Los Angeles is famous for its freeways, but public transportation here is better than most travelers expect. The Metro Rail and bus system connects major neighborhoods, making it easy and affordable to explore Los Angeles without a car. For just $1.75 per ride, you can travel across the city with free transfers for two hours, or choose unlimited-ride passes that cost less than parking in many areas.

TL;DR

  • LA’s public transit combines Metro Rail, buses, and partner agencies under one TAP card system, making payment simple across most of the county.
  • A single Metro ride costs $1.75 with 2 hours of free transfers when you tap in on each vehicle or at each gate.
  • Fare capping means you’ll never pay more than about $5 per day or $18 per week, turning pay-as-you-go into an automatic day/week pass.
  • The TAP card or TAP app is the easiest way to ride; you can load cash value or time-based passes at stations, online, or on your phone.
  • From LAX, options include the FlyAway bus (separate ticket) and Metro Rail + shuttle, plus Metrolink for regional trips beyond LA.
  • Metro stations, buses, and trains are generally safe and accessible, especially by day; many travelers pair transit with rideshares for late nights or last-mile links.

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Overview

The Los Angeles Metro system is the heart of the city’s public transportation network, combining both rail and bus services under one unified fare system. Travelers can use a TAP card or the TAP mobile app to pay for rides across most of Los Angeles County, including Metro Rail, Metro Bus, and many local transit agencies. This makes getting around simple and seamless, one card covers nearly all your trips without the need for multiple passes.

The Metro Rail includes several key lines that connect major destinations such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. Buses fill in the gaps with hundreds of routes across the region, making it easy to travel between neighborhoods. While Metro’s reach is impressive, many locals and visitors combine it with walking, biking, or rideshares for door-to-door convenience.

Apps like Google Maps and Transit make trip planning straightforward, offering real-time schedules and directions that mix trains, buses, and walking routes. This guide covers everything you need to know about Los Angeles public transportation, including Metro passes, payment options, and local tips to help you move through the city with ease and confidence.

The TAP Card Explained

What is a TAP card?

TAP (Transit Access Pass) is LA’s all-in-one transit fare card. It’s a reloadable, contactless smart card (or smartphone app equivalent) that you use to pay fares on Metro and other participating agencies. Instead of paper tickets or exact change, you’ll simply “tap” your TAP card on the validators each time you board a bus or enter a train station. The TAP system automatically deducts the fare or recognizes your pass.

You can buy a TAP card for $2 from vending machines at any Metro Rail station, at many bus transfer hubs, online, or from authorized retailers. Alternatively, you can download the TAP mobile app to add a virtual TAP card to your phone and pay by tapping your phone at the turnstile. Reloading your card is easy: use cash or card at station kiosks, use the TAP app or website, or even set up auto-reload so you’re never caught with an empty balance.

The base fare on Metro is $1.75 per ride, whether you’re on a bus or a train. Importantly, that includes 2 hours of free transfers in one direction on Metro services when using TAP. This means if you need to take two buses and a train to reach your destination, you’ll still pay just $1.75 total (as long as it’s within two hours and you tap your card each time). Simply tap your card at each bus or station – the system will know not to charge again if you’re within the transfer window.

Los Angeles has recently made fares even more user-friendly with automatic fare capping. Instead of buying a separate day pass or week pass upfront, you can just use stored cash value on your TAP card and the system will stop charging once you’ve spent a certain amount. In practice, you’ll never pay more than $5 in a day or $18 in a 7-day period.

Once you’ve hit those caps through normal tapping, the rest of your rides become free for that day or week. This gives you the benefits of an unlimited pass without needing to decide in advance – perfect for visitors unsure of their plans. (For reference, the $5 daily cap is roughly the cost of 3 rides, and the $18 weekly cap about 10 rides.)

Monthly passes have largely been phased out under this system , since frequent riders will hit the weekly cap and keep riding free. Whether you pay-as-you-go or purchase a pass, using TAP means the savings kick in automatically the more you ride.

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You can transfer between Metro trains and buses for free within two hours. Just tap your card again at each entry to register the transfer.

Metro Pass Options

While fare capping means you don’t have to buy a pass, Metro still offers time-based passes for convenience. If you plan to ride a lot, these passes can save you money and the hassle of refilling fare frequently. Here are the main pass choices (current standard prices):

  • 1-Day Pass ($3.50): Unlimited rides on Metro bus and rail from first tap until 3am the next day. Ideal for a busy day of sightseeing or if you anticipate more than two rides in one day. At just twice the cost of a one-way fare, a day pass pays for itself after your second ride.

  • 7-Day Pass ($12.50): Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days (expires at 3am on the 7th day). This is best for travelers spending a week in LA or locals using Metro daily but not enough to need a monthly pass. It’s a steal – if you take roughly 6 or more rides in a week, a 7-day pass is cheaper than paying single fares.

  • 30-Day Pass ($50): Unlimited rides for 30 days**. Perfect for long-term visitors or residents. At this promotional rate, it’s significantly cheaper than the old monthly pass price. If you’re staying a month or more and commuting regularly, this pass maximizes your savings and means you won’t have to worry about refilling fares for a whole month.

