Updated August 5, 2026: LAWA describes SkyLink as forthcoming and has not posted a confirmed public opening date. It is not open to passengers yet.
LAX’s long-awaited automated people mover has a new passenger-facing name: SkyLink. The elevated electric train is designed to connect the airport’s terminals with Metro, economy parking, ground transportation, and the consolidated rental car facility.
It is a major change for LAX, but travelers need a clear distinction between what is planned and what is available today.
What is LAX SkyLink?
SkyLink is a 2.25-mile elevated automated train system built to move passengers above airport traffic. LAWA’s plan includes six stations:
- three stations inside the Central Terminal Area;
- the LAX Economy Parking and Ground Transportation Center area;
- the LAX/Metro Transit Center;
- the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility.
The system is intended to reduce the need for many ground-level shuttle trips and make connections outside the terminal loop more predictable. Earlier LAWA design information described trains arriving about every two minutes at peak periods and an end-to-end trip of roughly ten minutes. Treat those as planned operating details until passenger service begins.
Is the LAX People Mover open?
No, not for passengers as of August 5, 2026. LAWA currently calls SkyLink forthcoming. Airport advisory materials earlier in 2026 discussed a delay and hoped-for summer opening, but LAWA has not posted a confirmed public service date on its current project page.
Testing or a completed-looking station does not mean the system is accepting passengers. The reliable milestone will be a formal opening announcement from LAWA or FlyLAX.
What should travelers use now?
Metro
The LAX/Metro Transit Center opened on June 6, 2025 and serves Metro’s C and K Lines. Until SkyLink opens, Metro says a free LAX shuttle operates between the station and the terminals, generally about every ten minutes.
Rental cars
Follow the current LAX and rental-company shuttle signs for the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility. Do not walk along restricted airport roads or follow a future SkyLink map as though it were an active route.
Terminal connections
All LAX terminals are connected after security by pedestrian routes. Outside security, the free Terminal Connector shuttle operates around the terminal loop. Read our terminal connection guide before a tight transfer.
Rideshare
Most standard Lyft, Uber, and Opoli pickups still use the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. Follow green LAX-it signs and either walk or take the free shuttle. Eligible premium ride categories may display a terminal-curb pickup option in the app.
How could SkyLink change LAX parking?
SkyLink will directly serve LAX Economy Parking, but it will not stop at every independent off-airport parking facility. Travelers using off-airport parking should continue following that facility’s current shuttle instructions unless the business announces a change.
For Airport Spectrum customers, the practical rule is simple: use the complimentary terminal shuttle and the pickup instructions provided for your reservation. We will update this guide when LAWA confirms passenger operations and any resulting ground-transport changes.
Why SkyLink matters
The Central Terminal Area is constrained and busy. Moving Metro riders, rental-car customers, and some parking users above road traffic should reduce curbside vehicle trips and create a more legible airport journey. The connection to the already-open Metro station is especially important because it links the airport to rail without requiring a transfer to the old Aviation/LAX setup.
Five things to remember for a 2026 trip
- SkyLink is the current name for the LAX automated people mover.
- It is not open to passengers as of August 5, 2026.
- The LAX/Metro Transit Center is open now, using a free terminal shuttle until SkyLink service begins.
- Current LAX-it, rental-car, terminal shuttle, and off-airport parking instructions remain in effect.
- Verify the status with LAWA or FlyLAX immediately before travel.
Parking near LAX while the airport changes
Airport Spectrum Parking is at 5757 W Century Blvd, with covered parking and complimentary shuttle service to and from LAX. Reserve online, keep the shuttle instructions handy, and allow enough time before your terminal arrival target.