Getting around Los Angeles is easier than you might think if you know the best ways to travel. While LA is known for its traffic and car culture, the city offers many ways to explore beyond the driver’s seat. From the Metro system that connects Downtown to Santa Monica, to rideshares, bike paths, and walkable neighborhoods, visitors have plenty of options.

TL;DR

  • Plan by neighborhood clusters to cut cross-town drives.
  • Rush hours: 7–10 a.m. & 4–7 p.m.; drive mid-day/late evening when possible.
  • Metro + TAP: $1.75 fare with 2-hour transfers; daily/weekly fare capping keeps costs low.
  • Car-smart: use nav apps, check parking rules, consider EVs/Hybrids; watch street-sweeping signs.
  • Rideshare: great at night/first-mile-last-mile; LAX uses the LAX-it pickup area.
  • Bikes/Walk: coastal paths (The Strand) & walkable pockets (DTLA, WeHo, Santa Monica) shine.

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Overview

Los Angeles is a vast city made up of many neighborhoods connected by freeways, boulevards, and scenic routes. Known for decades as a car-dependent city, LA is now transforming into a destination where multiple ways to get around coexist. A growing Metro rail network, improved bus service, rideshare availability, and new bike paths are making it easier than ever to explore without relying solely on a car.

Because attractions in Los Angeles are spread across wide regions, understanding the city’s layout and timing your travel wisely is essential. Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena each sit miles apart, but with smart planning, it’s easy to see them all. Visitors can choose from several options: driving when flexibility is key, using the Metro for affordable access to major areas, booking rideshares for convenience, renting bikes or scooters for short trips, or walking through pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown or Venice.

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting around Los Angeles by car, Metro, rideshare, bike, or on foot so you can explore the city efficiently and stress-free.

Driving in Los Angeles

Driving a car is still the default mode for many locals and can be the most convenient option for visitors in certain scenarios. If you’re traveling with family or a group, have a tight sightseeing schedule, or plan to explore far-flung areas (like Malibu one day and Disneyland the next), renting a car might make sense.

A car offers flexibility – you can stash beach gear or strollers, and you’re free to roam on your own timetable. Many visitors enjoy the freedom of exploring the 75-mile-wide Los Angeles basin by car , cruising iconic roads like Sunset Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway. But driving in LA comes with one major caveat: traffic.

Los Angeles famously has some of the worst traffic in the United States, especially on its freeways during peak hours. Weekday rush hour is roughly 7:00–10:00 a.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m. , when freeways like “the 405” and “the 10” can become stop-and-go conveyors of frustration.

Outside those windows, traffic flows more smoothly – though it can slow down at almost any time due to accidents or road work. Locals often check apps before even a short drive, because an unexpected slowdown can lurk around the corner. Always build in extra time if you must drive during peak periods, or consider timing your drives for mid-day, late evening, or early morning when possible.

Navigation: In LA’s maze of freeways and surface streets, a good GPS app is your best friend. Most Angelenos rely on Waze or Google Maps to find the fastest route and dodge traffic jams. Don’t be surprised if your navigation guides you off the freeway and through side streets – it’s often attempting to save time by avoiding bottlenecks (though occasionally those shortcuts can be quirky neighborhood routes). Keep an eye on road signs too, as exits can come up quickly and lanes may split off (the freeways are well-marked, but fast decisions are sometimes needed).

Parking: Los Angeles has a mix of parking situations depending on where you go. Many popular attractions and malls have parking lots or structures (often paid). For example, Hollywood & Highland (the center of Hollywood tourism) offers garage parking, and beaches usually have pay parking lots.

In other areas like Downtown or West Hollywood, private parking structures and valet services abound. Street parking is common in many neighborhoods but always read the signs carefully – LA has complex street sweeping schedules, time limits, and permit zones. Red curbs mean no parking at any time, green curbs mean short-term parking only, and yellow/white curbs are for loading.

Meters in busy areas typically accept credit cards or phone payments. Enforcement is taken seriously; if you park illegally, expect a ticket (or a tow in the worst cases). Several apps like ParkMobile can be used to pay meters, and platforms like SpotHero list available garages. Valet parking is offered at many restaurants and venues (for a fee), which can simplify parking in dense districts.

