HOW TO GET TO LAX WITHOUT A CAR
Wondering about the best way to get to LAX (or from LAX to your hotel)?
Many dislike Los Angeles International (LAX) but if you are visiting Los Angeles there is a good chance you will have to travel from and to this large airport.
With a car, getting to LAX is fairly straightforward (though not necessarily fast or easy) but without a car it becomes a bit more complicated.
Whereas airports in most other major cities, like London or Munich, are easily reached from the city center by public transportation, the connections to LAX are few and far between.
And the huge size of Los Angeles makes it even more difficult. Depending on where you are staying, the best way to LAX will differ.
Having lived in LA for almost two years and after various visits since, I have taken many trips between the different parts of Los Angeles and the airport.
So below I will give a short general overview about the main transportation modes to the airport as well as their advantages and disadvantages specifically in LA.
And finally I will tell you the best ways to travel between LAX and the parts of the city most visitors will be staying in: Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Santa Monica/Venice.
Your main options to get to and from LAX
There are three main options to get to or from LAX if you don’t have a car: Taxi, ride share, and public transportation.
1. Getting to/from LAX via taxi
Taxis are probably the most convenient way to get to/from the airport but they are also the most expensive.
One major advantage of taxis is that they can pick up right at terminal 7 – something that ride shares like Uber are no longer allowed to do.
The main disadvantage is that cost will be high (probably at least $70 to get to Downtown Los Angeles) and you won’t know how much it will end up costing.
You really don’t want to be stuck in traffic for a couple of hours while the meter is running (something that is not a rare occurrence in LA)!
If you plan on using a taxi I recommend arranging this in advance and booking for a flat fee.
Due to an airport surcharge taxi rides from LAX to your LA destination will likely be more expensive than the return trip.
I would recommend a taxi in these cases:
– You have a lot of luggage or will have trouble changing to a shuttle for other reasons
– You are traveling very early in the morning (before 5:30 am) or late at night (after 9 pm) when traffic is less likely to be an issue
– Cost is not an issue for (lucky) you
2. Getting to/from LAX with Uber
Ride shares like Uber also will take you directly from LAX all the way to your hotel.
The main disadvantage when using a ride share is that Uber/Lyft etc. are no longer allowed to pick up or drop off at the terminals.
You will have to go to LAXit transportation hub (either by walking or taking a free shuttle) to get to your ride (or if traveling to the airport you will have to take the shuttle from LAXit to your terminal).
However, the main advantage compared to a taxi is that you will know how much your ride will cost before you get in the car. So no need to keep an anxious eye on the ticking meter!
Sure, there are sometimes surcharges applied by Uber after a trip (e.g. for toll roads) but those are generally minor amounts.
Pro Tip: Uber prices can vary widely depending on time of day/traffic. By traveling a bit earlier to the airport or by waiting a bit before taking an Uber to your hotel you may be able to save quite a bit.
I did some research in typical Uber prices for the ride to LAX. You can see what I found out in the location specific segments below.
I would recommend using a ride share in these cases:
– You have a fair amount of luggage
– You are traveling at night
– You are nervous about using public transportation
– Your hotel is in an inconvenient location
3. Getting to/from LAX by public transportation
Contrary to what many people think, Los Angeles does have a fair amount of public transportation. However, some of it may feel sketchy and depending on where you need to go you may have to change numerous times.
The main advantage of public transportation for getting to/from LAX is of course the price. Buses to the airport range from very inexpensive to not bad and in contrast to taxis the price is fixed before you travel.
Public transportation does come with several disadvantages. You will often have to change buses/trains at least once, the ride may feel not completely safe, you have to drag your luggage around with you, and you have to work with the schedule provided.
Given the above, I would not necessarily recommend using general public transportation to/from LAX if you are not familiar with LA and used to public transportation.
However, there are a couple of offerings specifically for airport transport. These feel much safer and are more convenient so are a good alternative if you are traveling alone and want to save some money.
In contrast to taxis/Ubers, public transportation options are specific to your destination.
Below I will explain how best to travel between LAX and the most popular tourist destinations of Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Santa Monica/Venice.
