Choose Your LAX Parking Before You Reach the Terminal Loop
Compare official terminal garages, Economy and Budget Parking by full-day cost, walking or shuttle time, vehicle height and the kind of trip you are taking.
Save the exact lot entrance before driving. That one step can prevent unnecessary loops around World Way and leave more time for airline check-in.
Where Should You Park at LAX? Start Here
Shortest walk: use Central Terminal Area parking P1–P7. Standard drive-up parking has a $60 maximum for each 24-hour period.
Best all-around long-term option: LAX Economy Parking costs up to $35 per 24 hours and uses a free shuttle that normally runs about every 10 minutes.
Lowest official drive-up daily maximum: Budget Parking costs up to $20 per 24 hours but is farther from the terminals.
Picking someone up: wait for free in one of the official Cell Phone Waiting Lots until the traveler is actually ready.
What the Official LAX Parking Sources Confirm
Use the summary below to understand the decision first. The official links appear later only when they help you check a live price, map or operational detail.
Central Terminal Parking
Structures P1–P7 sit inside the terminal horseshoe and provide the shortest walking access.
Economy Parking
A covered parking structure about one mile from the terminals with more than 4,000 spaces, EV chargers and a free shuttle.
Budget Parking
LAX’s lowest primary drive-up daily maximum. It is an uncovered surface facility approximately 2.5 miles from the terminals.
1,200+ Charging Stations
Charging is available across CTA garages and Economy Parking. Budget Parking does not offer EV charging.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available, but disability placards do not waive normal LAX parking charges.
Official Parking Map
The current map identifies P1–P7, Economy, Budget and both Cell Phone Waiting Lots relative to the terminal loop.
LAX Parking Fees: Compare the Real Drive-Up Cost
Prebook prices change by travel date. The drive-up structure below is a better baseline for comparing the products.
| Parking | Drive-up rate | 24-hour maximum | Terminal access | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA General P1–P7 | $9 first hour; $7 each extra 30 min | $60 | About 3–5 min walk | Short stays and maximum convenience |
| Premium | $11 first hour; $9 each extra 30 min | $70 | About 2–3 min walk | Closest premium spaces |
| Valet | Valet product | $75 | About 1–2 min walk | Fastest parking process |
| Economy | $8 first hour; $7 each extra 30 min | $35 | Free shuttle | Most overnight and multi-day trips |
| Budget | $5 per hour or fraction | $20 | Free shuttle | Lowest official drive-up cost |
Do not calculate from a “from $X/day” advertisement: online prebook prices are date-specific. Enter your exact arrival and exit times and compare the final total before paying.
Central Terminal Area Parking P1–P7
CTA General Parking
- Address area
- World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Structures
- P1, P2A, P2B, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7
- Typical walk
- Approximately 3–5 minutes
- Opening hours
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays
- Standard rate
- $9 first hour or fraction thereof
- Additional time
- $7 each additional 30 minutes
- Daily maximum
- $60 per 24-hour period
- Free period
- Current official short-term guidance lists the first 10 minutes free
Which LAX Garage Is Closest to Your Terminal?
Use the terminal match only after confirming your airline’s current check-in terminal.
Airline terminal assignments can change: check your airline before reserving a garage. Do not rely on the terminal used on a previous trip.
LAX Economy Parking: Best Balance for Many Multi-Day Trips
LAX Economy Parking
- Address
- 6100 W. 94th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Distance
- Approximately 1 mile from the terminal area
- First hour
- $8
- Additional time
- $7 per additional 30 minutes
- Daily maximum
- $35 per 24-hour period
- Opening hours
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays
- Shuttle
- 24 hours; approximately every 10 minutes
- EV charging
- Available on Level 1
Micro-level return tip: take a photo of the parking level, row, elevator and shuttle-side direction. A week later, the levels can look nearly identical.
LAX Budget Parking: Cheapest Official Daily Maximum
LAX Budget Parking
- Address
- 5455 W. 111th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Distance
- Approximately 2.5 miles from the terminals
- Drive-up rate
- $5 per hour or fraction thereof
- Daily maximum
- $20 per 24-hour period
- Parking type
- Uncovered surface parking
- Shuttle service
- Free service to and from LAX, operating 24 hours a day
- EV charging
- Not available
Which Lot Becomes Cheaper as Your Trip Gets Longer?
These examples use current drive-up daily maximums. Your final prebook price may be lower.
| Trip length | CTA at $60/day | Economy at $35/day | Budget at $20/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | $120 | $70 | $40 |
| 4 days | $240 | $140 | $80 |
| 7 days | $420 | $245 | $140 |
This table is a planning illustration: actual charges depend on entry/exit time and any online reservation price. Always compare your live booking total.
How to Prebook LAX Parking Without Choosing the Wrong Lot
Why prices look inconsistent online: official LAX pages can display different promotional “from” prices according to product, date and campaign. Treat the final booking quote as the price that matters.
