Lois Larson
If you're looking to purchase a TAP card at Los Angeles International Airport, there are a few options available to you. While some sources suggest that TAP cards are not available for purchase at LAX, others recommend taking the free metro connector bus outside the terminal to the Aviation subway stop, where you can find vending machines that sell TAP cards. Additionally, you can take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station and purchase a TAP card there. This option may be more convenient if you're headed to Hollywood or downtown LA, as it allows you to buy your TAP card and make any necessary transfers in one location. It's important to note that TAP cards are essential for riding the Metro Rail in Los Angeles, and they offer a flexible way to pay for your fare on buses and rail across LA County.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TAP card cost | $2 |
| TAP card purchase locations near LAX | Ralph's Supermarket at 8901 Sepulveda Bl (1 mile north of the airport), vending machines at LAX/Aviation Green Line metro rail station, metro station machines, convenience stores, online, or by phone |
| TAP card purchase locations at LAX | Vending machines at LAX/Aviation Station, vending machines at LAX/Metro Transit Center, TAP app, ticket machines at metro stations |
| TAP card payment options | Credit card, TAP account cash, cash, Apple Pay, and GPay |
| TAP card registration | Required for access to discounts and promotions |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Buying a TAP card at Union Station
Although it is not possible to buy a TAP card at LAX airport, you can purchase one at Union Station in downtown LA.
To get to Union Station from LAX, you can take the Union Station Flyaway Bus from the 'traffic island' in front of your terminal. The bus will drop you off in the bus plaza at the rear of Union Station. From there, you can enter the station and find either the red/purple or gold metro rail station entrance. Descend one level to the 'ticket lobby' and buy a TAP card there.
You can also purchase a TAP card from a vending machine at any metro rail station. These machines are located next to the metrolink platforms and are easy to spot. Additionally, depending on the time of day, there may be a staffed Metro center inside Union Station where you can buy a TAP card. They are located across from where the red/purple line exits, at the base of the stairs/elevator by the gold line.
If you don't want to purchase a TAP card at Union Station, you can buy one from a host of other retailers. However, keep in mind that many retailers have limited hours for selling these cards and passes. For example, some 24-hour supermarkets only sell the cards between 9 am and 5 pm. You can also order a TAP card online or over the phone, but this may take some time to arrive.
How to Access Free Wi-Fi at Manchester Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying a TAP card at a metro station near LAX
As of June 2025, there is a metro station at LAX, the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which connects Metro's C and K Lines to LAX. This station offers vending machines where you can purchase a TAP card. A dedicated shuttle runs every 10 minutes between the LAX/Metro Transit Center and all LAX terminals.
If you don't mind a relatively long bus ride, you can take the Union Station FlyAway bus from the 'traffic island' in front of your terminal to Union Station in downtown LA. Once you arrive, enter the station, find either the red/purple or gold metro rail station entrance, descend one level to the 'ticket lobby', and purchase a TAP card there.
You can also take the free "G" shuttle to the LAX/Aviation Green Line metro rail station, which has vending machines that sell TAP cards. However, if you're not headed to a place that can be reached on the Green Line metro, you'll have to backtrack 25 minutes to LAX and then head in a different direction.
Additionally, you can purchase a TAP card from a host of retailers near LAX, such as Ralph's Supermarket at 8901 Sepulveda Bl (1 mile north of the airport). However, some retailers have limited hours for selling TAP cards and passes, so it's best to check before visiting.
Sapphire Card Access: Heathrow Airport Lounge Entry
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying a TAP card at a convenience store near LAX
Although it is not clear if you can buy a TAP card at LAX airport, there are a few ways to obtain one nearby.
Firstly, you can take the free metro connector bus outside the terminal to the Aviation subway stop, where there are vending machines that sell TAP cards. Secondly, you can take the Union Station Flyaway Bus from the 'traffic island' outside your terminal to Union Station in downtown LA. Once you arrive, enter the station and find either the red/purple or gold metro rail station entrance. Descend one level to the 'ticket lobby' and purchase a TAP card there.