How to get to LAX from downtown Los Angeles
Your main options to travel between downtown Los Angeles and LAX without your own car are:
1. Taxi
Cost of taxi ride to LAX from downtown LA:
I would expect to pay at least around $70 to get from downtown LA to Los Angeles International.
Duration of taxi ride to LAX from downtown LA:
The duration of the ride will depend on how busy traffic is and could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 60+ minutes. In most cases it will take around 45 minutes to an hour.
2. Uber
Cost of Uber ride to LAX from downtown LA:
I have looked up pricing for this trip on the Uber app at various times (weekday and weekend).
This was not an exhaustive test so prices may be higher or lower but it should give a good indication of what to expect.
Uber prices ranged from $44.97 (11:30 pm on a Thursday) to $60.3 (7:30 am on a Thursday). The average price for this ride was $54.05.
Duration of Uber ride to LAX from downtown LA:
Based on my above research, estimated travel time between Union Station in downtown LA and LAX ranged from 30 minutes (Thursday night) to 50 minutes (Thursday morning rush hour) with an average of about 38 minutes.
However, you will have to transfer to an LAX shuttle at LAXit at Los Angeles International as ride shares are not allowed to stop at terminals.
This will add an average of about 20 minutes to your trip.
In total the trip should take an average of about 60 minutes with Uber.
3. Flyaway Bus
The LA Flyaway Bus is a special public bus run by LA Metro that runs specifically between the Los Angeles International airport and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
Flyaway runs every 30 minutes from 5 am to 11:30 pm. There are additional buses at 3 and 4 am going to the airport.
You can board Flyaway at the blue shuttle stops at LAX or at the bus plaza in front of Union Station.
A major advantage is that Flyaway does not require you to change to an internal LAX shuttle but will stop directly at the terminals.
Cost of Flyaway Bus to LAX from downtown LA:
There is a flat fee of $9.75 to travel between the airport and Union Station. You can buy tickets via mobile, on the web or at a ticket booth at Union Station. You can also use your TAP card to pay when you board.
Duration of ride with Flyaway to LAX from downtown LA:
As Flyaway uses regular streets it will also depend on traffic. Your average ride duration should be around 30 to 60 minutes but during busy times can be quite a bit longer.
If your hotel is close to Union Station you might even get to LAX faster with Flyaway than you would with Uber (as you don’t have to change at LAXit). And of course it is much cheaper!
How to get to LAX from Hollywood
Your main options to travel between Hollywood and LAX without your own car are:
1. Taxi
Cost of taxi ride to LAX from Hollywood:
I would expect to pay at least around $60 to $80 to get from Hollywood to Los Angeles International.
Duration of taxi ride to LAX from Hollywood:
The duration of the ride will depend on how busy traffic is and could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 90+ minutes. In most cases it will take around one hour.
2. Uber
Cost of Uber ride to LAX from Hollywood:
I have looked up pricing for this trip on the Uber app at various times (weekend and weekday).
Uber prices ranged from $34.91 (6 pm on a Sunday) to $53.94 (7:30 am on a Thursday). The average price for this ride was $47.44.
Duration of Uber ride to LAX from Hollywood:
Based on my above research, estimated travel time between Hollywood and LAX ranged from 40 minutes (7 am on a Sunday) to 75 minutes (5:30 pm Thursday) with an average of about 54 minutes. Unless you are traveling at a very quiet time (i.e. very early or late or on weekends) I would plan on at least one hour for the Uber ride.
You will have to transfer to an LAX shuttle at LAXit at Los Angeles International as ride shares are not allowed to stop at terminals.
This will add an average of about 20 minutes to your trip.
In total the trip should take an average of about 75 to 90 minutes with Uber.
3. Public Transport: Metro and Flyaway Bus Combo
There isn’t a great option for getting easily to LAX from Hollywood (shocking, I know). Your best option is probably to take the Metro B Line from Hollywood to Union Station and transfer there to the Flyaway Bus (see above for info about the Flyaway service).
In order to ride the Metro you will have to have a TAP card which you can buy for $2 at the ticket machines inside any Metro station. If you will be using more public transport while in Los Angeles this card will come in handy.