Picking Someone Up? Use the Free LAX Cell Phone Lots
Do not circle the terminal horseshoe while the passenger is still waiting for baggage.
96th Street Cell Phone Lot
Address: 6217 96th Street. The official LAX page lists approximately 100 spaces and 24-hour access.
Century Cell Phone Lot
Address: 5800 W. Century Boulevard. The official LAX page lists approximately 23 spaces and 24-hour access.
Maximum waiting time
Up to two hours.
Vehicle rule
The vehicle must remain attended at all times.
No terminal shuttle
These lots are waiting areas, not parking-and-ride facilities.
Best pickup sequence: wait in the Cell Phone Lot → passenger collects baggage → passenger confirms terminal and exact curb → leave the lot → enter the CTA once.
Disabled and ADA Parking at LAX
Accessible spaces are available
Vehicles displaying valid disability placards or licence plates may use designated accessible parking in LAX parking structures and Economy Parking.
Parking is not automatically free
LAX states that vehicles entering its paid parking facilities must pay the posted parking rate, including vehicles displaying disability placards.
Check the whole accessible route
Confirm elevator access, pedestrian crossings, shuttle boarding and the correct terminal door—not only the parking space.
Airline assistance is separate
Wheelchair or gate assistance should be arranged with the airline rather than the parking operator.
EV Charging at LAX: Where to Plug In and What It Costs
Official LAX information lists more than 1,200 EV chargers across CTA garages and Economy Parking.
| EV option | Where | Charging price | Parking price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard EV charging | CTA garages + Economy Level 1 | $2 session fee + $0.45/kWh | Normal facility parking fee applies |
| Premium EV | Selected Premium areas | Check live booking product | Premium parking charges apply |
| Budget Parking | Budget lot | Not available | $20 daily drive-up maximum |
Low-battery traveler: do not arrive with only enough range to reach one specific charger. Charger availability can change, so keep enough battery to reach a backup charging location.
LAX Garage Height Limits for SUVs, Vans and Roof Boxes
| Structure | Official clearance | Driver note |
|---|---|---|
| P1, P3 and P4 | 7 ft 6 in | P1 Valet entrance allows up to 8 ft 2 in. |
| P2A and P6 | 8 ft 2 in | Still verify the posted entrance sign. |
| P2B | 6 ft 10 in | Extra care for SUVs with roof accessories. |
| P5 and P7 | 7 ft | P7 Valet entrance allows up to 8 ft 2 in. |
| Economy Level 1 | 14 ft | Useful comparison for taller vehicles. |
| Economy Levels 2–4 | 8 ft 1 in | Include rooftop cargo in total height. |
Measure before leaving home: vehicle factory height does not include many roof boxes, bicycle racks, antennas, ladders or temporary cargo.
Best LAX Parking With Kids, Car Seats or Heavy Luggage
Two adults traveling
One adult can drop the family and luggage at the correct terminal, then drive to Economy while the other adult waits inside.
Solo parent
CTA parking can be worth the extra cost when managing children, stroller, car seats and several bags alone.
Heavy luggage
Economy usually offers a better convenience/cost balance than Budget because of the covered structure and more frequent shuttle.
Do not optimize only for dollars: a cheaper lot can become poor value if it causes missed check-in, difficult luggage transfers or unnecessary stress for a traveler with limited mobility.
Is Motorcycle Parking Free at LAX?
Yes, in CTA General and Premium parking areas: current LAX guidance states that free motorcycle parking is available inside Central Terminal Area structures.
Follow the posted motorcycle access instructions. Do not assume that a third-party, Economy or Budget facility uses the same rule.
Nearby LAX Parking Alternatives: When Off-Airport Parking Makes Sense
Private airport lots and hotels around Century Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, Aviation Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard may advertise lower daily rates. Compare them against official Budget and Economy parking before deciding.
| Ask before booking | Why it matters | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Final total? | Taxes and reservation fees can change the deal. | Only a headline daily price is shown. |
| Shuttle 24/7? | Late-night flights need dependable return transport. | No overnight timetable is published. |
| Shuttle frequency? | A 30-minute wait may erase the convenience of a lower price. | Only “free shuttle” is stated. |
| Where is return pickup? | LAX has specific shuttle zones. | No clear airport-return instructions. |
| Self-park or valet? | Some lots keep the vehicle key. | Key-retention policy is unclear. |
| Cancellation? | Flights and travel dates change. | Entire reservation is nonrefundable. |
Van Nuys FlyAway as a Different Strategy
Travelers coming from the San Fernando Valley can also compare parking at Van Nuys FlyAway and taking the FlyAway bus rather than driving to the airport parking area.
Important: FlyAway bus fare is separate from parking. Compare total parking + passenger bus fares + travel time before choosing it.
Local LAX Parking Tips That Prevent Expensive Mistakes
Navigate to the lot, not the airport
Economy and Budget have separate addresses. A generic LAX destination can put you into the terminal traffic loop.
