NON OFFICIAL. Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit flylax.com
Public transport to and from LAX
Quick questions about public transport at LAX
Does the Metro reach LAX?
Yes, to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (Aviation Blvd and 96th St), open since June 2025. It is served by the C and K light rail lines. It is not inside the terminals: a free shuttle connects it with every terminal.
How do I get from the terminals to the Transit Center?
On the free shuttle that runs about every 10 minutes between Bus Bays 1 and 2 of the Transit Center and the Lower/Arrivals Level of each terminal (pink LAX Shuttle signs).
What is the cheapest way to leave LAX?
Metro (USD 1.75 with 2 hours of free transfers) or a city bus (from USD 1.00). A taxi or rideshare costs many times more.
Does the LAX City Bus Center still exist?
No. City buses (Culver CityBus, Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, Beach Cities Transit and Metro buses) now stop at the LAX/Metro Transit Center bus plaza.
How much extra time should I allow?
Add 45 to 60 minutes compared with a direct car transfer: shuttle wait, ride to the Transit Center and the train or bus trip.
Critical points and smart traveler playbook
The shuttle to the Transit Center
User experience:
- Travelers welcome the new Metro station, but many are surprised that it still requires a shuttle from the terminals.
- Some report waiting around 30 minutes for the Metro shuttle while other airport buses pass by.
- The People Mover tracks are visible but the train is not running yet, which adds to the confusion.
Strategy: At the curb, look specifically for the shuttle to the Metro Transit Center under the pink LAX Shuttle signs. If you are catching a flight, add at least 30 minutes for this leg.
Late nights and luggage
User experience:
- Frequencies drop at night, and some lines stop running in the early hours.
- Buses to Venice, Santa Monica and the South Bay get crowded at peak times and on weekends, which is uncomfortable with big suitcases.
Strategy: If you land very late or leave very early, check the timetable of your line and have a plan B (taxi, ride app or FlyAway).
Pros and cons of public transport at LAX
- Pros:
- Price: from USD 1.00 to 1.75 per trip, a fraction of a taxi fare.
- Rail at the airport: the C and K lines now stop at the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
- Coverage: buses to Culver City, UCLA, Venice, Santa Monica and the South Bay.
- Contras:
- Extra transfer: you still need a shuttle between the terminals and the Transit Center.
- Waits: the shuttle and some bus lines can take a long time at busy hours or at night.
- Luggage: limited space on crowded buses.
LAX/Metro Transit Center and LA Metro
The LAX/Metro Transit Center (Aviation Blvd and 96th St) opened on June 6, 2025. It is the airport's rail station and the main stop for city buses. A free, frequent shuttle connects Bus Bays 1 and 2 with all LAX terminals. When the People Mover opens, it will also stop here. More information at metro.net.
Rail lines
- C Line: toward Norwalk, with a connection to the A Line at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks.
- K Line: north toward Crenshaw and the E Line (Expo/Crenshaw), and south toward El Segundo and Redondo Beach.
The regular Metro fare is USD 1.75 one way and includes 2 hours of free transfers with a TAP card or contactless payment.
Image from YouTube
Metro buses
Metro bus lines also stop at the Transit Center. Check routes and timetables HERE.
City buses at the Transit Center
These operators moved from the former LAX City Bus Center to the bus plaza of the LAX/Metro Transit Center. From the terminals, take the free shuttle to the Transit Center.
Culver CityBus
Lines 6 and Rapid 6 are one of the cheapest ways to reach Culver City and Westwood. Fare: USD 1.00. Stops along the route include Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City Transit Center, Westwood Plaza and UCLA Gateway Plaza.
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Lines 3 and Rapid 3 run through Westchester, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica. Fare: USD 1.50 in cash, or USD 1.25 with TAP or contactless payment.
Torrance Transit
Line 8 connects the airport with Torrance, passing through North Redondo, Dudmore, Delthorne and Southwood Riviera, with departures every 40 minutes from 6:08 am to 9:44 pm. Base fare: USD 1.00.
Beach Cities Transit
Beach Cities Transit serves the South Bay: Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and LAX. Line 109 runs toward Riviera Village through El Segundo, The Pointe, Douglas, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
User experience: public transport at LAX
Metro: cheap, with one extra step
Travelers value the low Metro fare and the new rail connection, and some note that the Transit Center is also a convenient place to meet other transport. The main complaint is the shuttle between the terminals and the station: when it runs late or full, the trip loses much of its appeal.
City buses: cheap and reliable
Culver CityBus and Big Blue Bus get good comments for price and comfort, especially on the routes to Venice and Santa Monica. Some users ask for more departures at peak times, and the 40-minute headway of Torrance Transit line 8 does not suit tight schedules.
Recommendations
- Check timetables: especially at night, to avoid long waits.
- Travel light: buses have limited room for large suitcases.
- Use the apps: the LA Metro and Big Blue Bus apps show real-time arrivals.
- Know the transfer point: everything now goes through the LAX/Metro Transit Center, not the old City Bus Center or Aviation station.
