The Best Way to Get Around Los Angeles on Public Transit 2024

Welcome to the Los Angeles Public Transit System

Welcome to the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, USA! Understanding the public transit system is key to a stress-free visit if you plan to explore the city.

I aim to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently navigate the extensive network of buses, trains, and more.

Whether you’re looking into the cheapest way to get around Los Angeles or seeking the best way to see the city’s sights in just a few days, this guide has you covered.

Understanding Public Transport in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ public transit is managed by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), commonly known as Metro.

This organization operates services encompassing buses, subways, and light rail lines across the city.

Whether you’re using the Metro Rail Map of Los Angeles to plan your day or hopping on a bus at one of the many bus stations in Los Angeles, Metro makes it easy to get around without a car.

Types of Transportation in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a variety of public transportation options:

• Buses: Extensive network covering most areas.
• Subway and Metro: Including the famous Blue Line Electric and the Golden Line Metro.
• Light Rail: Connects significant points of interest across the city.
• Funiculars and Cable Cars: For scenic routes around hilly areas.
• Shuttles and Ferries: Special services, including shuttles to tourist destinations. Each mode is integrated, making it possible to combine different forms of transport for the most efficient route.

Cab & Ride Sharing

In addition to public transport, Los Angeles has a robust network of ride-sharing and cab services:

• Traditional Taxis: Available citywide.
• Ride-sharing apps, Such as Uber and Lyft, offer convenient pickups.
• Car Rentals: Options for those wanting to drive themselves. For sightseeing, ride-sharing options are handy for visiting places like The Grove or other less accessible areas by public transit.

Los Angeles Essential Traveler’s Guide: Unveiling the City of Angels

Discover Los Angeles: vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, world-class cuisine, and endless entertainment in the City of Angels.

Fodor’s Los Angeles

From strolling through Hollywood to relaxing in Malibu, this guide covers significant attractions and hidden gems.

It includes detailed maps, local recommendations, and cultural insights, making it indispensable for experiencing everything LA has to offer.

Secret Walks

Charles Fleming’s guide offers an exceptional look at LA’s lesser-known paths, perfect for those seeking to escape the typical tourist trails.

This book is ideal for both adventurous travelers and locals interested in exploring the hidden corners of their city. Read more about

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Los Angeles

Compact and concise, the DK Eyewitness Top 10 guide distills Los Angeles into must-see attractions and activities.

This pocket-sized guide includes the top 10 lists of everything from movie theaters to historical sites, day trip suggestions, and practical travel tips.

Plan Your Journey – Get to Know Los Angeles Transit Map

Keeping a transit map handy is crucial for navigating Los Angeles.

The Metro Rail & Busway route Map of Los Angeles is essential for planning your movements across the city.

It ensures you make the most of your visit, especially if you’re trying to figure out what to see in Los Angeles in two days.

Rideability & Walkability

Los Angeles is increasingly focusing on becoming more rideable and walkable.

Most areas, especially downtown and significant tourist spots, are well-suited for pedestrians, and the public transit system is designed to be user-friendly for riders and walkers.

Language and Communication

English and Spanish are the primary languages used in the Los Angeles transit system for signs and announcements.

Resources are available to help those who do not speak English navigate the system effectively, ensuring all travelers can use the services confidently.

Visitor Friendly Routes

Here are some tourist-friendly routes:

• Metro Red Line: Ideal for Hollywood and Universal Studios.
• Expo Line: Takes you directly to Santa Monica.
• Gold Line: This line connects you to Pasadena, another great visitor area. These routes make it simple to reach major attractions, and a comprehensive list of attractions accessible by public transport is detailed in the later section, ‘Los Angeles Sightseeing Made Easy: Transit-Accessible Attractions.’

This comprehensive guide to navigating Los Angeles by public transit ensures that whether you’re here for a day or planning a more extended stay, you’ll find the best way to get around Los Angeles and enjoy everything this vibrant city offers.

Service Schedule & Frequency

Los Angeles’ public transport operates with varying schedules. Metro Rail starts at 4 AM on weekdays, with reduced weekend services.