Rental cars & eco-friendly options: All major rental companies serve LA’s airports and city locations. If you choose to rent, consider what type of vehicle fits your plans. A compact car can be easier to maneuver and park in the city’s tighter spots (and will consume less gas – California fuel prices are notoriously high). If you’re heading to the mountains or desert, you might want something with more power.

Los Angeles has a growing network of electric vehicle charging stations, so renting a hybrid or EV is feasible – and electric cars with California clean-air decals can use carpool lanes solo, potentially saving time on the freeways. Some rental agencies offer devices for the region’s few toll roads or fast lane programs, but note that within Los Angeles proper there are no traditional toll highways (only optional ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110 for FasTrak users).

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Avoid driving during rush hour (7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) if you can.

Public Transportation

Los Angeles actually boasts a public transportation network more robust than many visitors expect. The Metro system includes six rail lines (two subway lines and four light rail lines) that span the city, plus a vast bus network of over 100 routes.

In recent years, the Metro Rail has expanded to connect many of the areas tourists visit: from Downtown LA to Hollywood, Universal Studios, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and more. In fact, LA’s Metro rail now serves 101 stations across the county , and new extensions are in the works.

The heart of the system is Downtown’s Union Station, a hub where multiple lines converge (as well as Metrolink commuter trains and Amtrak). From Union Station or nearby, you can hop on the B Line (formerly Red Line) subway, which heads through Hollywood and up to North Hollywood – handy for visiting the Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre, and Universal Studios (exit at Universal City station and take a free shuttle up the hill). The D Line (Purple Line) subway branches off toward Koreatown.

The A Line (formerly Blue Line) light rail runs south from Downtown all the way to Long Beach, while the newly extended E Line (Expo) light rail shoots west from Downtown through Culver City to Santa Monica. The E Line makes it possible to go from the skyscrapers of downtown to the Santa Monica Pier without a car in about 50 minutes – a great car-free beach day option.

Another route, the L Line (formerly Gold Line), connects Union Station to Pasadena and points east (this line was recently reconfigured and partially merged into the A and E Lines via the Regional Connector project ). And in 2022, the brand-new K Line opened in South LA, which will eventually link the Crenshaw district and Inglewood to the LAX area.

To use Metro rail or buses, you’ll need a reusable TAP card (Transit Access Pass) or the TAP app on your phone. A TAP card can be purchased for $2 from ticket machines at any Metro Rail station (or from many convenience stores), then you load fare onto it. The base fare is $1.75 for a one-way trip on bus or train, and that includes free transfers to other lines for up to 2 hours.

Metro has also implemented fare capping – if you spend $5 in fares in a single day (or $18 in a week), the rest of your rides for that period are free automatically. This means you won’t pay more than $5 per day no matter how many buses or trains you take. Overall, public transit is an economical way to get around LA, especially compared to the cost of gas and parking.

Metro Rail trains run roughly from 4am to around midnight (with some variation by line and slightly later service on Friday/Saturday nights). They are generally safe and clean, though like in any big city you’ll encounter a mix of fellow riders. It’s common to see commuters, students, and tourists alike on the trains, and there’s often a sheriff or security officer riding along for safety.

If you’re traveling at night, stick to train cars that have other people in them and remain aware of your surroundings (basic city smarts). The busiest lines (like the B/Red Line) have trains every 10 minutes or better most of the day; others might be 12–20 minutes apart off-peak. Plan your trip with the official Metro Trip Planner or just use Google Maps/Apple Maps with the transit option – they’re integrated with LA’s transit schedules.

Don’t overlook the Metro Bus network – it blankets areas that rail might not reach. Metro operates about 117 bus routes from local neighborhood circulators to rapid cross-city lines. Key bus routes for visitors include the 720 line (which runs along Wilshire Boulevard from Santa Monica through Beverly Hills into Downtown) and the 20/Metro “Rapid” 720 combo on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Buses can be slower than trains if traffic is heavy, but many have dedicated bus lanes in parts of Downtown and other busy corridors. All Metro buses have bike racks on the front and are wheelchair accessible. If you’re in central LA without a car, buses can fill in the gaps to places like the Miracle Mile (e.g. Metro 20 bus) or The Grove/Farmers Market.

