Best Time To Visit

The warm and sunny weather in Southern California makes Los Angeles an enjoyable city practically all year round, but in general, the best time to visit L.A. would be from March to May, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant. Summer can be unbearably hot. It also brings more tourists and that's when the smog levels and room rates peak. However, during this period, L.A. is booming with music festivals, free summer concerts, and outdoor movie screenings. The rain falls mostly during the winter. In January, Pasadena’s historic Rose Parade takes place and most awards shows such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Grammys.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Smaller airports in the Los Angeles area avoid the LAX gridlock and provide connections to almost anywhere within the US. Check the individual websites for details on flights and ground transport. Also check MTA's website for public transport routes and timetables. Hollywood Burbank Airport is located 15 miles (25 km) northwest of Downtown.

• Web:

  www.hollywoodburbankairport.com

• Address:

  2627 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA

• Phone:

  +1 818 840 8840

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport is located 25 miles (40 km) south of Downtown. Transportation network companies such as Lyft, Opoli, See Jane Go and Uber are available on the outer curb in front of the terminal. The bus service is run by Long Beach Transit and they have four routes that are connected to the airport. Taxis are offered at the Taxi stand outside the terminal. You will find the car rental offices in the Airport Ground Transportation Center.

• Web:

  www.longbeach.gov/lgb

• E-mail:

  lgbarpt@longbeach.gov

• Address:

  4100 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, CA

• Phone:

  +1 562 570 2600

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, as it is locally known, is the third busiest airport in the world. It is located about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown L.A. Public transport from LAX is slow, but cheap. The “C” shuttle leaves from the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal and brings passengers to the Metro Bus Center, where they can catch city buses serving the Los Angeles area. Information on city bus services is available by telephone or on the Information Display Board in the baggage claim area in each terminal. In addition, passengers can obtain local transit information by calling +1 800 266 6883. L.A. city’s easily navigable website also gives routes and timetables for public transport to and from the city. Private shuttle buses do hotel drop-offs right to the door, cheaper than a taxi and quicker than the public bus. These can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the red sign Hotel & Parking Lot Shuttles. Taxis are readily available but expensive (they add a service charge from the airport). They can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal. Passengers are given a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations. There are also plenty of car rental agencies at the airport with competitive prices.

• Web:

  www.flylax.com

• Address:

  1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA

• Phone:

  +1 855 463 5252

Public Transport

Los Angeles is a city designed for cars. Getting around without one is generally slow and complicated. Most visitors rent a car for their stay, but if you decide not to, there are options. Buses, trains and trams are run by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority. The Metro, which runs both over and under ground, is sometimes handy for getting from Downtown outwards. The Transit Authority’s website is easily navigable and provides all necessary information on routes, timetables and fares. The Downtown Area Short Hop (DASH) shuttle system operates buses throughout Downtown, Hollywood and the west side of L.A. Service runs roughly every 5 to 20 minutes. Contact the Department of Transportation for routes and timetables.

• Web:

  www.ladottransit.com