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Public Transportation
LA Metro, line bus services. What do users say?
Several public transport providers provide services at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) connecting travelers with different points in the city, such as: LA Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit and Beach Cities Transit. Many bus lines can be boarded at the LAX City Bus Center, which is connected to the terminals by a shuttle that operates from 4:00 am to 2:00 am.
LA Metro
The LA Metro C (green) line stops at the Aviation station. Regular metro fare is USD1.75 for one-way travel and includes 2 hours of free transfers.
Directions from LAX Station:
- To Redondo Beach: Mariposa, El Segundo, Douglas, Redondo Beach
- To Norwalk: Hawthorne/Lennox, Crenshaw, Vermont/Athens, Harbor Freeway, Avalon, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks (blue A-line connection), Long Beach Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, Norwalk
How to get to Aviation Station
Board the M shuttle that connects each terminal to the Aviation metro station. It departs every 15-20 minutes, depending on the train schedule, with limited service from 1:00 am to 4:00 am. Passengers on this service should wait at the 'PINK LAX Shuttle' sign on the lower/arrivals level in front of each terminal and board the "Metro Green Line" shuttle. It is free with a valid transit voucher.
More details HERE.
At Aviation Station, you will also find many other bus lines, including Culver City Bus Lines, Beach Cities Transit and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus.
Image from Youtube
Culver City Bus
The 6 and Rapid 6 lines offer the easiest and most economical way to get to LAX, either to Aviation Station or the City Bus Center. Upon arrival, look for signs for the LAX Shuttle to the terminals. The latter runs every 15-20 minutes. Fare: USD1.00.
From the Baggage Claim Area
Board the Lot South/City Bus Center Shuttle near the pink signs labeled "LAX Shuttles," located on the lower/arrivals level islands in front of each terminal. You will disembark at the City Bus Center and take the 6 or Rapid 6 lines from Bay 4. Stops along the route include Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City Transit Center, Westwood Plaza and UCLA Gateway Plaza.
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
From the Aviation Station and the City Bus Center, you can take the Rapid 3 and Rapid 3 lines from Bay 1. The cash fare is USD1.25. The route of both services passes through Westchester, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica.
Torrance Transit
Line 8 connects the City Bus Center with Torrance, passing through North Redondo, Dudmore, Delthorne and Southwood Riviera. Departures from Bay 4, every 40 minutes from 6:08 am to 9:44 pm. Basic fare: USD1.00.
Beach Cities Transit
Beach Cities Transit (BCT) serves the South Bay region. The service area includes Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and LAX. Bus 109 departs from the City Bus Center and Aviation Station to Riviera Village, via El Segundo, The Pointe, Douglas, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
User Experience: Public Transportation at LAX
Based on user-shared experiences, we present a detailed description of these transportation alternatives and their highlights.
LA Metro: Efficient and Affordable Connection
Travelers value the convenience of the LA Metro C Line (Green), which connects LAX to key destinations like Norwalk and Redondo Beach. The USD 1.75 fare, including two hours of free transfers, is especially appreciated by budget-conscious passengers.
The transfer to the Aviation Station via the M bus is a positive aspect for many, operating every 15-20 minutes. However, some users mention that during early morning hours (1:00 am to 4:00 am), limited frequency can lead to prolonged waits, which is problematic for those with nighttime connections.
For those seeking more options, the Aviation Station also connects with other bus lines like Culver City Bus, Beach Cities Transit, and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, expanding public transportation possibilities from the airport.
Culver City Bus: Affordable and Reliable
The service offered by Lines 6 and Rapid 6 of Culver City Bus is one of the most economical ways to reach LAX, with a fare of only USD 1.00. Users appreciate the well-planned routes connecting important points like Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City Transit Center, and UCLA Gateway Plaza.
The initial transfer to the City Bus Center via the free Lot South/City Bus Center Shuttle is convenient, but some passengers mention that clearer information about bus schedules would help avoid delays when connecting with Lines 6 or Rapid 6.
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus: Coastal Connection
The service provided by Lines 3 and Rapid 3, available at the City Bus Center and Aviation Station, is especially popular among those traveling to areas like Marina del Rey, Venice, and Santa Monica. The USD 1.25 fare is considered reasonable, and users praise the comfort of the buses and the speed of the service.
Some travelers suggest reinforcing services during peak hours to better handle passenger flow, particularly on routes to tourist destinations like Venice and Santa Monica.
Torrance Transit: A South Bay Option
Torrance Transit's Line 8 connects the City Bus Center with Torrance and intermediate areas like North Redondo and Delthorne. Users highlight the affordable USD 1.00 fare and the punctuality of the service. However, the 40-minute departure frequency may not be ideal for those with tight schedules, prompting some passengers to recommend careful travel planning.
Beach Cities Transit: Exploring South Bay
The 109 Bus from Beach Cities Transit provides excellent connections to the South Bay region, passing through key points like Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Passengers using this service praise its accessibility and scenic routes, especially toward Riviera Village.
However, some users note that service frequencies could be improved during non-peak hours, as current options may be limited for those traveling outside typical commuting times.
Recommendations for a Better Experience
- Check Schedules: Being aware of updated public transportation schedules, especially during the early morning, is crucial to avoid unnecessary waits.
- Consider Luggage: Some buses may have limited space for large luggage, so it is advisable to travel light or verify the operator's baggage policies.
- Use Digital Tools: Apps like those from LA Metro and Big Blue Bus help plan trips by providing real-time information on routes and schedules.
- Familiarize with Transfer Points: Getting to know locations like the City Bus Center and Aviation Station can save time and reduce confusion when switching lines or services.
