How Much Is Parking at LAX Terminal 1? Full Rate Guide

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Parking at LAX Terminal 1 is served directly by the P1 parking structure, which charges $9 for the first hour and maxes out at $60 per day for general parking. Premium reserved spots in P1 cap at $70 per day, and valet parking is available at a $75 daily maximum. If those rates feel steep, off-site lots near LAX start at just $7.72 per day — a saving of more than 85% compared to on-airport valet. Terminal 1 is the operating base for Southwest Airlines and also serves JetBlue Airways, so most travelers searching this are flying one of those two carriers.

• P1 General Parking: $9 first hour, then $7 per 30 minutes, capped at $60/day — directly attached to Terminal 1.
• P1 Premium Parking: Closest spots to the terminal entrance, capped at $70/day.
• P1 Valet: Drop your car at the terminal door — capped at $75/day.
• LAX Economy Parking: $8 first hour, max $35/day — free shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes to Terminal 1.
• LAX Budget Parking: $5 first hour, max $20/day — most affordable on-airport option.
• Off-site lots: From $7.72/day with free 24/7 shuttle service to all terminals, including Terminal 1.
• Cell Phone Lot: Free while waiting to pick up arriving passengers — no long-term use allowed.

How Much Does Parking Cost at LAX Terminal 1?

The P1 parking structure sits directly attached to Terminal 1 inside the Central Terminal Area (CTA). Per Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) official rates, general parking in P1 starts at $9 for the first hour, then $7 for each additional 30 minutes, with a daily maximum of $60. This is the closest you can park to the Southwest Airlines check-in counters without using valet.

Premium parking in P1 reserves the spots nearest the terminal entrance. The rate is $11 for the first hour, then $9 per 30 minutes, capping at $70 per day. Valet parking in P1 lets you pull straight to the curb and hand over your keys — that service caps at $75 per day (verified April 2026). You can view current CTA terminal parking rates on the official LAX parking site.

For multi-day trips, the on-airport costs add up fast. A 5-day Southwest vacation would run $300 at the P1 general rate or $375 at valet. That's a significant chunk of any travel budget. Cheaper on-airport alternatives exist, but they require a shuttle ride to Terminal 1.

Compare LAX Terminal 1 parking rates from $7.72/day on TriplyPro — find and book the cheapest spot for your Southwest or JetBlue flight.

What Are the Parking Options Near LAX Terminal 1?

Terminal 1 travelers have several distinct tiers of parking to choose from. The right choice depends on your trip length, budget, and how much walking or shuttle time you're willing to accept.

On-Airport Parking (P1 Structure)

The P1 garage is the most convenient option for Terminal 1. You drive into the CTA off World Way, park directly in the attached structure, and walk to Southwest check-in in minutes. No shuttle needed. This is the best choice for short trips, early morning flights, or when you're running tight on time. The trade-off is price — at $60/day maximum, it's one of the most expensive options available.

LAX Economy Parking

LAX Economy Parking sits southeast of the CTA and connects to all terminals via a free shuttle. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and serves Terminal 1 directly. At a $35/day maximum, it saves you $25 per day versus P1 general parking. Over a 5-day trip, that's $125 saved. The walk to and from the shuttle adds roughly 10-15 minutes each way, so factor that into your airport arrival time. You can see full details at the official LAX Economy Parking page.

LAX Budget Parking

LAX Budget Parking is the cheapest on-airport option at a $20/day maximum. It's a remote drive-up lot with shuttle service to all terminals. This is a solid choice for longer trips where savings really stack up. The shuttle does require more travel time than Economy Parking, so build extra buffer into your schedule.

Off-Site Parking Lots

Off-site lots near LAX offer the biggest savings — and every verified lot includes a free 24/7 shuttle to Terminal 1. Rates currently range from $7.72/day at 105 Airport Parking to $31.95/day at WallyPark Express, based on current Triply rates. The shuttle ride time varies by lot: QuikPark LAX is one block away with a 5-10 minute shuttle, while 105 Airport Parking runs every 25-30 minutes. For long trips, even a mid-range off-site lot can cut your total parking cost by 50% or more.

