Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Los Angeles
Rideshare or taxi is the most direct way to your hotel, but cars no longer pull up at the terminals: take the free shuttle to the LAX-it pickup lot. The FlyAway bus to Union Station is the cheapest direct link to Downtown.
Los Angeles is spread out: Santa Monica and Venice are about 15–20 km from LAX, Hollywood about 30 km, Downtown about 30 km.
Best for most people: Ride-hailing. Los Angeles destinations are spread across a huge area, and door-to-door rides avoid multiple transfers with luggage.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus LAX FlyAway bus from the lower (Arrivals) level of each terminal to Union Station in Downtown | about 35–60 min depending on traffic | every 30–60 min | about $10 | most of the day; check the current schedule | Pay by card; good value for Downtown. |
| metro Free shuttle from the terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then Metro K Line and C Line connections | about 60–90 min to Downtown with changes | every 10–20 min | about $1.75 with a TAP card | about 05:00 to around midnight | Cheapest, but involves changes; best for light luggage. |
| ride-hailing Uber and Lyft pick up at the LAX-it lot, reached by a free shuttle (or a short walk from Terminals 1, 2 and 7) | about 30–60 min to Downtown or Hollywood | about $40–80 to Downtown, less to Santa Monica | 24 h | Prices rise sharply at peak times. | |
| taxi Taxis also pick up at LAX-it | about 30–60 min | about $50–80 to Downtown | 24 h | Metered with an airport surcharge; licensed taxis show a city permit. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Other airports
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is closer to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
Tips
- Allow time for the LAX-it shuttle: the walk and wait add 15–30 minutes at busy times.
- Traffic on the I-405 and I-105 can double travel times in the afternoon rush.
- For Santa Monica or Venice, a rideshare is usually much quicker than public transport.
- Car rental shuttles leave from the same arrivals islands; rental is popular because the city is car-oriented.
Common questions
How much is an Uber from LAX to Downtown?
Expect about $40–80, depending on the time of day and demand. Pickups happen at the LAX-it lot rather than at the terminal kerb, reached by a free shuttle bus. Santa Monica and Venice are usually cheaper because they are closer to the airport.
Is there public transport from LAX?
Yes. The FlyAway bus goes to Union Station for about $10, and a free shuttle links the terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, where Metro rail lines connect towards Downtown and other areas. Public transport is cheap but slower, especially with transfers.
How long does it take to get from LAX to Hollywood?
By car it typically takes 40–70 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy in the late afternoon. By public transport allow 90 minutes or more, with changes. Plan generously when heading back for a flight.
Where do taxis pick up at LAX?
Taxis and rideshares pick up at the LAX-it area east of Terminal 1. Free green shuttle buses run there from the lower level of each terminal, or you can walk from the closest terminals. Use only licensed taxis and app rides; avoid unofficial drivers.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.