Economy is often worth more than Budget
When traveling with children, bags or a tight schedule, the more frequent Economy shuttle can justify the higher rate.
Remember “pink on return”
Official Economy and Budget shuttles are picked up at pink LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Park based on the return trip too
A convenient departure is only half the decision. Save how you will find the shuttle, structure and vehicle after a long return flight.
Do not circle for pickups
Stay in a Cell Phone Waiting Lot until baggage has arrived and the traveler gives an exact terminal pickup location.
A reservation does not remove traffic
Guaranteed parking does not guarantee a quick drive through Los Angeles traffic or the terminal horseshoe.
Reservation Failed, Shuttle Late or Parking Charge Wrong?
| Problem | What to do | Save this evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Booking not recognized | Use the assistance button before taking a second paid entry ticket. | Booking number, QR code, plate and product. |
| Reserved garage appears full | Follow onsite reservation instructions rather than abandoning the booking. | Confirmation and entry time. |
| Economy shuttle seems delayed | Confirm you are at the pink shuttle zone and call shuttle support if needed. | Terminal and pickup pillar. |
| Cannot find vehicle | Check parking photos, level, row and entry receipt before searching another structure. | Structure, level and approximate entry time. |
| Parking charge is incorrect | Keep the receipt and contact official parking support. | Reservation, entry/exit time, plate and amount. |
| Trip extends past 30 days | Contact ABM before the 30-day limit. | Vehicle plate, facility and expected return date. |
LAX Parking Phone Numbers and Addresses
LAX Official Parking / ABM
LAX Economy Parking
LAX Budget Parking
Los Angeles International Airport
60-Second LAX Parking Checklist
Before driving
- Confirm the airline terminal.
- Compare CTA, Economy and Budget.
- Check the final prebook price.
- Save the exact parking address.
- Measure total vehicle height.
- Screenshot the reservation.
- Add shuttle time.
- Include a delayed-return buffer.
After parking
- Photograph the structure or row.
- Save the level and elevator.
- Keep the receipt or QR code.
- Save the return shuttle instructions.
- Remember the pink shuttle zone.
- Keep support numbers handy.
- Do not leave valuables visible.
- Allow time after baggage claim.
LAX Parking Map: Terminal Garages, Economy, Budget and Cell Phone Lots
Use Google Maps for driving. Use the official LAX parking PDF to understand how the facilities relate to the terminal horseshoe.
Official map takeaway: P1–P7 sit inside the CTA horseshoe, Economy is north/east of the terminal loop near 96th Street, and Budget is farther southeast near 111th Street.
Official LAX Parking Resources for Your Next Action
Use these only after identifying the parking task you need to complete.
LAX Parking FAQs
How much is parking at LAX Airport per day?
Current official drive-up maximums are $60 for CTA General Parking, $70 for Premium, $75 for Valet, $35 for Economy and $20 for Budget Parking per 24-hour period.
What is the cheapest official parking at LAX?
Budget Parking has the lowest current primary official drive-up maximum at $20 per 24 hours. It is farther from the terminals and requires a shuttle.
Where is the best long-term parking at LAX?
Economy is the best balance for many travelers because it is covered, has EV charging and uses a frequent shuttle. Budget costs less but is farther away and uncovered.
Is LAX terminal parking open 24 hours?
Yes. Official LAX short-term guidance states that CTA parking structures are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.
How often does the LAX Economy shuttle run?
LAX states that Economy Parking shuttles operate 24 hours a day approximately every 10 minutes. Traffic can increase the actual terminal travel time.
Can I wait for someone at LAX for free?
Yes. LAX provides free Cell Phone Waiting Lots for attended vehicles for up to two hours while an arriving passenger gets ready for pickup.
Where are the LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lots?
The current official locations are 6217 96th Street and 5800 W. Century Boulevard. Both are listed as open 24 hours.
Does LAX have disabled parking?
Yes. Accessible parking spaces are available in official facilities, but a disability placard or licence plate does not remove the normal posted parking fee.
Can I charge an electric vehicle while parked at LAX?
Yes. EV charging is available throughout CTA garages and on Level 1 of Economy Parking. Current standard charging pricing includes a $2 session fee plus energy usage charges.
Is motorcycle parking free at LAX?
Yes. Current LAX guidance states that motorcycles can park free in General and Premium parking areas inside Central Terminal Area structures.
More Parking Guides
Parking Guide Hub
Browse additional city, airport, garage and visitor parking guides from the main site.
Independent LAX Parking Guide
Parking Guide Hub is an independent informational website and is not Los Angeles World Airports, LAX Official Parking, ABM, an airline or Los Angeles International Airport.
Parking prices, promotional offers, facility availability, shuttle operations, charger status and terminal assignments can change. Verify time-sensitive information through the linked official source before driving or paying.
Use this guide to choose the parking type first; use Official LAX Parking for the final live price and reservation.