In addition, the City of LA runs DASH buses – small, inexpensive shuttles serving neighborhood loops. In Downtown, for example, DASH routes circulate through areas like the Financial District, Arts District, and up to Dodger Stadium. DASH costs just 50¢ (and currently free on many routes) and can be a terrific way to hop around within a neighborhood. Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and other cities also operate their own shuttles and buses (often also TAP-compatible).

Overall, using public transportation in Los Angeles is a lesson in geography: you learn the city’s layout by riding it. You might take a subway from Downtown to Hollywood in 20 minutes instead of a 45-minute drive, or ride the E Line to watch the landscape change from urban center to ocean.

It’s true that public transit won’t reach everywhere – you might still need a car or rideshare for some off-path locations – but it can handle a lot of your itinerary if you choose a hotel near a station. And every year, the network grows (LA is investing billions in new lines ahead of the 2028 Olympics).

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The Metro E Line (Expo) now connects Downtown LA to the Santa Monica beach in about 50 minutes. It’s a scenic ride and saves you the hassle of parking at the beach.

Rideshares, Taxis, and Car Services

Sometimes the easiest way to traverse Los Angeles is to let someone else do the driving. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous in LA and often a convenient middle ground between driving yourself and taking transit. With a tap on your phone, you can summon a car to your location and get nearly anywhere in the metro area.

Rideshares are especially handy at night when transit service may be sparse, or for door-to-door trips where public transport would require multiple transfers. In terms of cost, standard Ubers/Lyfts usually beat traditional taxi fares for the same distance – and you’ll see the price upfront in the app.

Do be aware of surge pricing though: at very busy times (say, after a big concert lets out or during a rainstorm), rideshare rates can spike. Even then, the ease of use is hard to beat. Locals have grown accustomed to using Uber/Lyft for everything from rides home after bar-hopping in West Hollywood to quick lifts from a Metro station to their final destination.

Taxis still operate in LA, but you won’t typically hail one on the street as in New York. Instead, you find them at taxi stands (major hotels, Union Station, and LAX have taxi queues) or call for one. Regulated taxi rates in Los Angeles can be on the higher side – for example, a metered cab from LAX to Downtown has a flat rate around $70+.

By comparison, an UberX for the same trip might be $40–$50 (depending on time of day). Because of this, many locals and visitors choose rideshares over taxis most of the time. That said, taxis can be a good option if you prefer a professional licensed driver or don’t want to deal with app surge pricing.

For airport trips, there are some special procedures to know. At LAX, rideshare pickups (and most taxi pickups) occur at a centralized area called LAX-it rather than at the curb of each terminal. After you collect your luggage at LAX, you’ll need to either walk or take a free shuttle to the LAX-it lot, which is adjacent to Terminal 1. Free bright-green shuttles run continuously and take about 5–10 minutes, depending on your terminal.

Once at LAX-it, you can meet your Uber/Lyft driver in a designated zone or hop in a taxi from the queue. The system is organized (with staff to assist) and it relieves congestion in the terminal area. Just factor in that extra shuttle step – it’s well-marked and easy. (Pro tip: if you’re arriving at a slow time or at Terminal 1, you might actually walk to LAX-it in a few minutes.)

For departures, rideshare and taxi drop-offs still happen curbside at each terminal. Other airports like Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Orange County (SNA) allow rideshare and taxi pickups directly curbside, which is more straightforward.

One advantage of Uber/Lyft in LA: if you’re riding with at least one other person, your car qualifies for the carpool (HOV) lanes on many freeways. This can significantly cut travel time on a congested freeway.

California law allows vehicles with 2 or more occupants to use the HOV lanes , so when you’re in an Uber with a driver (and you as passenger), that’s two people – and the driver will often take advantage of the faster lane if traffic is heavy. It’s a subtle perk that can make a difference during rush hour drives.