Buses have similar variations. During peak hours, frequencies increase, ensuring minimal wait times. It’s wise to check the latest schedules on the Metro website or app, especially when your time in this city is limited, as you plan what to see in Los Angeles in 2 days.

Los Angeles Visitor Tours

Discover Los Angeles with these expert-guided tours!

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

Experience the best of Los Angeles in a half-day tour: iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning views await you.

Riders App’s

Essential Mobile Apps & Google Maps

For the best way to get around Los Angeles, leverage apps like Metro’s official app, which provides real-time schedules, route planning, and e-ticket purchasing.

Google Maps is fully integrated with Los Angeles’ public transit, offering directions for metro, bus, and even walking paths across the city. This enhances trip planning, particularly when exploring top sites like The Grove.

LA Metro Favorite Rider Apps

Getting around LA has never been simpler. Here are LA Metro’s customers’ favorite apps and tools to make it easy to plan your route, take your trip, and pay for everything seamlessly.

Accessibility Information

Los Angeles public transit is committed to accessibility. All buses and trains have features to assist disabled passengers, including audio and visual aids and low-floor designs for easier boarding.

Stations are ADA-compliant, with elevators and ramps where necessary, ensuring everyone can easily navigate the city.

Safety on Public Transport

Safety is paramount in Los Angeles public transit. Enhanced lighting, security cameras, and regular patrols are standard.

Night service is considered safe, but like any large city, you should stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly if traveling late after exploring Los Angeles’ nightlife.

Luggage & Bicycles

Bringing luggage or bicycles on Los Angeles public transit is straightforward:

• Luggage: All forms of transit are allowed, though space may be limited during peak hours.
• Bicycles: Welcomed on buses and trains, with designated bike racks and carriages. These amenities make it easier to move around the city, starting your journey at the Greyhound Bus Station or planning a day out at the Train Museum.

Heating & Cooling

Los Angeles’ public transit vehicles are equipped with climate control systems.

Whether the sweltering summer heat or the mild winter chill, buses, and trains maintain a comfortable temperature, ensuring a pleasant journey as you explore the city from the Golden Line Metro to the beachfront.

Local Transit Culture

Understanding local transit etiquette can enhance your experience:

• Priority Seating: Reserved for the elderly and disabled.
• Noise Levels: Keeping conversations and music at a respectful volume.
• Queueing: Always allow passengers to disembark before boarding. These norms ensure a smooth and respectful environment for all riders, making public transit a preferred choice for getting around Los Angeles.

Los Angeles & Transit History Readings

Explore a collection of Los Angeles and transit history that captures the essence of this fantastic metropolis.

Railtown: Fight for Los Angeles Metro Rail and the Future of the City

Railtown” explores Los Angeles’ transformative journey from a car-centric metropolis to a city embracing metro rail.

Ethan N. Elkind uses a mix of archival sources and interviews to trace the advocacy and challenges that shaped the development of the Los Angeles Metro Rail.

Stealing Home: Los Angeles, the Dodgers, the Lives Caught in Between

“Stealing Home” tells the poignant story of how Dodger Stadium came to be at a tremendous personal cost to the displaced Mexican American communities.

Eric Nusbaum captures the conflict and the cultural upheaval, focusing on the families that fought against their unjust removal.

Trolleys to the Surf: Story of the Los Angeles Pacific Railway

“Trolleys to the Surf” chronicles the growth of the Los Angeles Pacific Railway, integral to the Pacific Electric Railway system.

The book is rich with historical details, photographs, and accounts of the influential figures who turned the railway into a pivotal part of Los Angeles’ expansion.

Getting Into LA from the Airport or Train Station

Navigating your way into Los Angeles from major points of entry like the airport or train station is straightforward, thanks to the city’s comprehensive public transit system and other transport options. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get around Los Angeles right from your arrival.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• FlyAway Bus: This affordable and efficient option runs every hour and provides direct bus service to various parts of the city, including Union Station, Westwood, Van Nuys, and Hollywood.
• Green Line Metro Rail: Take a free shuttle to the Green Line at the Aviation/LAX station. This line connects to other Metro Rail lines for broader city access.
• Ride-sharing and Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available. They offer a more direct, though often more expensive, route to your destination.
• Shuttles: Many hotels offer shuttle services directly from the airport, an easy option if you have heavy luggage.