These passes can be loaded onto your TAP card at any station or via the app/website. Once loaded, just tap as usual and the system recognizes that you have a valid pass (it won’t deduct any money).

Deciding between pay-as-you-go vs. a pass comes down to your expected usage. If you’re taking only an occasional trip (1–2 rides a day), just tap and pay $1.75 each ride. But if you expect to travel around multiple times a day, the $3.50 day pass is worth it after the second ride. Similarly, compare a weekly pass cost to how many individual trips you’ll take in 7 days.

Because of fare capping, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a day or week pass upfront. You can add $5 or $18 of stored value and it will automatically act like a pass once you hit the cap. However, some people prefer the peace of mind of a pass. Either way, the TAP system ensures you won’t be over-charged.

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A 7-Day Pass pays off after just 6 rides per week. A great deal for travelers using the Metro daily.

Airport Connections and Regional Transit

Flying into LAX and want to use transit? Your TAP card will come in handy for some connections, but a few airport-specific services have separate fares. The two main ways into the city from LAX are the FlyAway bus and Metro Rail/bus connections:

  • LAX FlyAway Bus: This express bus runs from LAX terminals to Los Angeles Union Station (and other spots like Van Nuys) with no stops in between. It’s comfortable and luggage-friendly – essentially an airport shuttle coach.

    Note: The FlyAway is not part of Metro and does not accept TAP for payment. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket (online, via the FlyAway app, or at a kiosk at Union Station). The one-way fare is around $12 as of 2024. It’s a bit pricier than Metro, but still far cheaper than a taxi and drops you right at Union Station downtown.

    If you take FlyAway to Union Station, you can easily transfer there to the Metro B (Red) or D (Purple) subway lines, or many other buses – just remember that transfer will require paying the Metro fare since FlyAway is separate.

  • Metro Rail from LAX: For a $1.75 TAP fare, you can ride the Metro system from LAX into the city, though it involves a short shuttle. From the airport, free shuttle buses (marked “Metro C Line/Shuttle to Aviation Station”) will take you from the terminals to the nearby Aviation/LAX Station on Metro’s C (Green) Line.

    Hop on the light rail there heading toward Norwalk, and you can connect to other lines depending on your destination. In 2024, a new station (Aviation/96th St) and the People Mover train will make this transfer even easier, directly linking LAX to Metro Rail.

    For now, budget a little extra time for the shuttle. Once on the Metro C Line, you can transfer free to other lines within 2 hours as usual. Many travelers with luggage prefer the FlyAway, but if you’re packing light, Metro Rail is perfectly doable and very cheap.

  • Metro E Line to Santa Monica: If your itinerary includes Santa Monica or you just want to hit the beach straight from downtown, the E Line (Expo) is your friend. This light rail runs from Downtown LA all the way to Downtown Santa Monica Station, just a few blocks from the ocean.

    In about 45–50 minutes you can go from the skyscrapers of downtown to the Santa Monica Pier area, all on one train line – no car needed. The E Line is fully covered by Metro passes/TAP, so it’s a popular way for travelers and locals alike to reach the Westside beaches without sitting in traffic on the 10 freeway.

  • Metrolink regional trains: Metro doesn’t cover every far-flung corner of Southern California, but Metrolink does. Metrolink is a regional commuter rail system separate from Metro, connecting Los Angeles with surrounding counties (Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino, etc.).

    For example, you can catch a Metrolink train from Union Station to Pasadena (via the Antelope Valley line to Burbank and transfer) or directly to beach towns in Ventura County or down to Anaheim and Irvine in Orange County. Metrolink requires its own ticket, but the good news is those tickets integrate with local transit.

    Any Metrolink ticket or pass includes free transfers to most local transit, including Metro Rail and buses, for the rest of the day. That means if you take Metrolink into LA, you can hop on the subway or a Metro bus once you arrive, without paying an extra fare. Just show or scan your Metrolink ticket when transferring. It’s a fantastic deal for regional travelers.
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Buy a Metrolink ticket on the Metrolink app. It includes free Metro transfers for the rest of the day, so you can ride buses or subways in LA at no extra cost.

Parking, Apps, and Car-Free Tips

Many locals drive to a Metro station, park, and ride the train or bus for the main part of their journey – this way they avoid traffic downtown and expensive parking fees.

If you have a car but want to use transit for a day trip (say, into Hollywood or Santa Monica), consider using a Park & Ride lot. Most Metro Rail stations and major bus hubs have parking lots or garages, and most are free for up to 24 hours (or very low cost) for transit riders – perfect for day excursions.

For example, you could park at a station in North Hollywood or Culver City, then take the Metro into tourist areas, skipping the headache of finding parking there.

If you’re planning to park, two apps can help: ParkWhiz and SpotHero allow you to reserve and pay for a parking space in advance, often at a discount. These apps cover many lots near Metro stations and around the city.

They’re especially useful if you need longer-term parking (over 24 hours) or a guaranteed spot during big events. On the transit side, be sure to download Google Maps or the Transit app on your phone.

Both provide real-time transit directions in LA – enter your destination and they’ll tell you which bus or train to take, when it arrives, and even how much walking is involved. The official TAP app is also handy for managing your fares and finding nearby transit services.