For short distances, consider your options. In dense neighborhoods like Downtown or Santa Monica, if you’re only going a few blocks, walking or using an e-scooter might actually be quicker than calling a car and dealing with one-way streets.

Rideshares make the most sense for hops that are a bit too far to walk but where public transit isn’t direct – for instance, going from Griffith Observatory back down to your hotel at night (the observatory is up a hill with limited parking, and many visitors Uber up or down). Also, if you’re out late, rideshare is a smart safe way to get home after the buses and trains wind down.

Finally, if you desire a more premium experience or have business needs, private car services and limousines are available for hire in LA. Services like Blacklane or local car companies can provide a professional driver with a high-end vehicle. Some travelers book these for airport transfers or VIP transportation to events.

They’ll cost more than Uber/Lyft (sometimes much more), but you get a designated driver waiting for you and often perks like meet-and-greet at the terminal. For most travelers, a regular rideshare will suffice, but it’s good to know the spectrum of options is there.

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If you’re flying into LAX, remember that Uber, Lyft, and standard taxis pick up at the “LAX-it” lot, not the terminal curb. Grab the free LAX-it shuttle outside baggage claim (they run every few minutes) for a quick ride to the lot.

Cycling, Scooters, and Walking

Los Angeles may not be known as a biking city, but there’s a growing cycling and scooter scene here – especially in the beach areas and progressive neighborhoods. Exploring on two wheels (or two feet) can add a fun, active dimension to your LA visit, provided you pick your spots.

For leisurely bike rides, it’s hard to beat the coastal paths. The crown jewel is the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, often called “The Strand,” a 22-mile paved bike path that runs along the Pacific shoreline from Pacific Palisades down to Torrance Beach.

This famous route connects many of LA’s best beaches: Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and beyond. You can rent a bike at one of the many beach rental stands (Santa Monica alone has several at the Pier and along the beach) and spend an hour or an entire day riding with ocean views the whole way.

The path is separated from car traffic, making it stress-free and popular with casual cyclists. Be prepared for crowds on sunny weekends, especially near Venice and Santa Monica – you’ll be sharing the path with joggers, skaters, families, and surfers carrying boards. It’s a people-watching parade as much as a bike trail. If you ride the full length, you’ll see the character of the beach cities change from arty Venice to laid-back Hermosa to upscale Manhattan Beach.

There are plenty of places to stop for a snack or drink with a view of the water. (If 22 miles sounds too ambitious, you can of course do just a portion – for instance, ride from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach and back, which is about 14 miles round-trip and very enjoyable.)

Elsewhere in the city, bicycling is catching on slowly but surely. The Los Angeles River has a bike path that runs about 7-8 miles through the Glendale Narrows/Elysian Valley area, north of Downtown. This path offers a unique ride along a soft-bottom section of the LA River, where greenery and murals line the concrete banks.

It’s a favorite for local cyclists looking for a car-free route and even bird-watching along the river. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., also has roads and dedicated bike paths that are great for cycling – for example, you can ride from the Los Feliz side of the park up to the LA Zoo or Travel Town museum on a bike path. The park roads around the Griffith Observatory and along Mt. Hollywood Drive (closed to through traffic) can provide a good workout with stellar city views.

In terms of infrastructure, LA has been adding more bike lanes on city streets. You’ll see green-painted bike lanes in Downtown LA and parts of Venice, and protected lanes in areas like Pershing Square and Mid-City. Still, biking in traffic in LA is recommended for confident cyclists only – drivers aren’t as accustomed to sharing the road as in some other cities.

Always wear a helmet (state law requires it for riders under 18, and it’s a wise idea for everyone), and try to stick to bike-friendly routes which you can find on apps or Google Maps (toggle the bicycling layer to see paths and lanes).

The last few years saw an explosion of dockless electric scooters and bikes in Los Angeles. Companies like Bird, Lime, Spin, and others have devices scattered around certain neighborhoods. You use a smartphone app to unlock a scooter or e-bike and then ride to your destination, paying by the minute.

Santa Monica was the birthplace of the Bird scooter, and it remains one of the most scooter-saturated areas – it’s common to see people zipping down the beach bike path on scooters or using them to connect from the Metro station to the pier. Venice, Downtown LA, Westwood, and Hollywood also have scooters available.

