Welcome / Los Angeles / Airport to Downtown

Transportation Options from LAX Airport to Downtown Los Angeles

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

November 21, 2024

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fourth busiest airport in the world. With eight terminals and four parallel runways, serving over 87 million passengers per year, getting to your final destination in LA can be a little overwhelming.

There are four different transport options when traveling from Los Angeles Airport to downtown LA; you can take a taxi, a private shuttle, the bus, or the metro. Taking a Los Angeles Airport taxi or a private Los Angeles Airport transfer are the quickest transfer options, however, they are also the most expensive. Another quick option is to take the FlyAway Bus which is ideal for solo travelers who aren’t on a super tight budget.

Your final and cheapest transport option from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to downtown is to take the metro. Unfortunately, there isn’t a metro station at LAX Airport so you will first need to take a free 15-minute shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station before traveling up to 50 minutes across two metro lines.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Los Angeles at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€52	30min	24/7
Bus	€18.40	30min	05:40–01:00
Metro	€3.40	60min	04:00–00:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€75	30min	24/7

How to get from Los Angeles Airport to downtown by taxi

Taking a Los Angeles Airport taxi from LAX to downtown LA is one of the quickest and most convenient transport options. Taxis are available 24/7 and typically take 30 to 60 minutes to reach downtown, depending on traffic. A flat-rate fare is in place for rides to the main downtown area.

How much is a taxi from LAX Airport to downtown Los Angeles?

Los Angeles taxis have a set rate fee of $55.15 (€52) for all rides to the city center. This price is for a regular vehicle that can seat up to 6 passengers and includes the $4 (€3.80) airport surcharge for taxis.

Cost

€52

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Allow up to a 60-minute travel time during peak hours.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Los Angeles (LAX) Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

There are many different taxi companies at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), meaning that official Los Angeles taxis are not all the same color. However, they all operate following the same rules and regulations when picking up passengers from LAX. You can find the official taxi ranks at Parking Structure 3 on the First Floor, at the east end of Terminal 7, or the LAXit pickup zone.

Reaching the LAXit zone on foot takes up to 8 minutes from Terminals 1 and 7, otherwise, you can take the free shuttle bus from the lower level of the Arrivals Hall at each terminal. To find the shuttle, look for the Green “LAXit” sign.

Convenience

Los Angeles Airport has eight different terminals and is always filled with travelers, which can make navigating the airport and various public transport connections very confusing and time-consuming. Taxis offer a stress-free alternative, allowing you to reach your hotel directly in 30 to 60 minutes. Or, if you book your private transfer in advance, your driver will meet you outside inside the Arrivals Hall once you have landed.

Editor’s Note

The fixed fare rate applies to the most central zones of downtown LA including Union Station, and Chinatown.

Useful Tips

If you're taking a taxi, it's important to confirm the set price with your driver before you start your taxi trip. It's also customary to leave a 15-20% tip.

Once in downtown LA, you can easily grab a taxi by hailing one from the street.

Always request a receipt at the end of your ride in case you leave anything behind.

If you're traveling to a different LA district, you’ll likely be charged using a taximeter.

During peak traffic, the metro may be a quicker option.

Getting from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by bus

There is a FlyAway Bus that leaves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 30 minutes and takes you to Union Station in downtown LA. The bus travels through the main downtown neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Westwood. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 35 minutes, in light traffic.

*There currently isn’t a Los Angeles Airport to Downtown tram available.

How much is the bus from LAX to Downtown?

A one-way ticket from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to downtown LA on the FlyAway bus costs $9.75 (€9.20). Children under the age of 5 years can ride the bus for free. Tickets can be purchased at the Metrolink ticket machines located in the Baggage Claim and Arrivals Hall at Los Angeles Airport. You can also purchase your ticket directly on the FlyAway bus, however, the drivers do not accept cash.

Cost

€9.20

Trip Duration

35 Min.

There's a wait time of up to 30 minutes for the FlyAway Bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The FlyAway bus is available from 05:40 to 01:00 from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Where do I get the bus from?

You can find the FlyAway bus stop on the lower level of Arrivals at each terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. The bus stop is clearly marked by a blue FlyAway bus sign.

Convenience

Although there can be a 30-minute wait for the FlyAway bus, it runs 20 hours a day, and provides a quick and hassle-free ride to Downtown LA. However, the FlyAway bus only provides a small amount of luggage space which can fill up quickly, so it is a decent transfer option only if you are traveling light, are on a budget, and don’t mind the need to walk or get a taxi to your final destination after disembarking the bus.

Timetables

FlyAway Bus Fare and Schedule

Editor’s Note

If your hotel is located in any of downtown LA's five main neighborhoods (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Westwood or Long Beach), the FlyAway bus is a great option for you. Keep in mind, that bus ticket prices vary depending on your final destination.

Useful Tips

FlyAway bus tickets are valid for 30 days after the purchase date.

A round ticket on the FlyAway Bus costs $19.50 (€18.50).

You can purchase your ticket directly on the bus, however, they only accept payment by card.

The FlyAway bus runs 24/7 to Van Nuys.

How to get from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by metro

Unfortunately, there is no direct metro line from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). However, it is still possible to travel by metro, but you will first need to take the free Metro C Line shuttle which will take you to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station in just 15 minutes. From there, you can take the Green Metro Line to Willowbrook which takes 15 minutes, where you will need to change to the Blue Line to reach downtown LA. The total journey takes around 1 hour, not including wait and transfer times.

How much is the metro from Los Angeles Airport to downtown LA?

