Traveling abroad is always an exciting adventure, but the hassle of getting to the airport can put a damper on your plans. If you live far from the airport, rideshare costs can add up quickly. Instead of shelling out big bucks for a ride, many travelers opt to drive themselves. However, navigating airport parking can be a confusing experience.
This is especially true at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you’re in need of LAX airport parking, keep reading as we dive into the available options and how you can save money by reserving a parking spot in advance.
How much does parking at LAX airport cost?
Parking rates at LAX airport vary depending on the parking location. LAX offers a range of parking options, with prices starting as low as $13 per day and going up to $75 per day.
Official parking at LAX airport
LAX provides a variety of parking options for travelers, regardless of the duration of their trip. Electric vehicle parking is available in all garages except garage seven.
Here are the rates for parking at an official LAX lot:
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Terminal parking: First hour $9, max daily rate $60, prebook from $56 a day.
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Economy parking: First hour $8, max daily rate $35, prebook rate from $15 a day.
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Valet terminal: $75 daily rate, prebook from $32 a day.
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Budget parking: $5 hourly rate, max daily rate $20, prebook rate from $13 a day.
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EV terminal: Service fee $2, 45 cents per kilowatt-hour.
To secure a spot at an official LAX lot, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. This not only guarantees you a spot upon arrival but also helps you save money. Reservations can be made through the LAX website.
Short- and long-term parking at LAX airport
Long-term parking is available at all LAX lots, but if you’re planning a lengthy trip, you may want to consider more affordable options. The budget parking lot can be reserved for $13 per day and includes a complimentary shuttle service.
Another option is the economy lot, which is closer than the budget lot and can be reserved for $15 per day, also with a free shuttle service.
If you’re simply picking someone up from the airport and don’t need to park for an entire day, consider timing your arrival with theirs so you can wait in the cellphone lot or pull up to the curb when they arrive.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The terminal garages at LAX offer free parking for 15 minutes, making them a convenient option for picking up passengers without incurring parking fees.
For those who prefer to park, terminal garages are situated at each terminal and cost $9 per hour, with an additional $7 charge for every extra 30 minutes.
While LAX offers plenty of its own parking options, you’re not limited to airport-run lots. The surrounding area boasts hotels and third-party parking lots that provide alternative parking solutions.
Consider nearby hotels with shuttle service
One option is to park at an airport hotel, such as the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, where indoor parking starts at $12.95 per day. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from LAX for added convenience.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Before choosing a hotel, ensure that they offer shuttle service during your departure and arrival times, as some hotels may not operate shuttles during off-peak hours.
Parking at a hotel can be a dual-purpose solution. If you have an early flight or return late, you can take advantage of the hotel’s shuttle service and spend the night there, saving you from paying for parking at a separate lot and moving your car to the hotel later on.
Leave your car at a FlyAway bus stop
To avoid airport traffic, you might consider parking off-site and using the FlyAway bus service to travel to and from LAX. The Van Nuys FlyAway stop, located 24 miles from LAX, offers a maximum daily rate of $6 for parking. Additionally, the FlyAway bus picks up from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, where parking costs $8 per day. Keep in mind that there is an additional $9.75 fee each way for the shuttle to and from the airport.
How specialized search engines can help
With numerous parking options near LAX, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Parking aggregators like SpotHero can simplify the process. These platforms provide access to pricing from multiple parking lots with one search and offer information on parking availability, customer ratings, operating hours, entry and exit privileges, and shuttle services.
Tips for saving money on parking at LAX
Paying for parking is never fun, but there are ways to cut costs when parking at LAX.
Utilize a travel credit card
For those looking to maximize rewards when paying for parking, consider using a travel credit card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied toward parking charges. Simply use your card to pay for parking, and the credit will be automatically applied.