They’re a fun way to cover a mile or two, especially if the weather is nice (which it usually is). A few pointers: stick to bike lanes or the right side of the road (riding on sidewalks is generally illegal and unsafe in LA). The scooter apps will show you no-ride or no-parking zones (for example, you can’t ride them on the crowded Hollywood Walk of Fame itself – you’d need to ride in the street nearby).

And while helmets are recommended, the reality is most tourists don’t have one handy – ride extra cautiously if you go without. Keep your speed moderate until you get used to the throttle and braking. Scooters can be a blast along Santa Monica’s beach path or zipping around Arts District murals.

When it comes to walking, Los Angeles presents a paradox: it’s both very pedestrian-friendly in certain pockets and utterly impractical in others. You won’t likely be walking to get around the entire city – distances are huge and some areas lack sidewalks or pedestrian amenities.

However, many of LA’s neighborhoods are best enjoyed on foot once you arrive there. For instance, Downtown LA has several walkable districts (the Historic Core/Broadway Theater District, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District), and you can spend hours strolling between coffee shops, galleries, and food halls.

Hollywood is a mixed bag – the tourist center around Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave is walkable for a few blocks (to see the stars on the sidewalk and the Chinese Theatre handprints), but beyond that, attractions are spread out. West Hollywood is actually one of the most pedestrian-friendly parts of LA, with its main drags (Santa Monica Blvd and Sunset Blvd) lined with restaurants, clubs, and shops that locals often bar-hop or dine between on foot.

Similarly, Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle (around Rodeo Drive) is very walkable once you’re there. Santa Monica and Venice beckon walkers with their beachfront promenades, shopping streets like Third Street Promenade, and the lively Venice Boardwalk. And don’t forget the many hiking trails in the hills – from Runyon Canyon to Griffith Park – where walking is the activity and the reward is a panoramic view.

What isn’t practical is walking between far-flung neighborhoods. Don’t plan to hoof it from Hollywood to Beverly Hills or from LAX to anywhere – the distances and obstacles (freeway overpasses, etc.) make that a non-starter. Instead, think of walking as the way to explore within a neighborhood after using another mode to get there.

Also, be mindful of the weather: much of the year LA is pleasantly warm, but summer afternoons can get very hot, and the sun is strong. Carry water and wear sunscreen if you’re doing a long walk (say, a mural tour of the Arts District or a day shopping on Melrose Avenue). In the evenings, remember that some areas can get pretty quiet or deserted; when in doubt, use a rideshare or drive at night if the area isn’t well-lit or populated.

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For an unforgettable bike ride, hit The Strand – the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail that runs from Will Rogers State Beach (Pacific Palisades) to Torrance Beach. You can pedal through Santa Monica, Venice, and all the South Bay beach towns with virtually no car traffic to worry about.

Airport Transfers and Regional Travel

Greater Los Angeles is served by several airports, and figuring out how to get from the airport to your hotel (or vice versa) is often the first logistical challenge for travelers. Fortunately, there are plenty of options – from dedicated airport buses to rail connections – depending on which airport you use.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is the major hub and likely where you’ll land if coming from afar. It’s about 15 miles southwest of Downtown LA and right on the coast. Traffic to/from LAX can be intense, so your transfer choice might hinge on the time of day. One popular option is the FlyAway Bus, a non-stop coach service operated by LAWA.

The FlyAway offers a Downtown (Union Station) route and a Van Nuys (San Fernando Valley) route. If you’re headed near Downtown or can connect via Union Station, the FlyAway is a bargain: for about $9–$12 one-way you get a comfy coach bus that picks up right outside your terminal and drops you at Union Station (Downtown) in 30–60 minutes (depending on traffic).

Buses run frequently (about every 30 minutes most of the day), and you can buy tickets on a mobile app or pay with card at the bus stop. It’s genuinely one of the easiest ways to escape LAX, especially during rush hour when you can relax in the bus’s high-occupancy vehicle lane while others crawl in their cars.