In order to take the metro from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you will need to purchase a TAP card which can be topped up for use on the metro throughout your stay. A one-way ticket from LAX to downtown LA costs $1.75 (€1.70). You can purchase your TAP card from automatic machines or ticket booths at the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station’s lower level.

Cost

€1.70

Trip Duration

60 Min.

There's a wait time of up to 20 minutes for the shuttle and the metro.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The free shuttle runs daily from 05:00 to 23:50. The metro is available from 04:00 to midnight.

Where do I get the metro from?

Since there is no metro station at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) you will need to take the complimentary Metro C Line shuttle. To take the shuttle, wait by the pink LAX shuttle sign in the inner lane.

Once at the station, take the escalator to the above-ground station platforms and board the Metro C Line (Green Line) headed to Norwalk. Disembark at Willowbrook station, take the stairs to the lower platform, and board the Metro A Line (Blue Line) towards Long Beach. This metro line stops throughout downtown LA.

Convenience

If you plan on traveling from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by public transport, the metro isn’t the most convenient choice. Since you need to take a shuttle and make an additional transfer, this option is by far the slowest, however, it is also the cheapest.

Timetables

Metro Information and Schedules

Editor’s Note

Be sure to make a change at Willowbrook Station in order to take the Blue Line, where you can access downtown stations such as, Hollywood, Koreatown, Union Station, Pasadena and East Los Angeles.

Useful Tips

If you choose this transfer option, it's best to not have too much luggage as trains can become very crowded.

You must purchase a TAP card and scan it to enter the above-ground station.

If you plan to use the metro during your stay in LA, you can load up your TAP card for more metro trips and save money.

How to get from LAX Airport to downtown Los Angeles by private transfer

The best way to get from LAX to Downtown is to take a private transfer. Private transfer services, like those arranged by Welcome Pickups, offer a quick and efficient ride to the door of your hotel for a competitive fixed fare price. Some of the benefits of a Los Angeles Airport transfer include:

An English-speaking driver
Guaranteed on-time pickup
Airport meet-and-greet
24/7 customer support
Flight monitoring
Flexible cancellation

Best of all, your driver will point out all the famous LA sights along the way to your hotel, sharing the history and stories behind each one, as well as offering advice on how best to enjoy a trip to this fun and happening city.

How much is a Los Angeles Airport transfer to Downtown?

While taxis in Los Angeles offer a set rate fare to the Downtown area, unless you book a hotel within the designated area, it’s difficult to know what the exact cost will be prior to traveling. Securing a private transfer with Welcome Pickups takes the guesswork out of trip planning, with the provision of an upfront quote – inclusive of all charges – to help you decide what is best for you.

For instance, for a ride in one of our stylish, air-conditioned sedans with room for up to 3 passengers, you’ll pay $79.40 (€75), or $93.20 (€88) for 5 passengers. If you have a larger group, the cost is $172.60 (€163) for a spacious minivan that can accommodate up to 8 passengers with luggage.

To book, head to our website or download the Welcome Pickups app, then simply enter your details, your flight information, and your preferred pick-up time.

Cost

€75

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*When booked in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from LAX.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

One of the main benefits of using a private transfer service is having a vehicle ready for you when you land. At Los Angeles Airport, when you make your way into the Arrivals Hall, your driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name. After introducing themselves, they’ll assist you and any traveling companions with any luggage and show you to the private vehicle you selected during the booking process.

Convenience

While there are multiple ways to get from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown, taking a private transfer is by far the most convenient. In addition to skipping the taxi line and paying in advance, you’ll enjoy a personalized service, during which your driver will offer a complimentary mini tour of LA and answer any questions you may have. Booking a Los Angeles Airport transfer cuts out any uncertainties and ensures your ride is relaxing and stress-free.

Editor’s Note

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Useful Tips

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

Payment will be taken at the time of booking to ensure a seamless transfer on arrival.

The day before you arrive, you'll be sent an email containing your driver's details, including a recent photo and contact number.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Los angeles. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to downtown LA from the airport?

You can either take a taxi, private transfer, bus, or the metro from Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport to downtown LA. The FlyAway bus is a good balance between convenience and price, with tickets costing $9.75 (€9.20) and a journey time of 35 minutes.

If you want to travel from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by train, you’ll first need to take the free Metro C Line shuttle to Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station and then catch the Blue Line, which has a total journey time of one hour. Lastly, a taxi or private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in 30 to 60 minutes, offering the most convenient option.

How much is a taxi from LA Airport to Downtown?

Taxis at Los Angeles International Airport charge a flat rate fee of $55.15 (€52) for up to 6 passengers to the downtown area. This includes a $4 (€3.80) airport surcharge for taxis.

How far is Los Angeles downtown from the airport?

From Los Angeles Airport to Downtown the distance is approximately 30 km which can take up to one hour to cover during heavy traffic.

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The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Los Angeles Airport to downtown by taxi

How much is a taxi from LAX Airport to downtown Los Angeles?

Cost

€52

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Los Angeles (LAX) Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by bus

How much is the bus from LAX to Downtown?

Cost

€9.20

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The FlyAway bus is available from 05:40 to 01:00 from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

FlyAway Bus Fare and Schedule

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown by metro

How much is the metro from Los Angeles Airport to downtown LA?

Cost

€1.70

Trip Duration

60 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The free shuttle runs daily from 05:00 to 23:50. The metro is available from 04:00 to midnight.

Where do I get the metro from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metro Information and Schedules

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from LAX Airport to downtown Los Angeles by private transfer

How much is a Los Angeles Airport transfer to Downtown?

Cost

€75

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from LAX.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to downtown LA from the airport?

How much is a taxi from LA Airport to Downtown?

How far is Los Angeles downtown from the airport?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

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