Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis with an extensive transportation system that allows its citizens and visitors to move around with ease.
From the iconic red buses of the Los Angeles Metro to the efficient highways connecting the city, there is no shortage of options for those looking to get around the city.
The city also has a highly developed public transportation system, making it easy for residents to get to where they need to go.
Whether you are looking to get from one point to another, or explore the city, Los Angeles public transportation has a variety of options to suit every need.
Traveling to Los Angeles
To ensure a comfortable journey to Los Angeles, it is important to plan and choose the best transport option. Here are the best options to choose from.
By Plane
The most popular way to get to Los Angeles is by plane.
There are several airports in the area, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Bob Hope Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Ontario International Airport (ONT).
Most domestic and international flights arrive at LAX, which is located about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.
Depending on which airline you fly, the flight can take anywhere from 2 to 14 hours.
Once you arrive at LAX, you can take public transport, such as the Metro Rail and Metro Bus, to get to your final destination.
By Train
Traveling to Los Angeles by train is another option.
Amtrak offers several routes that go to Los Angeles, such as trains from San Diego, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
The journey can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the route you take.
Once you arrive at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, you can take public transport, such as the Metro Rail and Metro Bus, to get to your final destination.
By Car
Traveling to Los Angeles by car is another popular option.
Los Angeles is about a 12-hour drive from San Francisco and about a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas.
There are several highways that you can use to get to Los Angeles, such as Interstate 5 and the Pacific Coast Highway.
If you plan to drive to Los Angeles, you should take the time to plan your route ahead of time and make sure you have enough gas and snacks for the drive.
Traveling in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is well connected with public transportation and easy to navigate for tourists.
It is best to know about all the means of transport and Los Angeles public transportation to make your trip comfortable.
By Public Transportation
Public transportation in Los Angeles is a great way to get around the city.
With a wide variety of options, you can easily get around the city quickly and conveniently.
The LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) operates an extensive network of buses and light rail trains.
Metro buses and light rail trains are a great way to get around the city quickly and easily.
Metro also offers a variety of express bus services and express rail services to get around the city quickly.
Metro Buses
Navigating the Metro Buses can be made more accessible by being aware of the three types of bus services they offer, which span 200 different lines across the entire city and beyond.
Metro Local Buses
It is the most common type of bus and serves most of the city, stopping at all bus stops along their routes.
These buses are the least expensive option and they offer frequent service.
Metro Rapid Buses
It provides faster service, operating on the same routes as Metro Local buses, but they make fewer stops and they have priority at traffic signals.
Metro Rapid buses also feature low-floor entry and special bike racks.
Metro Express Buses
It offers express service between downtown Los Angeles and outlying areas.
These buses travel on freeways and make limited stops, providing a faster option for commuters.
Metro Express buses also feature low-floor entry and bike racks.
Metro Rail
The Los Angeles Metro Rail is a public transportation system operated by the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
It is the second-largest transport system in the United States and is the largest light rail system in the country.
Metro Rail consists of eight lines, which span 115 miles (185 km) and carry over 350,000 passengers daily:
Red Line
It is the oldest and longest line in the system, running from downtown LA to North Hollywood. It is a subway line and follows a route of 20.7 miles.
The Red Line serves many of the city’s most popular destinations, including Hollywood, Universal City and Downtown LA.
Purple Line
It is a rapid transit line running from Wilshire/Western to Union Station.
The line is 9.2 miles in length and serves destinations like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Music Center and the Natural History Museum.
Expo Line
It is a light rail line running from downtown LA to Santa Monica.
The line is 15.2 miles in length and serves destinations like the Santa Monica Pier, Staples Center and Loyola Marymount University.
Blue Line
It is the second oldest line in the system, running from downtown LA to Long Beach.
This light rail line is 22.0 miles in length and serves several popular destinations along the way.
It passes through the Long Beach Convention Center, Disneyland and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Gold Line
It is a light rail line running from East LA to Azusa.
The line is 28.7 miles long and serves many popular destinations, including Chinatown, Old Town Pasadena and the Southwest Museum.
Green Line
The green line is a light rail from Redondo Beach to Norwalk.
The line is 21.6 miles long and serves popular destinations like the Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Park Casino and El Segundo.
Orange Line
It is a rapid transit line running from Chatsworth to North Hollywood.
The line is 18.2 miles in length and serves popular destinations like Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Brothers Studios and the Hollywood Bowl.
Silver Line,
It connects the El Monte regional bus station to the Gardena Harbor Gateway Transit Center.
DASH Buses
The buses are operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
It is an affordable and convenient way for visitors to get around the city.
The DASH buses run throughout the city, with various routes covering most of the central neighborhoods and attractions.
Each route is numbered and the buses are marked with the appropriate route number.
The buses run on a fixed schedule and the fare for each route is determined by the distance traveled.
Beachwood Canyon Route
This route goes from Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street to Beachwood Drive, operating from Monday to Saturday and taking you directly to the Hollywood Sign.
Downtown Routes
Take one of these five daily routes to experience the sights and sounds of Los Angeles.
Explore everything from Little Tokyo and Chinatown to the Financial District, Union Station, and beyond.
Fairfax Route
From Monday to Saturday, this route circles
- Beverly Hills Central Mall
- The Pacific Design Center
- Melrose Avenue, the Grove
- Museum Row
Hollywood Route
This route runs daily, servicing the east side of Highland Ave and Hollywood.
Contents
By Taxi or Ride-Share
If you’re looking to hail a cab in Los Angeles, it can be difficult outside of major attractions.
To make your trip more accessible, it’s best to call a taxi company or download an app like “curb,” formerly “Taxi Magic,” to schedule a pickup in advance.
Taxis in Los Angeles are typically metered and charged by the mile.
You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get around.
Be sure to download your preferred service before your trip, as they are usually economical and easily accessible.
However, remember that Los Angeles traffic can be quite congested during rush hour, so plan extra travel time to and from attractions during peak hours.
By Car
If you want to explore Los Angeles, renting a car is one of the best options.
With your own set of wheels, you can take a leisurely drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, explore the Hollywood Hills and take in the bright lights of downtown.
Whether you’re looking for a compact economy car, a luxury sedan, or an SUV to fit the whole family, you’ll be able to find the perfect ride to suit your needs.
There are plenty of rental companies to choose from, from well-known international chains to local businesses.
Featured Image: LAtimes.com
