Australians love LA. In fact, in 2018 visitors from Australia increased by 2%, with 426,000 heading to La La Land. Los Angeles remains an iconic destination on our 'must-see' bucket list and is an excellent gateway to a multi-city trip to North America. With fantastic year-round weather and unforgettable attractions that 'only LA' has including Hollywood Studios, Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory and La Brea Tar Pits, there is a lot to see and do beyond 'star spotting' in the 'City of Angels. But first, you need to get there and there is no better place to search for cheap flights to Los Angeles than right here on iFly.
There isn't an off season in LA, although you can find great airfares to Los Angeles during February and March, as well as September, October and November. The most expensive time is December. Five airlines have direct flights from Australia to Los Angeles: American Airlines, Delta, Qantas, United and Virgin Australia.
Los Angeles International, or commonly known as LAX, is the 2nd busiest airport in America. It's the main gateway to the country from Australia, with many flights to other US destinations connecting from LAX. It is the main airport for entering and completing immigration into the US. International flights arrive at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT or Terminal B), which has ATMs, currency exchange and other facilities that can be used before you continue on to your accommodation.
Once you pass through immigration, there are a few options to choose from to get to downtown LA.
By Taxi: The journey will take about 20 minutes in good traffic conditions and should cost around US$75.
By Airport Bus: There are a number of different bus companies that operate routes into the city and other areas. Fares depend on your destination.
By Public Bus: There is a free shuttle service that takes passengers to a public bus terminal where they can continue on to your destination.
The typical taxi trip from LAX to downtown is more than US$50, not including the tip. A ride with Uber or Lyft is closer to US$30, however prices can climb during high-demand periods.
Looking to get to Downtown LA in style? Private transfers are stress-free rides from door-to-door with a 5-star chauffeur and cost around US$94. Contact our office on 1800 156 856 to organise your private transfer.
Shared shuttles are great for people travelling to the United States on a budget and don't mind sharing a ride with other travellers to and from Los Angeles Airport LAX. There are a number of Shuttle comapnies to choose from and costs will vary. If you want piece of mind when you land then give iFly a call on 1800 156 856 when you've booked your flights online to Los Angeles and we will organise your shuttle transfer for you.
It is about 24 kilometres from LAX to the city centre and if traffic is flowing well then it should take about 30-40 minutes. From LAX to Anaheim it is 51 kilometres, so driving time should take around 46 minutes. LAX to West Hollywood is 16 kilometres and will take 40 minutes (depending on traffic). If you are heading to Santa Monica from LAX, driving time should take around 20 - 30 minutes.
Los Angeles is known as the 'city of cars', however there are a variety of ways for you to get around this sprawling metroplis without having to get behind the wheel. The Metro’s subway trains, light rail and buses transport hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists daily from about US$1.75 per ride or US$7 for a day pass with unlimited rides. To ride the Metro trains and buses, all you need to do is buy a reusable TAP card, which are available from TAP vending machines at Metro stations with a $1 surcharge. There are also numerous citywide bike paths that are welcoming a growing number of cyclists, so to explore your local area, jump on a bike and explore Beverly Hills to Pasadena or the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath which runs along the white sands of Long Beach. There are many bike routes available for you to discover L.A. on, allowing you to avoid the traffic jams, to work up a sweat or just cruise along.
Discover Los Angeles and neighbouring areas at your own pace when you hire a car. You can easily collect your car on arrival at LAX or there are plenty of other downtown and city locations to choose from. At iFly we have amazing prices and car options for you to choose, so buckle yourself in with iFly and click here to get a car hire quote.
Australia is among one of the 38 countries whose residents need to apply for an ESTA to gain entry into the United States under the country's Visa Waiver Program. It costs $14 USD and lasts for 2 years. It’s quick and easy to apply, and you can’t travel without it.
Also make sure you're covered and have organised your Travel Insurance.
