The Best Los Angeles Area Airport To Fly Into Depending On Where You're Staying

If you're flying into Los Angeles, chances are you automatically think the best airport to land in is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). But that may be a mistake. California is the third-largest state in the U.S., and Greater LA is massive. Depending on which cities and counties you include, we're talking thousands of square miles spread out and connected by traffic-choked freeways. If you've ever seen the "Saturday Night Live" skit "The Californians," you may remember that the characters spend most of the time discussing various routes to take to avoid traffic. So, trust us — choosing the right airport can shave hours off your trip.

LAX is the biggest and busiest, sure — but it's also chaotic and time-consuming, especially if your destination is nowhere near the coast. Consider the fact that LAX is often listed among the popular U.S. airports that are a nightmare to fly in and out of. Fortunately, you've got options. LA has a handful of commercial airports, and each one serves a different corner of the metro area.

For now, we'll focus on five top airports worth flying into depending on where you're visiting. Whether you're Disney-bound or hitting the boardwalk in Long Beach, there's probably a better fit than the LAX rat race — although it still has its pros.

Let's first talk about when flying into LAX makes sense: if your trip centers on the Westside region, including places like Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, West LA, Culver City, or Beverly Hills. It's also the closest major airport to West Hollywood. You can catch an Uber there for around $50 — but remember, traffic into the hills can change on a dime. If you're on a hunt for the best views of the Hollywood Sign or checking out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in most cases, LAX will be the ticket.

This airport is served by all major U.S. airlines and dozens of international carriers, making it the most flexible for direct flights. It's also infamous for delays, long TSA lines, and a confusing terminal layout. If you land during peak hours, brace yourself for a traffic snarl getting out of the airport loop — especially if you're renting a car.

Still, it's hard to beat if you want to catch the sunset at the beach shortly after you land — it's literally nestled against the coast. Just be strategic. Fly mid-morning or late evening if you can, and use the LAX-it shuttle or rideshare pickup to avoid the curbside chaos.

If you're headed to Hollywood, Studio City, Burbank, Pasadena, or Glendale, you can skip LAX and fly into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) instead. It is just 15 to 20 minutes from the Hollywood sign and by far the most convenient airport for Universal Studios.

BUR is compact, efficient, and often overlooked by out-of-towners. You'll be in and out quickly, and you can literally walk to the rental car lot. Plus, its location in the San Fernando Valley puts you within easy reach of north LA neighborhoods and the scenic Angeles National Forest — home to Smith Mountain Trail, one of the best hikes to take on your trip to Los Angeles.

While you won't find as many direct cross-country or international flights here, Southwest, Alaska, Delta, and American offer strong domestic coverage. Pro tip: BUR has its own train station, with Amtrak and Metrolink lines that connect to downtown LA and beyond.

If Disneyland is on your itinerary, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is where you want to land. Located in Santa Ana, this smaller airport is just 15 miles from the gates of Mickey Mouse's California home — compared to the hour-plus haul from LAX (on a good day). John Wayne Airport is also consistently ranked one of the best airports in America.

SNA is also ideal for beach vacations in Newport, Laguna (one of the best day trips from Los Angeles), or Huntington Beach and stays in Irvine, Costa Mesa, or anywhere else in central Orange County. The airport is clean, efficient, and famously quiet thanks to its strict noise regulations. However, this does limit your options for late-night flights.

You'll find flights here from Southwest, American, Delta, United, and others. There are fewer direct options compared to LAX, but if you can make the routing work, it's a huge time-saver.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) might be SoCal's cutest airport. It's tiny, friendly, and architecturally mid-century chic. The open-air design allows passengers to wait for boarding underneath palm trees and the sunny California sky. It's also incredibly convenient if you're staying in Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, or other parts of Southeast LA.

LGB is served mainly by Southwest (since JetBlue's exit), along with Delta and Hawaiian Airlines. That limits your options, but if your flight lines up, this airport is a dream for fast security, short lines, and a mellow vibe that feels more like a local hangout with laid-back Cali coastal vibes.

It's also a great option for cruise passengers sailing from the Long Beach or San Pedro terminals. The airport's location puts you just 15 to 20 minutes from the ports.

If your trip takes you east to Riverside, San Bernardino (although it has its own airport, SBD International), or anywhere in between — flying into Ontario International Airport (ONT) makes the most sense. It's a good option for Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, although an even closer choice is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).

ONT is a mid-sized airport that has grown in popularity thanks to expanded domestic service from Southwest, Frontier, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. It's also way less chaotic than LAX. This airport is a good choice if you're doing a SoCal road trip that starts inland, such as hiking in Joshua Tree, soaking in Palm Springs hot springs, or road-tripping through the desert. It's not as convenient for LA proper, but if your plans trend eastward, it's a smart choice.