From Union Station (Main Train Terminal)

• Metro Rail: Union Station is a hub for the Metro Rail lines, including the Gold Line, which can take you through downtown and into surrounding areas like Pasadena.
• Metro Buses: Numerous bus lines depart from here, providing access to virtually every part of the city.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing are available right outside the station. They provide direct access to destinations across the city.
• Bike Share: Located around the station, bike share services are perfect for short trips around downtown or to nearby districts.

Each option provides different benefits depending on your needs, such as cost, speed, and convenience.

Ticket options can generally be purchased on-site through machines or apps, and schedules are available online at the Metro website or through various transport apps.

Therefore, you can find the best way to get around Los Angeles without a car right from the moment you arrive.

Where & How to Buy Tickets

Purchasing tickets for Los Angeles’ public transit is convenient, with multiple options tailored to traveler needs.

Tickets can be bought at station kiosks, through Metro’s official website, or via its mobile app. Cash, credit cards, and mobile payments are accepted payment methods.

For frequent travelers, a TAP card—a reusable payment method—can be preloaded with fares and used across most transit options. Planning?

Purchase tickets online or through the app to avoid queues and ensure a smooth start to your journey around Los Angeles.

Save on Tickets

Los Angeles offers several pass options that help tourists, visitors, and families save money while exploring the city:

• Day Pass: This pass allows unlimited travel in a single day, ideal for those wanting to see as much as possible.
• Weekly/Monthly Passes: Best for longer stays, offering unlimited rides for the pass.
• Visitor Passes: Special discounts and deals for tourists, including bundled passes for popular attractions and transit.
• These passes can be purchased at the same locations as regular tickets and are especially handy for visitors planning to use the best way to get around Los Angeles extensively.

Ride Smarter: Tips for Navigating LA Public Transit

Navigating the Los Angeles public transit system can be a breeze with a few insider tips. Whether you’re looking for the best way to get around Los Angeles without a car or want to maximize your sightseeing over a weekend, these suggestions will help you ride like a local.

Purchasing Tickets: Always have your ticket ready before boarding. Use the Metro mobile app to buy tickets digitally, avoiding lines at vending machines, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer or special events. The TAP card is a must-have for frequent riders, allowing easy tap-and-go access at terminals.

Choosing the Right Pass: Consider your itinerary when buying passes. If you’re wondering what to see in Los Angeles in 2 days, a Day Pass is likely your best choice. Longer stays might benefit from a Weekly Pass.

Seasonal Travel: Los Angeles is typically sunny and can get extremely hot during summer. Plan your travel during early mornings or late evenings to avoid the heat. Winters are mild but can be rainy; waterproof clothing and umbrellas are advisable during this season.

Crowd Management: Los Angeles’ public transit can get crowded during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). If your schedule is flexible, travel outside these times for a more comfortable journey.

Staying Informed: Follow Metro’s social media and real-time updates via their app. This can be particularly useful during events or disruptions, ensuring you always have the latest information on service changes or delays.

Cultural Insight: Be mindful of local customs on public transit. Priority seating for the elderly and disabled should always be respected, and keeping to the right on escalators allows others to pass on the left.

With these tips, navigating the Los Angeles public transit system will be a smooth and enjoyable part of your visit. It will also let you explore all the fantastic sights and experiences the city has to offer efficiently.

LA Sightseeing Made Easy: Attractions You Can Visit by Transit

Exploring Los Angeles via its public transit system offers an efficient and cost-effective way to see its top attractions. Here’s how you can access some of the most iconic sites using various modes of transportation.

Metro Rail – Red Line

• Route: North Hollywood to Union Station
• Attractions:
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Exit at Hollywood/Highland Station. This world-famous site celebrates the stars of film, television, and music.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Get off at Universal City/Studio City Station. A quick shuttle bus or a walk up the hill brings you to this thrilling theme park and working studio.
  • Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park: From the Vermont/Sunset Station, you can catch a bus or hike up to the observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city and the iconic observatory.

