LAX is a nightmare. Honestly, if you've ever tried to navigate the horseshoe during peak hours, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The traffic crawls, the stress levels spike, and the prices for on-site parking at the Central Terminal Area (CTA) are basically highway robbery. That’s why 105 lax airport parking has become such a staple for people who actually live here or fly out of Los Angeles frequently. It isn't just about saving a few bucks; it’s about avoiding the psychological toll of the airport's inner loop.
Located at 9800 S. Sepulveda Blvd, right near the corner of Century and Sepulveda, this facility is technically the 105 Airport Parking garage. It’s a massive structure. You can’t miss it. It sits just south of the main entrance to the airport, which is a strategic advantage most people overlook until they are stuck in 40 minutes of traffic just trying to reach Terminal 4.
What makes 105 lax airport parking different?
Most people think all off-site lots are created equal. They aren’t.
The 105 lot is a multi-level covered garage. This matters because the California sun is brutal. Leaving your car on a rooftop or an open tarmac lot for two weeks is a great way to come back to a cracked dashboard or a battery that's surrendered to the heat. At 105, you're mostly under concrete. It’s cooler. It feels more secure.
Parking here is generally a self-park situation. I prefer this. I don't really want a stranger adjusting my mirrors or rummaging through my center console while I'm at 30,000 feet. You pull in, you find a spot, you keep your keys. Simple.
The shuttle service is the heartbeat of the operation. Because they are located so close to the 105 freeway off-ramp and the Sepulveda tunnel, their drivers have a "back way" into the airport that avoids some of the worst congestion on Century Boulevard. They run every 15 to 20 minutes, though, in my experience, it’s usually faster during the morning rush when the business travelers are out in force.
The Pricing Game
Let's talk money because that’s the real reason you aren't parking at the terminal. LAX official parking can easily run you $40 to $60 a day if you haven't pre-booked.
105 lax airport parking usually hovers around the $15 to $22 range, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. If you use a third-party aggregator like CheapAirportParking or Way.com, you can sometimes snag it for even less. But here is a pro tip: check their direct website first. Sometimes the "convenience fees" on those discount sites make it more expensive than just booking directly with the garage.
Is it the cheapest lot in the area? Probably not. You can find some sketchy uncovered lots near the 405 that might save you another $3 a day. But you get what you pay for. Those cheaper lots often have shuttles that run once an hour, or worse, they "on-demand" them, which means you're standing on a curb at 1 AM praying someone shows up. 105 is consistent. Consistency is worth the extra $3.
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Navigating the 105 lot experience
Getting there is easy, but missing the turn is easier. If you’re coming from the south via the 105 freeway, you want to stay in the Sepulveda North lanes. If you miss the turn for the garage, you’re forced into the LAX tunnel, and congratulations, you’ve just added 20 minutes to your trip as you loop through the entire airport just to get back to where you started.
When you pull in, grab your ticket. Take a photo of it. Seriously.
People lose these tickets constantly. Or they forget which level they parked on. The 105 garage is big enough that searching for a silver Honda Civic on five different levels while carrying three suitcases is a special kind of hell.
The Shuttle Pick-Up Situation
When you land back at LAX, the rules have changed over the last few years. You can't just walk out of baggage claim and hop on a shuttle at the inner curb anymore. You have to go to the Red Sign zones. These are located on the departures (upper) level.
Wait. Read that again.
Most people walk out of arrivals and look for the shuttle. You have to go upstairs. Look for the signs that say "Hotel & Private Parking Shuttles." The 105 shuttle is white with very clear purple and black lettering. They are hard to miss.
If you see the "LAX-it" green buses, ignore them. Those are for Uber, Lyft, and taxis. You want the private shuttle.
Safety and Security Realities
Is it safe? As safe as any major city parking structure can be.
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There is 24/7 staff and surveillance. Because it’s a high-volume lot, there’s almost always movement. Thieves generally prefer quiet, dark corners where they won't be interrupted. The 105 lot is rarely quiet.
That said, don't leave your iPad on the passenger seat. Don't leave a "hide-a-key" under the wheel well. It’s still Los Angeles. Use common sense.
Clearance and Vehicle Size
If you’re driving a massive dually truck or a van with a roof rack, check the clearance. The 105 garage has a standard height limit—usually around 6'6" for most levels. If you have a modified overlanding rig, you’re going to have a bad time. Most standard SUVs like a Tahoe or an Explorer fit just fine, but it’s always tight in these older LA structures.
Why frequent flyers choose this over Uber
A lot of people think Uber is cheaper. It’s not anymore.
A round-trip Uber from the South Bay or Santa Monica to LAX can easily cost $80 to $100 after tips and surge pricing. If you’re going away for a long weekend (3-4 days), parking at 105 lax airport parking is significantly cheaper than a rideshare. Plus, you don't have to wait for a driver who might cancel on you or sit in a car that smells like old fast food.
There is a certain "peace of mind" factor in knowing your car is waiting for you the second you get off that shuttle. No "searching for driver," no surge pricing because it’s raining, no nonsense. You just get in your car and go home.
Common Misconceptions About 105 Parking
People often confuse this lot with "Lot E" or the new "Economy Parking" structure. They are different.
The official LAX Economy structure is fancy. It has electric signs telling you exactly how many spots are left. It’s also usually more expensive and fills up faster. The 105 lot is a private enterprise. It’s a bit more "old school," but it’s often more reliable for last-minute bookings when the official lots are blacked out.
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Another myth is that you can just "show up" and get the web rate. You can't.
If you drive up to the gate without a reservation, you will pay the "drive-up" rate, which is higher. Always book online. Even if you do it on your phone while sitting in traffic on the way there, just get that QR code. It saves you a massive headache at the exit gate.
The "Hidden" South Entrance
During heavy holiday travel—think Thanksgiving or Christmas—the main entrance on Sepulveda can get backed up. There is occasionally an entrance open on the back side (Parkway), but don't count on it. Stick to the main entrance but give yourself an extra 15 minutes.
The biggest mistake people make is timing. They think "I'm parking near the airport, so I only need 10 minutes." No. Between the check-in, the shuttle loop, and the TSA lines, you need to arrive at the 105 garage at least two hours before a domestic flight. If you're going international, make it three.
Actionable Steps for a Stress-Free Stay
If you're planning to use the 105 lot, here is the move-by-move playbook to ensure you don't end up sweating through your shirt before you even get to the gate.
- Book 7 days out: This is the "sweet spot" for pricing. Rates often jump as you get within 48 hours of your travel date.
- Download the reservation: Don't rely on cell service in a concrete garage. Screenshot your QR code or confirmation number.
- Level 3 is the sweet spot: It's high enough to avoid the immediate chaos of the entrance but low enough that you aren't spiraling up the ramp for five minutes.
- The "Van Snap": Take a photo of the shuttle van number when you get on. If you leave your sunglasses or a bag on the shuttle, calling the office with a van number makes retrieval 100% easier.
- Check your tire pressure: There is nothing worse than landing after a 10-hour flight to find a flat tire in a dark garage. 105 staff can sometimes help with a jump-start, but they aren't a mechanic shop.
The 105 lax airport parking option remains one of the most balanced choices at LAX. It’s not the "luxury" valet experience of some of the high-end hotels, and it’s not the "dirt lot" experience of the deep-budget options. It’s the middle ground that works. It provides a roof over your car, a reliable shuttle, and a price point that doesn't make you regret taking a vacation in the first place.
Before your next trip, compare the total cost of a rideshare versus a 4-day stay at 105. Most times, the garage wins. Just remember to go to the departures level for your ride back, or you'll be standing on the sidewalk watching your shuttle drive right past you.