NON OFFICIAL. Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit flylax.com
LAX FlyAway
Bus service between LAX, Union Station and Van Nuys. What users say.
The LAX FlyAway service offers direct transfers between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and two key locations in the metro area: Union Station in Downtown LA and Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley. It is a popular choice for travelers who want a no-transfer alternative to driving, airport parking, taxis or rideshare.
Frequently asked questions about LAX FlyAway
From which terminals does FlyAway depart at LAX?
FlyAway buses pick up passengers on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal, at the blue columns marked with the service name. When heading to LAX, buses drop passengers on the Upper/Departures Level at each terminal.
What destinations does FlyAway serve?
The service currently connects LAX with Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and the Van Nuys terminal on Woodley Avenue. From Union Station it is easy to connect with metro and other bus services, while Van Nuys is especially convenient for travelers coming from or going to the San Fernando Valley.
How much does it cost and how do I buy my ticket?
A one-way ticket to either destination costs USD12.75 and is valid for 60 days from the date of purchase. Up to two children under 5 can travel free with each paying adult. Tickets can be purchased via the FlyAway app, online, or using contactless payments (Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
Is it a good option if I have luggage?
Buses provide dedicated space for luggage and most travelers find it sufficient for standard suitcases. Even so, during peak times some users recommend arriving early at the stop to secure both a seat and space for larger bags.
Pick-up and drop-off areas
At LAX: FlyAway buses drop passengers on the Upper/Departures Level at each terminal. When leaving the airport, passengers can board the bus on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal, at the blue FlyAway columns.
At Union Station (Downtown Los Angeles): The service operates from Bus Stop 1 at Patsaouras Transit Plaza in Union Station East. The ticket kiosk is located at the south end of the plaza.
At Van Nuys: The FlyAway terminal is located at 7610 Woodley Avenue.
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Fares and ticket purchase
A one-way ticket to either destination costs USD12.75 and is valid for 60 days from the date of purchase.
Up to two children under 5 can travel free with each paying adult.
Tickets can be purchased through the FlyAway app, online, or using contactless options (Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
Check routes and schedules HERE.
For more information about the FlyAway service, call +1 866 435 9529 / 323 310 5292.
Smart traveler playbook: LAX FlyAway
User experience: Many travelers value FlyAway as a direct and relatively affordable way to travel between LAX, Union Station and Van Nuys, avoiding driving and the cost of parking, taxis or rideshare. At the same time, reviews mention significant delays during rush hour or heavy freeway traffic, and buses that fill up quickly and leave people waiting for the next departure, especially on the Van Nuys route.
Strategy: If your flight departs during peak traffic, build a generous time buffer into your plans: from Union Station, assume the trip can easily take more than an hour in bad traffic; from LAX back to Van Nuys, be prepared not to board the first bus if the line is long. Whenever possible, choose an earlier departure than the minimum you think you need.
User experience: Stop locations are generally considered convenient (blue columns at LAX, Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station, organized terminal in Van Nuys), but some passengers describe initial confusion when trying to find the right column or bus bay amid all the airport signage, especially at night or when arriving tired after a long flight.
Strategy: Before you travel, pinpoint on a map exactly where the blue FlyAway columns are at LAX, where Bus Stop 1 is at Patsaouras Transit Plaza, and where the Woodley Avenue terminal is; saving a screenshot or offline map can greatly reduce stress when you arrive.
⚖️ LAX FlyAway: pros and cons according to users
Pros: Non-stop service between LAX, Union Station and Van Nuys, a competitive flat fare compared with taxis and rideshare, the ability for small children to travel free with a paying adult, and good integration with other transit options at Union Station.
Cons: Bus frequency and crowding can become an issue at peak times, leading to long waits and a real risk of not boarding the first bus, especially on the Van Nuys route. Los Angeles traffic can also stretch trip times well beyond expectations, so this is not a good choice for very tight connections.
What users say about the FlyAway service
The following overview is based on experiences shared by real users on platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
Comfort and accessibility
Users highlight how easy it is to board FlyAway buses at the designated points, especially thanks to the signage at LAX terminals and the blue columns on the Arrivals Level. The location of the stops makes the process straightforward for arriving passengers, although some mention confusion when trying to locate the columns during periods of heavy congestion or at night, particularly for those unfamiliar with the airport layout.
At Union Station, the stop at Patsaouras Transit Plaza is appreciated for its proximity to major public transport connections in Los Angeles. In Van Nuys, the Woodley Avenue terminal earns praise for its organization, although some users note that larger waiting areas would be helpful to handle peak passenger volume.
Pricing and payment options
The USD12.75 one-way fare to either destination is considered reasonable by most travelers, especially when compared with taxis or rideshare services. The option for up to two children under 5 to ride free with each paying adult is seen as a major benefit for families.
Contactless payments (cards and digital wallets) and app-based ticketing are generally well received, though some users report occasional issues with validators or card readers, and recommend carrying at least one backup payment method in case of technical problems.
Onboard experience
Overall, the service receives positive comments for its relative punctuality and bus comfort (wide seats, air conditioning), which makes the ride pleasant when traffic is reasonable. However, on busy days or at peak times, buses can fill up quickly, leaving some passengers waiting for the next departure, something mentioned especially often on the Van Nuys route.
For travelers with luggage, storage space on the buses is usually sufficient, though some reviews suggest better management of bulky items to prevent them from blocking aisles or doors, and point out noticeable differences between drivers who are more or less willing to help with bags.
Tips for a better experience
- Plan your timing: Arrive early at the stop, especially during busy periods, to increase your chances of boarding your preferred departure without rushing.
- Use electronic payments wisely: Contactless options are convenient, but it is best to carry at least one physical card or alternative payment method as backup.
- Take advantage when traveling with family: For those with young children, the fare savings combined with bus comfort can be a significant advantage over other options.
- Check routes and schedules: Reviewing updated schedules on the official FlyAway website before you travel helps avoid issues if plans change or if there are adjustments to frequency.