For a deeper look at how all the off-site options compare side by side, see our guide to LAX airport parking off site — best lots, rates, and shuttles.

How Do You Get From LAX Parking to Terminal 1?

Getting from your parking spot to Terminal 1 depends entirely on which lot you chose. Here's how each route works.

From P1 (On-Airport)

If you parked in P1, walk directly from your space to the Terminal 1 departure level. The structure is physically attached to the terminal. No shuttle, no crossing roads — just walk. This is the fastest and easiest option inside the CTA.

From Economy or Budget Parking

Both Economy and Budget Parking use free LAX shuttle buses that run to all terminals, including Terminal 1. Economy shuttles run every 10-15 minutes. Once the Automated People Mover (APM) opens around June 2026, Economy Parking will also connect via an elevated train to the terminals — a major upgrade that's part of the broader Transforming LAX modernization program. Until then, the bus shuttle is your connection.

From Off-Site Lots

Every off-site lot near LAX provides a free 24/7 shuttle directly to Terminal 1. Shuttle frequency varies — QuikPark LAX runs every 5-10 minutes, while 105 Airport Parking runs every 25-30 minutes. Plan ahead and add extra time for the ride. Most experienced LAX travelers using off-site lots arrive at the lot at least 90 minutes before departure to account for the shuttle.

Step-by-Step: Off-Site to Terminal 1

1. Drive to your off-site lot and check in at the booth.
2. Park your car in the designated space (or hand keys to valet).
3. Wait at the shuttle pickup area — typically near the lot entrance.
4. Board the shuttle to LAX terminals — ask the driver for Terminal 1.
5. Get dropped at the Terminal 1 departures curb on the upper level.
6. Proceed to Southwest Airlines or JetBlue check-in and security.

If you have TSA PreCheck — and it's worth getting if you don't — security lines at Terminal 1 move significantly faster. You can check out TSA PreCheck enrollment options on the TSA's official site. Pair that with an off-site shuttle and you're still well ahead of travelers who drove straight to the garage and got stuck in CTA traffic.

Is Off-Airport Parking Near LAX Terminal 1 Cheaper?

Yes — significantly. Off-airport lots near LAX are cheaper than P1 in every comparison, and some are cheaper even than LAX Budget Parking.

105 Airport Parking at $7.72/day is the most affordable verified option. That's 87% cheaper than P1 valet and 61% cheaper than LAX Economy Parking — based on current Triply rates. For a 7-day trip, you'd pay roughly $54 at 105 Airport Parking versus $420 at P1 general. That difference buys a lot of vacation.

Here's a quick comparison of the best off-site lots for Terminal 1 travelers:

• 105 Airport Parking — $7.72/day: Indoor and rooftop self-park, valet available, free 24/7 shuttle every 25-30 minutes. Best for budget-first travelers on longer trips.
• QuikPark LAX — $16.95/day: Just one block from LAX, covered garage, free shuttle every 5-10 minutes. Best for fast shuttle access without on-airport prices.
• Joe's Airport Parking — $17.95/day: Covered self-park with 1,400+ spaces, free shuttle every 15-20 minutes, 24/7 operation. Best for travelers who want covered parking at a fair price.
• The Parking Spot Century — $19.95/day: On Century Boulevard, covered parking, EV charging, valet option, luggage assistance. Best for added amenities near the airport.
• The Parking Spot Sepulveda — $19.95/day: About 1.7 miles from terminals, covered and uncovered options, EV charging, free shuttle around 6 minutes. Best for travelers on Sepulveda Boulevard.
• WallyPark Premier Garage — $25.95/day: Indoor garage, all-electric shuttle fleet, EV charging, car wash available. Best for premium service at a below-airport price.

All six lots offer free cancellation, which matters if your travel plans change. Booking in advance — especially during busy Southwest travel periods — locks in lower rates before they fill up. Check our LAX long-term parking deals guide for tips on finding the lowest rates before you travel.

How Can You Save Money on LAX Terminal 1 Parking?

There are several proven ways to cut your LAX parking bill — and most of them take less than five minutes to set up.

