall, it makes sense to include ONT when searching for the nearest airports to Los Angeles if you’re aiming to skip the intensity of LAX.
4. Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Driving Distance from Los Angeles, California: 30 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Located about 25 miles south of Downtown LA, LGB is seriously one of the most convenient airports close to LAX, especially if you’re coming from the southern suburbs.
It’s a low-key, mid-size airport with a super relaxed vibe that many travelers actually prefer over the major giants.
Despite being on the smaller side, it still supports a nice lineup of flights to places like Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Salt Lake City.
For folks wanting a smoother experience without the jam-packed terminals, LGB is a fairly solid option as the airport closest to Los Angeles CA when coming from the south or southeast parts of the region.
It’s actually one of the airports near Los Angeles California that still has an open-air boarding experience. That might sound old-school, but it’s kind of refreshing.
The convenience factor here is high, especially if you’re doing a short haul or want to get in and out quickly without the stress that usually comes with the bigger terminals.
And while you’re in Long Beach, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, from the Queen Mary to the Aquarium of the Pacific and even a couple of beach parks that give off less-crowded coastal vibes.
So yeah, it might not be the closest international airport to Los Angeles, but it’s still one of the most relaxing airports around.
3. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Driving Distance from Los Angeles, California: 25 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
BUR, sometimes referred to as Bob Hope Airport, is just slightly north of downtown and practically hugging the edges of Burbank.
This is easily one of the closest airports to Los Angeles for travelers heading into neighborhoods like Hollywood, Pasadena, or Studio City.
Its terminals are quite small, which, in a way, really works in its favor. The lines? Short. The TSA process? Quick. And, as a matter of fact, the baggage claim feels almost comically efficient.
That makes it a very attractive airport for Los Angeles travelers who are tired of the typical airport hassle and for those looking for alternative airports close to LAX.
You’ve got several major airlines operating here with nonstop flights to places like Denver, Portland, San Jose, and even New York.
It’s compact, it’s clean, and it really delivers when you’re looking for airports close to Los Angeles that won’t ruin your morning with long walks or shuttle rides.
Plus, Burbank is a neat little city in its own right. Between Warner Bros. Studio tours and classic diner spots, you’ll find it surprisingly enjoyable. All that considered, BUR definitely earns its place among the best airports for Los Angeles, especially if convenience is what you’re after.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Driving Distance from Los Angeles, California: 20 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
LAX, which is basically synonymous with flying in and out of Southern California, is by far the busiest airport for Los Angeles and one of the most active international travel gateways in the United States.
It sits just to the southwest of downtown and is often considered the go-to choice for flyers because it offers nonstop access to nearly every corner of the planet.
The terminals get crowded and traffic can be, well, kind of terrible, yet LAX remains one of the closest airports to Los Angeles California and is definitely the closest international airport to Los Angeles when you measure proximity and destination variety together.
The airport is also undergoing major upgrades, including a new people-mover and updated terminals, which honestly should make future visits a bit smoother.
For international travelers or anyone with a long-haul destination in mind, LAX is really the most logical choice. It covers every major airline and pretty much any time zone you could ask for, which is why it’s widely considered the best choice among Los Angeles nearest airport options.
And while you wait for your flight, there are actually some decent things to check out. From premium lounges to solid dining spots and even a few art installations, it’s not a bad place to spend a layover, assuming you plan ahead.
In short, if you’re looking for the Los Angeles nearest airport with the widest reach, this is it.
1. John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Driving Distance from Los Angeles, California: 35 Minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Sitting in Orange County, John Wayne Airport is actually the nearest airport to Los Angeles CA when you’re coming from certain southern parts of the metro.
And it’s not just conveniently located, it’s also extremely well-rated. In fact, it grabbed the top spot in the 2024 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, which is why we think it is one of the best airports close to Los Angeles.
So, you’re looking at an airport that’s not only the closest airport to Los Angeles in several cases, but also one of the most pleasant to use. Security moves fast, terminals are spotless, and it feels just a little more upscale without the usual airport stress.
For travelers looking at airports close to LAX but don’t want the noise, this one’s a clear win.
SNA serves a variety of domestic routes, mostly up and down the West Coast and across to places like Dallas, Denver, and Chicago. The terminal itself feels bright and modern, and the overall passenger flow is handled with real efficiency. It just makes everything feel simpler.
Meanwhile, Orange County has no shortage of fun distractions, whether it’s a beach stop in Newport, some luxury shopping at South Coast Plaza, or grabbing a meal in nearby Costa Mesa. As far as the closest airports to Los Angeles California go, this one’s probably your smoothest bet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest airport to Los Angeles?
The closest airport to Los Angeles by average drive time is John Wayne Airport, depending on traffic and starting point. LAX is also very close and better for international flights.
What airport is best for flying into Los Angeles?
It honestly depends on your final destination within the metro area. For global travel, LAX is often the best. For stress-free flying, John Wayne or Burbank might be better.
Are there alternatives to LAX?
Yes, several airports near Los Angeles California offer public commercial service and can be easier to navigate. That includes Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, and John Wayne.
Which is the closest international airport to Los Angeles?
LAX is the main closest international airport to Los Angeles with nonstop options to Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond.
What’s the nearest airport to Los Angeles CA for business travelers?
Hollywood Burbank Airport is often the most efficient airport for Los Angeles business travelers working in Hollywood, Glendale, or downtown LA.