✈ Transport Options from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown

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. So getting to your final destination in LA could be a long and confusing process.

There are 4 different transport options when travelling from to downtown LA; you can either take a taxi, a private shuttle, the bus or the metro. Taking a taxi or a private Los Angeles airport shuttle are the quickest transfer options, however, they are also the most expensive. Another quick option is to take the FlyAway Bus. Your final and cheapest transport option from Los Angeles airport (LAX) to downtown is to take the metro. Unfortunately, there is no metro station at LAX airport so you will firstly need to take a free 15-minute shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station.

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€75	30min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi or private shuttle	€42	30min	24/7
Bus	€17.40	30min	24/7
Metro	€2.40	60min	00:08–03:59

How to get from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA by taxi or private shuttle

Taking a taxi or Los Angeles private shuttle from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to downtown LA are one of the quickest and most convenient transport options. Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 at LAX airport and take around 30 minutes to get you downtown. LAX airport private shuttles have a fixed price of €42 ($46.50 USD) to travel to the main zones of downtown LA.

Taxi and private shuttles fares from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA

Taxis and private shuttles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have a set fee of around €42 ($46.50 USD) for the 30 km journey to downtown LA. This price is for one regular vehicle that can take up to 4 people and includes a €3.60 ($4 USD) airport surcharge for taxis.

Cost

€42

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

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

Where do I get it from?

There are many different private transfer companies at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), meaning that official taxi vehicles are not all the same colour. However, they all operate following the same rules and regulations when picking up passengers from LAX. You can find the official taxi ranks outside the exit doors of each terminal. Or, if you book your private shuttle in advance, your driver will meet you outside of the arrivals door, once you have landed.

Convenience

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has 8 different terminals and is always filled with travellers, which makes navigating the airport and the public transport connections very confusing and time consuming. To avoid this extra stress, you can take a taxi directly from one of the taxi ranks at the airport terminal and get to the door of your hotel in under 30 minutes. Or, an even easier option is to book your private shuttle beforehand.

Editor’s Note

There is a set rate fee of €42 ($46.50 USD) from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to most of the central zones of downtown LA. However, if you're travelling to one of the other LA districts, there may be a different set fare or you may be charged using a taximeter. In order to avoid confusion or extra fees, it is recommended to book a private shuttle in advance.

Useful Tips

If you are taking a taxi, it is important to confirm the set price with your driver before you start your taxi trip. It is customary to leave a 10% tip if you have enjoyed your transfer.

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

If you want the smoothest travel experience, it is recommended to book a private shuttle in advance.

How to get from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA 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. This bus also stops at the 5 main downtown neighbourhoods, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Westwood. The cost of a one-way ticket is €8.70 ($9.75 USD) and the journey shouldn’t take longer than 35 minutes, in light traffic.

How much is the bus from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA?

A one-way ticket from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to downtown LA on the FlyAway bus costs €8.70 ($9.75 USD). 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

€8.70

Trip Duration

35 Min.

There is a waiting time of up to 35 minutes for the FlyAway Bus.

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

The FlyAway bus is available 24/7 from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Where do I get it from?

You can find the FlyAway bus stop on the lower arrivals level at each terminal in the Los Angeles International airport. The bus stop is clearly marked by a green FlyAway bus sign.

Convenience

Although there can be a 30 minute wait for the FlyAway bus, it runs 24/7 and gets you quickly and hassle-free to downtown LA. Moreover, the FlyAway bus only provides a small amount of luggage space, so it is a great transfer option if you are travelling light and on a budget.

Timetables

FlyAway Bus fare and schedule

Editor’s Note

If your hotel is located in any of downtown LA's main 5 neighbourhoods (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 €17.50 ($19.50 USD).

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

How to get from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA by metro

Unfortunately, there is no direct metro line from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); you will need to take the free Green Line G shuttle which will take you to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station in just 15 minutes. From there, you can take the Green Line Metro to Willowbrook, then you will need to change to the Blue Line to reach downtown LA. The total journey takes around 1 hour and a metro ticket costs €1.20 ($1.35 USD).

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 toped up for more than one metro trip. A one-way ticket from LAX to downtown LA costs €1.20 ($1.35 USD). You can purchase your TAP card from the automatic machines or ticket booths at the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station’s lower level.

Cost

€1.20

Trip Duration

1 hour

There's a waiting time of up to 20 minutes for the metro.

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

The metro is available from 03:41 to 23:59.

Where do I get it from?

There is no metro station at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); you will need to take the Green Line G free shuttle from the airport to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 23:50 every day and takes 15 minutes to reach the metro station. You will then enter the station on the lower level where you can purchase your TAP card. From there, you will have to take the escalator to the above-ground station platforms. Take the Green Line metro headed to Norwalk. You will then need to get off at Willowbrook station, take the stairs to the lower platform and get onto the Blue Line metro towards Long Beach. This metro line stops throughout downtown LA.

Convenience

Taking the metro to downtown LA is the slowest and most inconvenient transfer option, as there is no metro station at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and you will need to take connecting metro lines. However, it is a great option if you have time to spare and are travelling on a tight budget.

Timetables

Metro map

Green Line schedule and map

Blue Line schedule and map

Editor’s Note

Be sure to make a change at the 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 is best to not have too much luggage as you will need to walk around the different stations.

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.

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 much is a taxi or private shuttle from LAX to downtown LA?

Taxis and private shuttles at Los Angeles International airport charge a flat rate fee of around €42 ($46.50 USD) to get to downtown LA. This includes a €3.60 ($4 USD) airport surcharge for taxis.

Is there public transportation from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?

Yes. You can either take a bus or the metro from Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport to downtown LA. The FlyAway bus is the most convenient option and is available 24/7. A one-way ticket costs €8.70 ($9.75 USD) and the journey takes around 35 minutes in light traffic. In order to take the metro, you will need to take the Green Line G, which is a free airport shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station. From there, you can take the Green Line metro to Willowbrook and then change to the Blue Line to reach downtown LA. The total metro trip takes around 1 hour and will cost €1.20 ($1.35 USD).

Is there a train from LAX airport?

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) doesn’t have a train station, but they do have a free Green Line G shuttle that will take you to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station in just 15 minutes. From there, you can take the Green Line metro to Willowbrook station and change to the Blue Line to reach downtown LA.

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 42 destinations.

Learn more

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 LA by taxi or private shuttle

Taxi and private shuttles fares from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA

Cost

€42

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

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

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA by bus

How much is the bus from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA?

Cost

€8.70

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

The FlyAway bus is available 24/7 from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

FlyAway Bus fare and schedule

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Los Angeles airport to downtown LA by metro

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

Cost

€1.20

Trip Duration

1 hour

Convenience

Value for Money

Safety

The metro is available from 03:41 to 23:59.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metro map

Green Line schedule and map

Blue Line schedule and map

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 much is a taxi or private shuttle from LAX to downtown LA?

Is there public transportation from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?

Is there a train from LAX airport?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

Save the article for later or share it with friends

The link is copied

Transfer Options in Los Angeles

✈ Getting from LAX to Santa Monica | Welcome Pickups

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Long Beach - Welcome Pickups

Transfer Options from LAX to San Diego | Welcome Pickups

Getting from LAX to Universal Studios | Welcome Pickups

✈ Airport Shuttle from Los Angeles LAX Airport to City | Welcome Pickups

✈ Getting from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs - Welcome

✈ Getting from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Disneyland - Welcome Pickups

Los Angeles Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Airport Taxi: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices

306 Destinations Worldwide

Pre-book online→