For those going fully car-free, LA’s combination of Metro and rideshare covers most situations. You can take a train or Rapid bus close to your destination and use a scooter or rideshare for the “last mile.”

In many neighborhoods (Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc.), you might not need a rideshare at all since attractions are walkable from Metro stops. But it’s wise to have Uber or Lyft apps ready just in case you stay out late or go somewhere off the transit grid.

A quick practical tip: carry a backup payment method. While Metro is rolling out new tap-to-pay options (like paying with your phone or credit card directly), not all buses have the latest readers installed yet. To avoid any hiccup if your phone dies or a bus’s card reader isn’t accepting mobile payment, having your TAP card or even a few dollars in cash (Metro buses still accept exact change in a pinch) can save the day.

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Most Metro parking lots are free for up to 24 hours. So drive to a convenient station, park for free, and let the Metro whisk you to your destination while you skip the traffic and parking fees in busy areas.

Accessibility and Safety Notes

Los Angeles has worked to make its transit system accessible and welcoming for all. All Metro Rail stations have elevators or ramps from street level to the platforms , and the trains themselves have level boarding or bridge plates for wheelchairs.

Buses are equipped with ramps or lifts that the driver can deploy, and there are priority seating areas in the front for seniors and riders with disabilities. Visually, stations are well-marked with signs, and audibly you’ll hear automatic announcements for upcoming stops on trains and buses (in English and Spanish).

If you have mobility challenges, know that Metro has features like tactile paving on station platforms to guide the visually impaired, and the Metro customer center can provide information on paratransit services if needed. Riding Metro in a wheelchair or with a stroller is quite straightforward – just board via the designated door and you’ll find space to park and secure your wheels.

When it comes to safety, LA’s transit is generally safe, but as with any big city, it pays to stay aware. Stick to well-lit stations, especially at night, and travel in the front car of the train near the operator if you feel uneasy late at night. Metro has security officers and often LAPD transit police patrolling trains and stations.

Many stations also have emergency call boxes and plenty of lighting and cameras. It’s a good idea to avoid isolated stations during off-hours if you’re alone, simply because they can be very quiet.

Instead, try to travel during regular hours (the busiest trains run until around midnight). Overall, regular commuters will tell you that Metro feels safer and cleaner than outsiders might expect – just use common sense: keep your belongings close, be courteous to fellow riders, and you’ll be fine.

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“LA’s transit system may surprise you. It’s cleaner, safer, and more connected than you think.”

The Takeaway

Learning how to use Los Angeles’s public transportation system and TAP card can make your trip easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable. For just a few dollars, you can ride all day on Metro trains and buses, skipping the stress of traffic and parking. Simply load a TAP card, plan your route, and explore the city at your own pace. Riding the Metro gives you a unique view of Los Angeles, from street art and cityscapes to local conversations you’d miss behind the wheel.

Imagine stepping off the Metro in Santa Monica, walking straight to the beach after spending only $1.75 on your ride. The traffic noise fades, and suddenly you’re part of the city’s rhythm, moving like a local. A car-free day in Los Angeles saves money and lets you experience the city’s neighborhoods more authentically. With the right Metro pass or TAP card, you can easily reach top attractions across town.

Use a transit app to plan your routes, grab a 1-Day or 7-Day Metro pass, and see how simple it is to explore LA by train and bus. Even just one day without a car can change how you experience the city. With your TAP card in hand, you’ll move through Los Angeles like a pro, relaxed, budget-friendly, and connected to the real pulse of the City of Angels.

FAQ

Q1. What is a TAP card in Los Angeles?
A TAP card is LA’s reusable, contactless transit card (or phone app) that you tap to pay fares on Metro trains, buses, and many partner systems across Los Angeles County.

Q2. How much does it cost to ride Metro in LA?
The base fare is $1.75 per ride, including up to 2 hours of free transfers in one direction when you tap your TAP card at each bus or station gate.

Q3. Do I need to buy a day pass, or does fare capping cover it?
You don’t have to buy a pass: with fare capping, once your taps reach the daily or weekly cap, the rest of your rides that day or week are effectively free.

Q4. Where can I get a TAP card or use the TAP app?
You can buy a physical TAP card at Metro station vending machines, online, or retailers, or you can use the TAP mobile app to add a virtual card to your smartphone.

Q5. How do I get from LAX into the city using public transport?
Options include the FlyAway bus (separate ticket) to Union Station or other hubs, and Metro Rail via a free shuttle from LAX to the nearby Metro station, then connecting by train.

Q6. Is the Los Angeles Metro system safe to use?
Yes, Metro is generally safe, especially during the day. Stick to well-lit stations, stay aware of your belongings, and consider sitting near the operator if riding late at night.

Q7. Can I park at a station and ride Metro instead of driving downtown?
Yes. Many Metro stations have Park & Ride lots, often free or low-cost for up to 24 hours, making it easy to park once and use transit to reach busy areas.

Q8. Is LA public transit accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Metro Rail stations have elevators or ramps, buses have ramps and priority seating, and trains allow level boarding, making the system broadly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.