A single ride on Metro is $1.75.
Cost of Metro/Flyaway Combo to LAX from Hollywood:
To get from Hollywood to Los Angeles International with the Metro/Flyaway Combo will cost you $11.50: $9.75 for Flyaway and $1.75 for the Metro ride (plus $2 for a TAP card if you do not have one).
Duration of Metro/Flyaway Combo to LAX from Hollywood:
The Metro ride from the Hollywood/Highland Stop to Union Station takes about 22 minutes and runs every 15 minutes.
So the average time for getting from Hollywood to LAX with this method would be around 95 minutes. This consists of wait for Metro (about 8 min.), Metro ride (22 Min.), transfer at Union Station (20 min.), and Flyaway bus ride (average 45 minutes).
I would recommend leaving at least 2 hours before you need to be at the airport if using this method.
How to get to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach
Your main options to travel between Santa Monica or Venice Beach and LAX without your own car are:
1. Taxi
Cost of taxi ride to LAX from Santa Monica:
I would expect to pay $30 to $40 to get from Santa Monica to Los Angeles International with a taxi.
If traveling from Venice Beach or Marina del Rey, the ride should be slightly cheaper as they are closer to the airport.
Duration of taxi ride to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach:
Santa Monica is actually not very far from LAX so if traffic isn’t bad you should get there within about 35 minutes. However, traffic can back up badly so be prepared for it taking longer.
Due to the shorter distance, Venice Beach or Marina del Rey should take a little bit less time.
2. Uber
Cost of Uber ride to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach:
I have also looked up pricing for this trip on the Uber app at various times (weekend and weekday).
Uber prices ranged from $24.90 (11:30 pm on a Thursday) to $38.94 (5:30 pm on a Thursday). The average price for this ride was $32.90.
Duration of Uber ride to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach:
Based on my above research, estimated travel time between central Santa Monica and LAX ranged from 25 minutes (11:30 pm on a Thursday) to 58 minutes (5:30 pm Thursday) with an average of about 36 minutes.
You will have to transfer to an LAX shuttle at LAXit at Los Angeles International as ride shares are not allowed to stop at terminals.
This will add an average of about 20 minutes to your trip.
In total the trip should take an average of about 60 minutes with Uber.
3. Public Transport: Route 3 of Big Blue Bus
There is actually a decent public transit option for getting to LAX from Santa Monica (Surprise!).
You can catch a Big Blue Bus (the Santa Monica public bus system) to the Bus Center near the Los Angeles International airport.
The Route 3 buses run from 5 am to 11 pm every 13 to 15 minutes.
Cost of Big Blue Bus to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach:
There is a flat fee of $1.25 to travel on a Big Blue Bus to the LAX Bus Center. You can buy your ticket online or with cash (exact fare) on the bus. If you use a TAP card you get a discount and pay only $1.10.
Duration of bus ride to LAX from Santa Monica/Venice Beach:
Like all other options, the duration will depend on traffic but according to the schedule should be about 44 minutes.
That being said, taking the Big Blue Bus should take only slightly longer than an Uber once you are at the first bus stop. While you do have to change to an LAX shuttle at the Bus Center, Uber riders also have to change to a shuttle at LAXit.
On my trip I used the Big Blue Bus to get to LAX from Venice and can recommend it. If you are considering this option you can find out all the details in my step-by-step review.
My overall recommendation for getting to LAX without a car
Surprisingly, LAX is not very well connected to the main tourist destinations in the Los Angeles area.
Solo travelers or couples staying near Union Station in downtown Los Angeles can save quite a bit by using the Flyaway bus.
Though it is also possible to get to LAX from Hollywood with Metro and Flyaway, it is quite complicated and time-intensive. Unless cost is a major issue, I would instead use Uber or a taxi.
For anyone staying in the Santa Monica/Venice/Marina del Rey area (but especially for solo travelers) who wants to save money I would recommend taking the Big Blue Bus Route 3.
If you have a lot of luggage or are far from BBB bus stops, an Uber or a pre-arranged taxi with a fixed fee would be best.
