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International and national flights land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), while smaller airports in Burbank, Ontario, Irvine, and Long Beach serve only domestic flights.

Travelers arriving in the US are permitted to import one liter of liquor, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars), and $100 worth of gifts ($400 for US or permanent residents) without incurring customs fees. No meat, seeds, plants, or fresh fruit may be brought in.

Anyone arriving in the US must complete one customs declaration per household and, in the case of non-citizens, immigration form I-94. Strict security checks, involving the taking of photographs and fingerprints, are now in place for those arriving in the US on a visa.

LAX occupies a vast ocean-adjacent plot of land about 5 miles (8 km) south of Santa Monica and 16 miles (25 km) southwest of downtown and Hollywood. The free Shuttle A bus frequently connects each of the eight terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Several shuttle buses stop outside each terminal on the lower level of LAX. Door-to-door van shuttles are usually more economical than taxis but are also more time-consuming. Most airport area hotels operate a free pick-up service.

Taxis must be summoned by a dispatcher waiting outside each terminal on the arrival level. Fares vary but range from $20–35, to Santa Monica, downtown, and Hollywood. Note that an airport surcharge applies to all trips originating from LAX.

Domestic travelers might be able to obtain cheaper fares for flights to regional LA airports, which are also smaller and less busy than LAX. Burbank is close to downtown, Pasadena, and the major movie studios. Airports in Long Beach and Irvine are convenient if you are headed for Disneyland.

Amtrak trains arriving at the historic Union Station in downtown include the Coast Starlight from Seattle, the Southwest Chief from Chicago, and the Sunset Limited from Orlando. The Pacific Surf-liner that travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo also stops here.

Greyhound operates a vast network of air-conditioned coaches all across the US. Bus travel is cheapest but is much slower and a suitable option only if you’re arriving from nearby cities such as San Francisco or Las Vegas. Buses stop at the main Greyhound terminal in an industrial section of downtown, an area best avoided after dark.

Several freeways lead straight to and through LA, including the I-5, Hwy 101, and I-405 from points north; the I-10 from the east; and the I-5 and I-405 from the south.