• Book in advance: Off-site lots often charge less when you reserve online ahead of time. Same-day walk-up rates can be higher, especially on busy travel days.
• Compare lot prices on Triply: Rates across LAX lots change frequently. Checking a comparison tool shows you the current best rate without having to visit every lot's website individually.
• Use LAX Budget Parking for short trips: At $20/day max, it's the cheapest on-airport option. For a 1-2 day trip, the shuttle inconvenience may be worth the savings over P1.
• Look for promo codes: Some off-site lots and LAWA occasionally offer discount codes. Our guide to LAX official airport parking promo codes breaks down exactly how to find and apply them.
• Choose covered parking only if you need it: Covered spots cost more at many lots. If weather isn't a concern and you'll be gone a short time, uncovered can save a few dollars per day.
• Consider free cancellation lots: Book refundable spots early to lock in a rate. If you find something cheaper later, cancel and rebook.
• Factor in shuttle time: The cheapest lot isn't always the best value. A lot that runs shuttles every 5 minutes may be worth a few extra dollars versus one running every 30 minutes when you have an early morning flight.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Park at LAX for Southwest Airlines Flights?

The cheapest verified parking option near LAX Terminal 1 for Southwest Airlines travelers is 105 Airport Parking at $7.72/day. It includes covered indoor and rooftop parking, a free 24/7 shuttle to Terminal 1, and free cancellation. For a 5-day Southwest trip, that's roughly $38.60 total — compared to $300 at P1 general parking. That's a saving of over $260 for one trip, based on current Triply rates.

If shuttle frequency matters more to you, QuikPark LAX at $16.95/day runs every 5-10 minutes and is just one block from the airport. For the same 5-day trip, total cost is about $85 — still 72% cheaper than P1.

Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In and free bag policy are part of why so many travelers fly out of Terminal 1. Those perks are built into your ticket — but parking doesn't have to drain your savings. For a full breakdown of every daily rate at LAX, see LAX airport parking per day — every rate compared.

How Does LAX Terminal 1 Parking Compare to Rideshare and Transit?

Parking isn't the only option for getting to Terminal 1. Rideshare and public transit both serve LAX — and for some travelers they make more sense than parking.

Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)

Rideshare pickups at LAX happen at the LAX-it lot, not at the terminal curb. Drivers are not allowed to pick up at the terminals. You take a free LAX shuttle from Terminal 1 to the LAX-it lot, then meet your driver there. Drop-offs still happen at the terminal curb. For a round trip from Westchester or El Segundo, rideshare can be cost-competitive with short-term parking — but for trips of 3 days or more, even a mid-range off-site parking lot typically costs less than two Uber or Lyft rides.

FlyAway Bus

The LAX FlyAway Bus connects the airport to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The ride takes 30-60 minutes depending on I-405 traffic. This is a practical option if you live near a FlyAway stop and don't want to deal with parking at all. Check the FlyAway Bus schedule and route info on the official LAX site before your trip.

Metro Transit

The Metro K Line (formerly Crenshaw/LAX) and Metro C Line serve the LAX Metro Transit Center nearby. Once the Automated People Mover opens around June 2026, it will connect the Metro Transit Center directly to the terminal area via elevated train — making public transit genuinely practical for Terminal 1 travelers for the first time. This is a significant change worth watching if you plan to fly through LAX later in 2026.

Quick Comparison

• P1 Garage (on-airport): Most convenient, most expensive at $60/day max.
• Off-site lot (e.g., 105 Airport Parking): Best value for multi-day trips at $7.72/day.
• LAX Economy Parking: Middle ground at $35/day with free shuttle.
• Rideshare: No parking cost, but round-trip fares add up fast for longer trips.
• FlyAway Bus: Good for central LA residents, avoids parking entirely.
• Metro (post-APM): Most affordable transit option — viable from mid-2026 onward.

Parking still beats rideshare for most LAX Terminal 1 travelers taking trips longer than two days. The key is choosing the right tier. Before your next Southwest or JetBlue flight out of Terminal 1, compare current LAX parking rates on TriplyPro and lock in the best deal for your dates. Rates start at $7.72/day and every listed lot serves Terminal 1 with a free shuttle.