Parking at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) varies significantly in cost, primarily depending on the lot type and duration. For short-term parking directly at the terminal, expect to pay $7 per hour or $42 per day. For long-term parking, the economical choice is the LAX Economy Lot, which charges $6 per hour or $30 per day. Off-site private parking lots often offer the most competitive rates, with daily prices frequently starting as low as $10-$15 per day, but require a shuttle bus ride to the terminals. The best option balances your budget with convenience and travel time.
The most significant factor is the trade-off between cost and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the primary options:
| Parking Option | Proximity to Terminals | Hourly Rate | Daily Rate | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Central Terminal Area (CTA) | Directly adjacent | $7 | $42 | Most convenient, but most expensive; ideal for quick pick-ups/drop-offs. |
| LAX Economy Lot | Shuttle ride required (~15-20 min) | $6 | $30 | Official airport budget option; free, frequent shuttles run 24/7. |
| Off-Site Private Lots | Shuttle ride required (varies) | ~$5-$8 | ~$10-$20 | Often the cheapest; look for online coupons and prepaid discounts for best rates. |
| Valet Services | Curbside at terminal | Varies widely | $50+ | Maximum convenience; you pay a premium for time savings. |
To save money, always book off-site parking in advance online through aggregator sites. These platforms show real-time prices and discounts from numerous providers. For trips shorter than two hours, the CTA garages can be reasonable. For anything longer, the Economy Lot or a pre-booked off-site lot will almost always be more cost-effective. Remember to factor in the extra time needed for shuttle transportation, especially during peak travel hours.