Metro Rail – Expo Line

• Route: Downtown LA to Santa Monica
• Attractions:
  • California Science Center and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles: Step off at Expo Park/USC Station. Explore interactive science exhibits and historical artifacts.
  • The Getty Center: Transfer at Expo/Bundy Station to a bus heading to this art museum set against stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Santa Monica Pier and Beaches: The line terminates at Downtown Santa Monica Station, just a short walk to the beach, pier, and Third Street Promenade.

Metro Bus – Route 720

• Route: Commerce to Santa Monica via Wilshire Boulevard
• Attractions:
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Disembark at Wilshire/Fairfax for this major art museum, home to thousands of works from antiquity to contemporary.
  • Petersen Automotive Museum: Right across from LACMA. Celebrates automotive history with interactive exhibits.
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Nearby Wilshire/Fairfax, where prehistoric fossils are displayed in the city’s heart.

Gold Line

• Route: East Los Angeles to Azusa
• Attractions:
  • Old Pasadena: Exit at Memorial Park Station. Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment in this charming historic district.
  • The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens: A short bus ride from the Sierra Madre Villa Station.

Each route provides a unique glimpse into Los Angeles’s diverse offerings, from beachfront to urban culture.

With a reliable transit map and a day pass, you can embark on an adventure that showcases the best of Los Angeles.

This makes it easy and enjoyable to get around the city and explore its most beloved attractions.

Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off & Other Bus Tours

Los Angeles offers a versatile and tourist-friendly hop-on, hop-off bus service, ideal for exploring the city at their own pace.

This service is perfect for navigating the vast cityscape, especially for those seeking the best way to get around Los Angeles in a short time, like 2 or 3 days.

Other highly-rated bus tours also come with glowing reviews!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

This tour ranks among my best LA experiences—I highly recommend it!

If you prefer the flexibility of Hop on Hop Off Tours, several options are listed below. Be sure to read the reviews carefully before making a purchase.

Features of Hop-on Hop-off Services:

• Double-Decker Buses: As you travel through the city, enjoy panoramic views from the open top of these iconic buses.
• Frequent Departures: Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes, minimizing wait times and allowing flexible itineraries.
• Multi-Language Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages, these guides provide interesting facts and information about Los Angeles’ history and landmarks.
• Multi-Day Tickets: Tickets are typically valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, offering flexibility and value. This makes it one of the best ways to get around Los Angeles without a car.

Routes and Major Attractions Covered: These buses cover key routes that are designed to pass by most of the major attractions in Los Angeles, including:

• Downtown Los Angeles: Including the historic core, Staples Center, and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Hollywood: Featuring the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and views of the Hollywood Sign.
• Beverly Hills: Cruise through the upscale streets, where you might spot celebrity homes and visit luxury shopping destinations like Rodeo Drive.
• Santa Monica: With stops near the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Third Street Promenade.

Popular Intercity or Interstate Transit Services for Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a major hub for intercity and interstate transit, connecting travelers to various destinations across California and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to explore more of what to see in Los Angeles in 2 days or planning trips further afield, here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular transit services available from the city.

Amtrak Rail Services

• Routes: Amtrak provides several routes from Los Angeles Union Station:
  • Pacific Surfliner: Travels along the coast to San Diego and north to San Luis Obispo. Travel time to San Diego is approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Coast Starlight: Heads north to Seattle, passing through San Francisco, Portland, and other cities.
  • Southwest Chief: Eastbound to Chicago, with stops in Albuquerque, Kansas City, and more.
• Where to Catch: All trains depart from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
• Tickets: Can be purchased online at Amtrak’s website or the station.

Greyhound Bus Services

• Routes: Offers extensive bus services to major cities like Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
• Travel Times: Trips to Las Vegas typically take about 5-6 hours.
• Where to Catch: The main bus terminal is at the Greyhound Station in downtown Los Angeles.
• Tickets: Available online at Greyhound’s website or at the bus station.

Megabus Services

• Routes: Provides affordable bus rides to San Francisco, Las Vegas, and San Jose.
• Travel Times: The trip to San Francisco is roughly 7-8 hours, depending on traffic.
• Where to Catch: Buses depart from Union Station and other Los Angeles locations.
• Tickets: Best purchased online in advance at the Megabus website for the lowest fares.