Another transit option at LAX is the Metro Rail connection. While the rail line doesn’t go directly into the terminals yet, there is a free LAX Shuttle (look for the pink “Metro Connector” shuttle) that will take you from any terminal to the nearby LAX/Aviation Station on the Metro C Line (Green Line) or to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station on the K Line.

From the Aviation/C Line station, you can ride east toward Norwalk (connecting to Downtown via the A (Blue) Line if needed) – not super useful for most tourists, honestly. The K Line currently runs from that transit center north through Crenshaw District toward downtown Inglewood; future extensions will link it to Santa Monica.

In a few years, an automated People Mover train will connect LAX terminals to a big transit hub, making rail a more seamless option. As of now, though, if your destination is not near the Green or K lines, using Metro from LAX might require multiple transfers. Still, it’s very cheap ($1.75 fare) and immune to traffic.

Most visitors with luggage opt for either the FlyAway bus or a door-to-door option like a rideshare shuttle or taxi. Uber and Lyft, as discussed, pick up at the LAX-it lot – an Uber/Lyft to central LA can range from $30 to $60 typically. There are also shuttle van services (like Prime Time Shuttle or Supershuttle) that you can pre-book; they group you with other travelers heading in the same direction.

These can be cost-effective if traveling solo and going to, say, Disneyland or a hotel in Anaheim from LAX, but they might make a few stops on the way. Car rentals are of course available at LAX too – all the major companies run shuttles from the terminal to their lots just off-airport. If you plan to rent a car for your trip, taking the rental car shuttle is straightforward; just be prepared for a slog if you hit peak traffic leaving the airport.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Formerly known as Bob Hope Airport, this is the region’s second major airport, located in the San Fernando Valley near Burbank and Hollywood. Burbank is much smaller and calmer than LAX – a delight, frankly, to fly into or out of.

If you’re visiting Hollywood, Universal Studios, or downtown LA, BUR can be very convenient. For ground transport, BUR has a unique advantage: it’s served by Metrolink and Amtrak trains. There are two train stations near the airport: one on the south side (served by Metrolink’s Ventura County Line into Union Station) and one on the north (served by Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line).

A free shuttle can take you from the terminal to these stations. For example, Metrolink trains from Burbank Airport South to Union Station run roughly every 30-60 minutes at peak times and take about 25 minutes – it’s a smooth ride and costs around $6. What’s more, if you use Metrolink, your ticket also gives you a free transfer to Metro Rail or buses within two hours, which can bridge the last mile to your hotel.

Aside from trains, Burbank Airport has the usual lineup of taxis, rideshares (curbside pickup, no LAX-it fuss), and car rentals. An Uber from BUR to Hollywood might be $20-$30, to Downtown maybe $40. Traffic in the immediate area is lighter than LAX, but if you’re going to the Westside or beach areas, you’ll still face the general LA traffic patterns (e.g. going from Burbank to Santa Monica means traversing the Sepulveda Pass on the 405, which can jam up). Time of day matters – a trip at 9 p.m. could take 35 minutes, at 5 p.m. it might take 1.5 hours. Plan accordingly.

Long Beach Airport (LGB): Long Beach Airport is a small airport located about 20 miles south of Downtown LA (and actually closer to Orange County destinations). It’s a lovely little airport with an open-air terminal feel. Ground transport there is more limited: no direct rail service, but you can catch a Long Beach Transit bus (Lines 102 or 104) which connect LGB to the Metro A Line (Blue Line) Willow Station.

If you really wanted to do public transit from LGB to Downtown LA, you could: take a bus from the airport to the A Line, then ride the train ~45 minutes to Downtown. However, many people simply take a taxi or rideshare from Long Beach Airport. To Downtown LA, a taxi has a flat rate (around $85) ; Uber/Lyft might be a bit less depending on surge. If you’re actually staying in Long Beach or the South Bay, it’s very handy.

To Disneyland/Anaheim, LGB is quite close (about 20 miles), so a shuttle or rideshare is feasible. Car rentals are easy here too, with onsite rental car facilities that are a quick walk from the terminal – it might be the fastest airport in LA to get in and out of by car.

