1Santa Monica Pier & Beach
12 miles from LAX — 30 minutes by rideshare without traffic. Pacific Park rides and the Route 66 endpoint sign.
Photo: web4camguy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
LAX Airport (LAX) · USA
6-Hour Layover in Los Angeles: What To Do
By AirConnect Editorial
Things to do in Los Angeles
Tours, tickets & day trips
Photo: Stephen Leonardi on Pexels.
Quick answer
Can you leave the airport on a 6-hour layover in Los Angeles?
Entry
ESTA required for 40+ visa-waiver countries — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($21, valid 2 years). All other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 visa.
Into town
FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood).
Time outside
4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
Times from LAX arrivals. Check entry rules for your passport before you fly.
Top Los Angeles: Where to Go
The sights in Los Angeles worth leaving the airport for.
1
2Venice Beach Boardwalk
Muscle Beach, street performers, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard boutiques. Most alive on weekend afternoons.
Photo: DanielMichaelPerry, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
3Grand Central Market, DTLA
Downtown LA's historic food hall (1917). Eggslut, Tacos Tumbras, and the best egg sandwich in the city. Meals $3–15.
Photo: NewtonCourt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Itinerary ideas for Los Angeles
Pick the plan that fits the time between your flights.
3 hours in Los Angeles
Stay airside — 3h is too tight
See the 3-hour planPhoto: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels.
You are here6 hours in Los Angeles
4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
Photo: ItzAPotato2009, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Insider tip
LAX has no direct rail link to the city — a major flaw. The new LAX-it rideshare area is a 5-minute shuttle from terminals. Avoid rideshare from terminals directly.
Getting to Los Angeles City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood) | $9.75 | 45–60 min |
| Taxi / Uber (no rail link) | $35–60 | 30–60 min |
Photo: Louiemantia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Eat Like a Local in Los Angeles
In-N-Out Burger (Double-Double, Animal Style) near LAX on Sepulveda Blvd — a California icon, $5.
6 hours in Los Angeles
6-Hour Itinerary
1
0–45 min
Clear passport control
Only leave the airport if your passport and visa allow entry; see the entry note above.
2
45–90 min
Into Los Angeles: FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood)
Check the latest times and fares with the operator before you set off.
3
90–210 min
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
12 miles from LAX — 30 minutes by rideshare without traffic. Pacific Park rides and the Route 66 endpoint sign.
4
210–270 min
Eat before you head back
In-N-Out Burger (Double-Double, Animal Style) near LAX on Sepulveda Blvd — a California icon, $5.
5
270–360 min
Back to LAX Airport
Head back to LAX Airport by FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 6-hour layover in Los Angeles?
ESTA required for 40+ visa-waiver countries — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($21, valid 2 years). All other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 visa. Check the rules for your own passport before you fly.
Is 6 hours enough to leave LAX Airport?
4–5 hours in the city (stay close).
How do I get from LAX Airport to Los Angeles centre?
FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood). Taxi / Uber (no rail link).
Where can I leave my bags in Los Angeles?
Luggage storage near LAX Airport and in Los Angeles is listed in our Los Angeles luggage storage guide.
Getting out of LAX Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Los Angeles
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Los Angeles and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse Los AngelesJust need timed-entry attraction tickets in Los Angeles? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Los Angeles.Trains & buses from Los Angeles
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels.
Hotels near Los Angeles Airport
A day-use hotel near the airport is a great option for a 6-hour layover.
Find hotels in Los Angeles
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
Search hotels
Planning a longer stay in Los Angeles?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Los Angeles Destination Guide →Also useful for your Los Angeles trip
Stay connected abroad — no roaming bills
Buy a travel eSIM before you fly and install it by QR code.
Airlines that fly to Los Angeles
See each airline’s route map: where else it flies from LAX.
Flights to Los Angeles from 68 cities: fares and airlines →
Alaska Airlines route mapAmerican Airlines route mapDelta Air Lines route mapJetBlue Airways route mapUnited Airlines route mapAer Lingus route mapAeromexico route mapAir Canada route mapAir China route mapAir France route mapAir India route mapAir New Zealand route mapAir Tahiti Nui route mapAll Nippon Airways route mapAll Nippon Airways route mapAsiana Airlines route mapAustrian Airlines route mapAvianca route map
Airport lounges at Los Angeles Airport
Wait for your flight in a lounge — one membership covers lounges at airports across the country and worldwide.
Los Angeles travel deals
Weekly layover, flight + hotel deals. No spam.
How a layover in Los Angeles works
01
Check you can leave
ESTA required for 40+ visa-waiver countries — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($21, valid 2 years). All other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 visa.
03
Back in time for your flight
Head back to LAX Airport by FlyAway Bus (to Union Station / Hollywood). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Ready for Los Angeles?
Tours, tickets and day trips that fit between your flights.
Daylight on the ground
Daylight in Los Angeles runs from about 9.7 hours in Dec to 14.2 in Jun. Enough of a difference that a winter stopover gives you noticeably less usable time outside than a summer one.