Metrolink Trains

• Routes: Connects Los Angeles to neighboring cities and suburbs like Irvine, Riverside, and Ventura.
• Travel Times: Travel time to Irvine is about an hour and a half.
• Where to Catch: Departures from Union Station and several other stations throughout the Los Angeles area.
• Tickets: Available at station vending machines or via the Metrolink app.

These services provide convenient and efficient options for getting around Los Angeles and other major destinations.

Whether looking for the cheapest way to get around Los Angeles or beyond or the fastest intercity service, these transit options offer reliable solutions tailored to various travel needs and preferences.

The History of Public Transportation in Los Angeles, USA

The evolution of public transportation in Los Angeles reflects the city’s dramatic shift from a small, sprawling center to one of the most influential and populous cities in the United States.

This journey through time reveals how each mode of transit has shaped the city’s development and continues to influence its future.

Horse-Drawn Streetcars

• Era: Late 1800s
• Overview: Los Angeles’ public transit began with horse-drawn streetcars, which were later replaced by electric streetcars. These were the backbone of early Los Angeles transit, connecting newly developed neighborhoods to the bustling downtown core.

Electric Streetcars and Trolleys

• Era: Early 1900s to 1963
• Overview: Introducing electric streetcars marked a boom in LA’s public transit, with the famous “Red Cars” of the Pacific Electric and “Yellow Cars” of the Los Angeles Railway. At its peak, this network was one of the largest electric railway systems in the world.

Rise of the Automobile and Decline of Rail

• Era: 1940s to 1960s
• Overview: Post-World War II, Los Angeles underwent massive suburban expansion fueled by the automobile. The convenience of the personal car and the growing freeway network led to the decline of the streetcar lines, which were fully dismantled by the early 1960s.

Bus System Expansion

• Era: 1960s to 1990
• Overview: As streetcars vanished, buses became the dominant form of public transit. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) was formed to oversee the comprehensive bus network, which aimed to cover the vast areas of the city more flexibly than fixed rail lines.

Metro Rail Revival

• Era: 1990 to present
• Overview: Recognizing the limitations of buses in a growing metropolis, Los Angeles re-embraced rail with the development of the Metro Rail system. Starting with the Blue Line in 1990, LA has since expanded to include multiple lines serving key areas across the city.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Transit Solutions

• Era: Future Outlook
• Overview: With concerns over sustainability and congestion, Los Angeles continues to invest in public transit solutions like expanded Metro lines, improved bus services, and infrastructure supporting cycling and walking.

Additional resources and readings on Los Angeles’ transit history are available from the Electric Rail Heritage Association for those interested in diving deeper into its rich tapestry.

Heritage Transit Adventures in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a fascinating journey through its transit history, with several museums dedicated to celebrating its rich heritage in transportation.

Each venue provides a unique glimpse into the past, preserving the vehicles and stories that shaped the city’s transit landscape.

Southern California Railway Museum

• Overview: This museum, located in Perris, California, features a collection of historic streetcars and railway artifacts, focusing on the famous Red Cars and Yellow Cars that once traversed the Los Angeles area.
• Visit Details: Visitors can enjoy weekend train rides and explore extensive exhibits.
• Website: Southern California Railway Museum

Travel Town Museum

• Overview: Nestled in Griffith Park, this outdoor museum showcases a collection of historic railroad locomotives and rolling stock. It’s an excellent place for families, offering insights into the evolution of rail travel in the western United States.
• Visit Details: Open daily, free admission. Train rides are available for a small fee.
• Website: Travel Town Museum

These museums preserve Los Angeles’ transportation history and offer interactive and educational experiences for visitors of all ages, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in the heritage of urban transit.

More Los Angeles Transit Resources

Many online resources are available to delve deeper into Los Angeles transit. These platforms offer a wide range of insights and personal experiences from travelers and locals, helping you easily navigate the city.

• The Source: Metro’s official blog provides updates, tips, and discussions about changes and events affecting public transit in Los Angeles. Visit The Source
• Curbed LA: Although broader in topic, this site frequently covers transit developments and offers comprehensive guides and articles on navigating the city. Explore Curbed LA

These resources can significantly enhance your understanding and usage of Los Angeles’s public transit, making your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

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