Los Angeles Travel Information
Los Angeles Airports
LAX AIRPORT
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest international airport in the Los Angeles area.
It is located about 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles.
LAX is a major hub for many airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United. It is also a major hub for cargo carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
LAX has nine passenger terminals and four cargo terminals. It is the second busiest airport in the United States and the fourth busiest in the world.
LAX is currently undergoing major construction work due to the ongoing Automated People Mover (APM) project, so expect delays and increasted traffic congestion.
BURBANK AIRPORT
The Burbank Airport is located in Burbank, California.
It is a general aviation airport with a single terminal and is best for local, regional flights around the Southwestern United States and the West Coast.
It is served by several airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
The airport is a convenient alternative to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 25 miles away, and tends to be less busy.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Most Common LA Transort Apps
Transit - LA's Official Metro App
LA Dot Transit
Lyft/Uber
Scooters/Bikes:
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
No Riding on the sidewalk
Only one rider per scooter, NO PASSENGERS
Scooter shall be operated in the bicycle lane when speed limit is at least 25 MPH
Use headlamp at night
Leave scooters in a position on a sidewalk that provide adequate space for pedestrians
Valid driver’s license or instruction permit required to operate an E-Scooter
Electric Cars
Join/Borrow
BlueLa
Public Transport Cards (TAP Cards)
The LA version of Mero Cards, TAP Cards can be purchased and reloaded four ways:
From any Metro Customer Center or from one of 400 sales locations throughout LA.
Online at taptogo.net. New cards take approximately one month to arrive in the mail.
On-board buses (Day Passes only).
From TAP vending machines (TVMs) at Metro Rail stations. Follow the steps below to purchase or load a TAP card from a TVM.
Public Transport Fares
Base fare of $1.75/one way (fare cap of $5 per day / $18 per week - after that, no charge)
Rental Cars
RECOMMENDED:
supercheapcar.com - rents to international students who have a valid driver’s license in their home country
Local Car Rental - as low as $199/wk
Travel Car Rental - as low as $299/wl
Other car rental companies:
Things to do Around LA
Immigration / Customs Information
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online system that helps determine if visitors are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA applications can be submitted at any time before travel, but it's recommended to apply as soon as you start planning your trip or before buying tickets. It can take up to 72 hours to get an approval, so some recommend applying at least a week or two before traveling.
What if I get sick while traveling? Can foreign travelers get medical insurance when traveling to the USA?
Yes, foreigners can get insurance while in the U.S. Various insurance options are available to travelers depending on their length of stay and visa type. One such option is HeyMondo for Italian travels, but it's best to research what's available to you based on your visa requirements before purchasing a plan.
What do you need to travel to the USA?
EU citizens are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days if they meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Before traveling, they must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) authorization through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Non-EU travelers should look into what is required by the USA when traveling from their specific country.
What kind of credit card is recommended for an European in the USA?
There are many options, but something like the Revolut Travel Card is a good option. Look for a bank / company that allows you to use your money without conversion. You can pay in 150+ currencies with Revolut, just like you would with a money travel card. You don't need to keep that local currency in your Revolut account to spend with it. When you shop or withdraw cash from an ATM while you're abroad, just use your card and we'll handle the conversion for you.
How can I pay for things in the USA?
If you are traveling to the United States from Europe, you may need to exchange your currency for US dollars. You can do this at a currency exchange bureau or at a bank. Once you have US dollars, you can use them to pay for goods and services in the United States. However, you may find it convenient to use a credit card or debit card to make your purchases. Many establishments in the United States accept credit and debit cards from foreign countries. However, if you use a credit card from Italy, you may be charged an additional fee for the conversion of your purchase to US dollars.