If you don't want to purchase a TAP card at a metro rail station, you can buy one from a host of other retailers, including convenience stores. For example, there is a Ralph's Supermarket located 1 mile north of the airport at 8901 Sepulveda Bl. To get there, you would need to transfer to the LAX bus plaza via the "Parking Lot C" shuttle bus and then take a bus north on Sepulveda Bl.
Please note that TAP cards cost $2 at these retailers, compared to $1 at vending machines at metro rail stations. Additionally, many retailers have limited hours for selling TAP cards and passes. For example, some 24-hour supermarkets only sell the cards between 9 am and 5 pm.
Airport Runs: A Lucrative Side Hustle?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying a TAP card online
While there are several ways to purchase a TAP card near LAX Airport, there are also a few ways to buy one online. One way is to use the TAP app for iPhones and Android phones. The app accepts credit cards, TAP account cash, cash, Apple Pay, and GPay as payment options. Another way is to go online or call TAP Customer Service to order the card. However, this method may take a while, so it is not recommended for last-minute purchases.
Now, if you need a TAP card as soon as you land at LAX Airport, there are a few options available. One option is to take the free metro connector bus outside the terminal to the Aviation subway stop, where there should be vending machines that sell TAP cards. Another option is to take the Union Station FlyAway bus from in front of your terminal to Union Station in downtown LA, and then purchase a TAP card at either the red/purple or gold metro rail station entrance. Additionally, if you're headed to Hollywood, you can take the "Parking Lot C" shuttle bus from in front of your terminal to the LAX bus plaza and buy a TAP card from the driver, although drivers may not always have them available.
Furthermore, if you're staying in downtown LA or Hollywood, you can transfer to your destination from the airport and buy a TAP card as part of the transfer or immediately afterward. For example, if you're headed to downtown LA, you can take the LAX/Aviation Station and buy the card and weekly pass there, and then transfer to the blue line to reach the center of downtown LA. Alternatively, if you don't mind a long bus ride, you can take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station and get a TAP card there.
Lastly, it's worth noting that TAP cards cost $2.00 and can be reloaded for faster and safer boarding. Registering your card also grants access to discounts and promotions.
Rapid Testing Available at Logan Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying a TAP card from a vending machine at LAX
There are conflicting reports about whether you can buy a TAP card from a vending machine at LAX airport. Some sources suggest that there are TAP card vending machines at the LAX City Bus Center and the LAX/Aviation Green Line metro rail station, which you can get to by taking the free "G" shuttle from the airport. However, other sources indicate that there are no TAP vending machines at LAX airport.
If you want to buy a TAP card from a vending machine, your best option may be to take the Union Station Flyaway Bus from the 'traffic island' in front of your terminal to Union Station in downtown LA. Once you arrive at Union Station, you can enter the station, find either the red/purple or gold metro rail station entrance, descend one level to the 'ticket lobby', and purchase a TAP card from a vending machine. The cost of the card from a vending machine is $1, while it is $2 from retailers.
Alternatively, if you need a TAP card as soon as you land, you can take the free metro connector bus outside the terminal to the Aviation subway stop, where there should be vending machines for TAP cards. You can also take the "`Parking Lot C` shuttle bus" from your terminal to the LAX bus plaza and buy a TAP card from the bus driver, although drivers are no longer supposed to carry TAP cards, so this may not be a reliable option.
Finally, if you don't mind a long bus ride, you can take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station and purchase a TAP card there. This option may be more expensive, as there is a $10 charge for the "LAX to US" transit line.
Minneapolis Airport: British Pounds Availability?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot buy a TAP card at LAX airport. However, there are a few ways to get one nearby.
You can take the free metro connector bus outside the terminal to the Aviation subway stop and buy a TAP card from the vending machines there. Alternatively, you can take the Union Station FlyAway bus from your terminal to Union Station and purchase a TAP card there.
A TAP card costs $2 plus the cost of your fare.
