Travel Guide: Navigating Lax Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fourth busiest airport in the world, serving over 87 million passengers per year. There are four different transport options for travelling from LAX to downtown LA: taxi, private shuttle, bus, or metro. Taking a taxi or a private shuttle is the quickest option, but it is also the most expensive. The FlyAway Bus is another quick option, ideal for solo travellers who have a small amount of luggage and are not on a tight budget. The metro is the cheapest option, but it involves taking a free shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station and then travelling across two metro lines, which can be very crowded.

Getting to the Aviation Metro Green Line

The Aviation/LAX Station is a transportation hub that serves as a stop along the Metro Green Line route. It is located over Aviation Boulevard, near its intersection with Imperial Highway and south of Century Freeway in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California.

To get to the Aviation Metro Green Line from LAX, you can take the free LAX Shuttle bus from the airport. This shuttle bus is also called the "Metro Connector" or "Metro Green Line" shuttle. It runs approximately every 15 minutes in both directions between the LAX terminals and the Aviation/LAX Station.

At the airport, you can board the shuttle at the pink LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal. The shuttle is free with valid proof of transit.

Please note that when the K Line fully opens in 2025, the LAX Shuttle will cease operation, as passengers will be able to use the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station instead.

Taking the tram

To take the metro from LAX Airport, you will need to purchase a TAP card, which you can top up for future metro trips. A one-way ticket from LAX to Downtown LA costs $1.75. You can purchase your TAP card from automatic machines or ticket booths at the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station’s lower level.

The free shuttle runs daily from 5 am to 11:50 pm. The metro is available from 4 am to midnight.

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.

Travelling by bus

Overview

The LAX FlyAway® Bus Service offers a direct bus connection between LAX Airport and Union Station in Downtown LA. The bus runs 24/7, with buses departing every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets cost $9.75 for a one-way trip and can be purchased from Metrolink ticket machines in the Baggage Claim and Arrivals Hall, or directly from the bus driver (card only). Tickets for children under 5 are free.

Boarding the Bus

The FlyAway® Bus can be boarded on the Lower/Arrivals level of each terminal, at the blue "FlyAway" bus stop.

Luggage

Please note that the FlyAway® Bus has limited luggage space, so this may not be the best option for those travelling with a lot of luggage.

Destinations

The bus travels through the main downtown neighbourhoods, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Westwood.

Getting a taxi

If you are considering getting a taxi from LAX airport, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, only authorised taxis with an official seal issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation on each vehicle are permitted to pick up at the airport. Some of the authorised taxi companies include Beverly Hills Cab Company, United Independent Taxi Drivers, and United Taxi of San Fernando Valley. Accessible taxis are also available and can be requested by calling taxi dispatch.

There are three designated locations to pick up a taxi from LAX airport:

• At the LAX-it area, next to Terminal 1.
• In Parking Structure 3, between the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 3.
• At the end of Terminal 7, outside of baggage claim.

The LAX-it area is the main pick-up location for taxis and can be reached by walking or taking the free shuttle from the airport terminal. The shuttle can be found on the Lower/Arrivals Level outside of the baggage claim area, under the green LAX-it signs. The shuttle arrives every 3 to 5 minutes and has dedicated lanes to ensure a faster journey.

If you are arriving at the Tom Bradley International Terminal or Terminal 3, you can also find a limited number of taxis inside Parking Structure 3. Additionally, passengers arriving at Terminals 7 and 8 can find taxis at the end of Terminal 7, outside of baggage claim.

The cost for a one-way trip from LAX Airport to downtown LA is $46.50, including a $15 minimum fare surcharge and a $4 airport surcharge. It is important to note that transfer times may vary due to traffic.

Taking a shuttle bus

LAX FlyAway® buses

The LAX FlyAway® buses offer a scheduled service to and from LAX and Van Nuys and LA Union Station. The buses run seven days a week. Passengers leaving LAX can board the bus on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway® columns.

SuperShuttle Express

SuperShuttle Express offers a direct ride to/from the airport. The shuttle service is available at LAX and 70 other airport locations worldwide. You can book a ride online, via their mobile app, or by calling their Customer Care Center. They also offer a 'Meet and Greet' service, where the driver will meet you in baggage claim.

Karmel Shuttle Service

Karmel Shuttle Service is another ground transportation company serving Los Angeles Int'l Airport. They offer shared and private transfers to Orange County (John Wayne Airport), Long Beach, and many other locations and hotels. To book a ride, call 714-670-3480, option 2 for dispatch.

Prime Time Shuttle LAX

Prime Time Shuttle LAX offers airport shuttles to and from several California airports, including Los Angeles International. To book a ride, exit the Baggage Claim Area and go to the White Curb. If you haven't heard from a Prime Time Shuttle representative, get in touch with their Dispatch Department at 1-800-733-8267 and select option 3.

Xpress Shuttle

Xpress Shuttle can pick you up at LAX and take you anywhere in the area, including airports, theme parks, and hotels. They offer luxury cars and point-to-point private van services. To book a ride, call 866-805-4234.

Shuttle One

Shuttle One is a transportation company that serves Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura, and River Side Counties. They offer direct rides from LAX to Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Pedro Harbor, Long Beach Cruise Line, and all LA hotels. To book a ride, call 310-670-6666 or 800-400-7488.

Ventura Airporter Shuttle

Ventura Airporter Shuttle offers 10 daily departures from LAX Airport. They also offer multiple passenger discounts for groups. To book a ride, call 805-650-6600 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Central Coast Shuttle

Central Coast Shuttle operates from LAX to Ventura, Santa Barbara, Buellton, and Santa Maria daily. To book a ride, call 805 928-1977 or 800 470-8818.

Hotel shuttle buses

Many hotels in the area provide courtesy transportation to and from LAX terminals. Go to the shuttle stop located on the Lower (Arrivals) Level islands and look for the red Hotel Shuttles sign in front of each terminal.

Frequently asked questions