John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA): SNA is about 40 miles southeast of Downtown LA, down in Irvine/Orange County. It’s a great airport for Orange County or Disneyland trips. If your plan is to visit both OC and LA, you might fly into SNA and out of LAX or vice versa. Getting from SNA to Los Angeles without a car: it’s possible via Metrolink or Amtrak.

The airport is a short cab/Uber ride from the Tustin Metrolink station or the Irvine station. From there, you can catch a Metrolink train into Union Station (roughly 1 hour ride). There’s also an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train that runs from the Irvine area to LA.

These trains are comfortable and avoid traffic, but check schedules (they’re not super frequent outside rush hour). Otherwise, driving is the main way – about an hour to LA (more in traffic). Many shuttle companies offer service from SNA to the LA area, or you can rent a car at SNA and drive up the 405 freeway.

Regional travel: Beyond the airports, you might be planning excursions to Southern California highlights outside LA city. Two common ones: Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood in the Valley.

Disneyland is about 30 miles from LA – if you don’t have a car, you can take a Metrolink or Amtrak train from Union Station to Anaheim (the Anaheim ARTIC station), then a quick bus or rideshare to the park. There are also some tour shuttles that do hotel pickups for Disneyland. Universal Studios, by contrast, is actually accessible by Metro – the B (Red) Line subway’s Universal City station plus a free shuttle puts you right at Universal’s entrance.

If you want to visit Santa Barbara or San Diego for a day or overnight, consider the Amtrak trains (Pacific Surfliner) from Union Station – they’re scenic and drop you in the heart of those cities without the stress of driving (particularly nice for the 2.5-hour trip to San Diego). Renting a car for regional trips is also fine; just account for traffic on return journeys if you need to catch a flight.

No matter which mode you choose, factor in Los Angeles traffic when planning your regional travel. If you have a flight to catch, give yourself a generous time cushion. For example, if you’re driving to LAX from Hollywood on a weekday late afternoon, what is normally a 30-minute off-peak drive could take 1.5 hours or more.

Many locals will schedule airport trips to avoid rush hour or will hang out near the airport ahead of time rather than risk a last-minute jam. Use traffic apps or Google’s estimated times to guide you – and err on the side of early. As they say, nobody in LA arrives on time – they arrive early or not at all, due to traffic!

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Coming from LAX into the city? Hop on the FlyAway Bus to Union Station. It’s affordable, comfortable, and freeway fast.

How Locals Move

To understand LA transportation, it helps to know how Angelenos themselves navigate their city. The reality is, locals use a mix of everything: cars, metros, bikes, their own two feet – whatever gets the job done for a particular trip.

You’ll hear of some urban die-hards who get around entirely car-free, taking Metro to work and Ubering on weekends. You’ll also meet born-and-bred Angelenos who wouldn’t set foot on a bus but know every shortcut street by heart. Most fall somewhere in between, using different modes on different days.

One key to local strategy is planning by geography. Because LA is so spread out (and traffic can turn a 5-mile drive into a 30-minute ordeal), Angelenos often organize their day around one part of the city. For instance, a local might say, “I’m doing a Westside day,” meaning they’ll stick to Santa Monica, Venice, maybe Beverly Hills – but not venture east.

Or they’ll have a Valley day, or a Downtown day. By clustering activities that are near each other, they minimize cross-town treks. You can adopt this mindset too: schedule your Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Hollywood Bowl all on the same day (they’re relatively near each other), and save your Santa Monica Pier and Venice Canals for a different day out west. This way you’re traveling within shorter radius zones each day, rather than zigzagging unnecessarily.

Locals are also time-savvy. They know when to avoid the freeways and when they’re clear. Many will leave extra early for work to beat traffic, or conversely, stay late at the office until the rush dies down. If there’s a big event (say, a Lakers game or a concert at the Bowl), savvy Angelenos either attend and take the Metro or rideshare, or they steer clear of that area entirely until it’s over.

In recent years, more locals have been taking Metro rail to go to places like Santa Monica Beach or Staples Center (Crypto.com Arena) for games, simply to avoid parking fees and gridlock. On weekends, you’ll see trains full of families heading to festival events or tourists and locals mingling on the way to Hollywood. The culture is slowly shifting to embrace transit where it makes sense.

Still, the car isn’t going anywhere in LA. It’s ingrained in the city’s DNA. But even when driving, locals adapt by using those aforementioned apps (Waze, etc.) constantly, carpooling when possible to use HOV lanes, and sometimes just accepting the traffic with a shrug (“That’s LA!”). They measure distances in minutes, not miles – you’ll hear “It’s 20 minutes away” rather than “It’s 10 miles away,” because what does a mile mean when it could be fast or slow? It’s the time that matters.

And if there’s one secret weapon locals have: it’s knowing the side streets. Many Angelenos have mental maps of back routes through neighborhoods to avoid freeway logjams. You as a visitor don’t need to master that in a short time (let Waze be your guide), but just know that sometimes the “scenic route” through the surface streets is actually the faster one.

The Takeaway

Getting around Los Angeles can feel intimidating at first, but with some planning and flexibility, it becomes part of the fun. Think of LA as a collection of neighborhoods rather than one big city, each with its own pace and best way to explore. One day you might drive up to Griffith Observatory for sunset views, and the next you could go car-free, riding the Metro from Downtown to Santa Monica. Mix things up, park once and walk through a lively arts district, take the train, or use a rideshare for shorter hops. Choosing the right option for each trip will save time and help you enjoy the city stress-free.

Every mode of transportation offers a new perspective. Driving gives you freedom to chase the open road, like a scenic cruise along Pacific Coast Highway. The Metro lets you sit back and watch the city unfold, while cycling along the beach brings ocean breezes and open skies. Walking reveals details you’d otherwise miss, colorful murals, street performers, or a friendly chat at a local market. Stay flexible, and if plans change, roll with it. That’s how Angelenos do it.

In the end, learning how to get around Los Angeles is part of experiencing it. The city that once defined car culture is now leading the way in modern, multi-modal travel. Plan your days by neighborhood, check traffic or transit updates, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re stuck on the 101 with the windows down or gliding beneath it on the Metro, every journey offers a glimpse of LA’s rhythm. Here, the journey and the destination are one and the same.

FAQ

Q1. When is LA traffic worst?
Weekdays between 7 and 10 a.m. and between 4 and 7 p.m. Avoid cross-town trips during those times or use HOV lanes or public transit.

Q2. Is the Metro useful for visitors?
Yes. The rail system reaches Downtown LA, Hollywood and Universal, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and more. Combine it with buses or rideshare for full coverage.

Q3. How does TAP fare capping work?
Load a TAP card or the TAP app. Rides cost $1.75 with free transfers for two hours. Daily and weekly caps automatically limit how much you pay.

Q4. Which Metro lines matter most for tourists?
B (subway) for Hollywood and Universal; E for Santa Monica; A for Downtown LA to Long Beach; L for Pasadena; K serves the Crenshaw and SoFi area.

Q5. Is public transit safe?
Generally yes. Use common sense, ride in occupied cars at night, and keep valuables secure.

Q6. Should I rent a car?
If your plans include distant spots such as Malibu and Disneyland, renting a car helps. Otherwise mix public transit and rideshare for compact areas.

Q7. Any parking tips or issues?
Always read signs for street sweeping, time limits, and permit zones. Use garages in Downtown LA or West Hollywood and consider apps for meters and lots.

Q8. What about EVs and carpool lanes?
EV and hybrid rentals are common, and chargers are easy to find around the city. HOV lanes require at least two people including the driver.

Q9. Best car-free beach day?
Take the Metro E Line to Santa Monica. The pier and beach are only a short walk from the station.

Q10. How do I get a ride from LAX?
Use LAX-it for Uber, Lyft, or taxis (a free shuttle runs from the terminals). You can also take the FlyAway Bus to Union Station.

Q11. Where can I bike safely?
The 22-mile Marvin Braude “Strand” path runs along the coast and is fully separated from traffic. Also try the LA River Path and routes in Griffith Park.

Q12. Should I walk in LA?
Walking works best within neighborhoods such as Downtown LA, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice. Use public transit or rideshare between districts.