Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from LAX to Glendale for most travelers is to take the LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station ($9.75, 35-50 min) followed by a short rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or Metro Micro shuttle (10-20 min, $5-15) to your final destination. This balances cost ($15-25 total), speed (~60-80 min total), and convenience. The cheapest way is the FlyAway Bus + Metro Local Bus ($11.50 total, 90-120 min). The fastest way is a direct taxi or rideshare (30-60 min, $60-100+).
Taking Public Transit: Metro Rail & Bus from LAX to Glendale
While there's no single-seat rail journey, a combination of airport shuttles, Metro Rail, and buses can get you to Glendale affordably. This option requires navigating transfers and is best for light travelers.
Step-by-Step Guide: The Metro Route
- Take the Free LAX Shuttle: From any terminal, board the free 'LAX Shuttle & Airline Connection' (often the G Shuttle) to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station. Shuttles run 24/7, every 10-15 minutes. Look for signs or ask an airport employee.
- Board the Metro C Line (Green): At Aviation Station, purchase a TAP card ($2 + stored value) from the vending machine. Take the C Line (Green) heading towards Norwalk.
- Transfer to the Metro A Line (Blue): Ride the C Line for about 10 minutes to the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station. Disembark and follow signs to transfer to the A Line (Blue) heading towards APU/Citrus College.
- Transfer to the Metro B Line (Red) or Bus: Ride the A Line for about 25 minutes to 7th Street/Metro Center Station in Downtown LA. Here, you have two options:
- To Burbank/Glendale Area: Transfer to the B Line (Red) heading towards North Hollywood. Exit at Universal City/Studio City Station. From here, take a Metro Bus 501 or a short rideshare into Glendale.
- To Downtown Glendale: From 7th St/Metro Center, take the Metro Bus 92 or 94 directly into Glendale (approx. 45-60 min ride).
Key Consideration: This journey involves 2-3 transfers and can take 2 to 2.5 hours. It is not recommended with heavy luggage.
Metro Fares & TAP Card
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TAP Card (New) | $2.00 | One-time purchase, reusable. |
| Base Fare (One-Way) | $1.75 | Valid for 2 hours of transfers across Metro. |
| Day Pass | $7.00 | Unlimited rides for 1 day. Great if you'll use transit more later. |
| Total Estimated Cost (One-Way) | $3.75 - $7.00 | TAP Card + Fare, or just Day Pass. |
Source: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
LAX FlyAway Bus & Shared Van Shuttles
This is the most recommended and stress-free public transit option, combining the speed of a dedicated bus with the affordability of public transport.
Option 1: LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station
The FlyAway Bus is a non-stop, city-operated service. The Union Station route is your key to reaching Glendale.
- Where to Board: Follow signs to "FlyAway Buses" or "Ground Transportation" at the Lower/Arrivals Level of any terminal. Look for the green signs.
- Schedule: Buses depart every 30 minutes, from approximately 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Frequency may increase during peak times.
- Trip Time: 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. It uses dedicated bus lanes for part of the journey.
- Fare: $9.75 one-way. Pay by credit/debit card on the bus or cash (exact change recommended). Tickets can also be purchased online in advance.
- From Union Station to Glendale:
- Metro Local Bus 92/94: Direct but slower (45-60 mins, $1.75). Bus stops are on Alameda St.
- Metro Micro: An on-demand shared ride service within zones. Covers parts of Glendale. App-based, fare ~$1.00. Check coverage map.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): 15-20 minute drive, cost $10-$20.
Option 2: Shared Ride Vans (e.g., SuperShuttle, Prime Time)
These are door-to-door shared vans that pick up multiple passengers heading in the same general direction.
- How it Works: Book online or at airport kiosks. You'll be assigned a van and may have brief stops to drop off others.
- Cost: Typically $25 to $40 per person to Glendale. Often more expensive than FlyAway + Rideshare.
- Pros: Door-to-door, no transfers with luggage.
- Cons: Can be slow if you're the last drop-off (trip can take 60-90 mins). Service availability has decreased post-pandemic.
- Tip: Always pre-book online for better rates and guaranteed availability.
Private Transfers & Rental Cars
Pre-Booked Private Car Service
Ideal for business travel, groups, or special occasions. A driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign.
- Cost: $100 to $180+ for a sedan/SUV, depending on company and vehicle class.
- Providers: Companies like G.O. Lans, One Way LAX, or black car services booked via hotel concierge.
- Benefit: Fixed price, no surge, professional service.
Renting a Car at LAX
Only recommended if you need a car for your entire stay.
- Rental Cost: Varies widely; expect $40-$80+ per day, plus taxes, fees, insurance, and gas.
- LAX Concession Fee: A ~11% fee is added to all rentals at LAX, making it more expensive than renting off-airport.
- The Drive: Take Century Blvd to I-105 E, to I-110 N, to I-5 N, to SR-134 E (Ventura Fwy) into Glendale. 30-70 minutes.
- Parking in Glendale: Research hotel parking fees (can be $20-$40/night) or apartment availability. Street parking in many residential areas requires a permit.
- Alternative: Consider renting a car later in your trip from a neighborhood location in Glendale or Burbank to avoid LAX fees and initial driving stress.
LAX to Glendale: Cost & Time Comparison Table
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Estimated Time | Transfers / Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare (UberX/Lyft) | $55 - $85 (can surge) | 30 - 60 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Speed, convenience, small groups. |
| Taxi | $65 - $95+ + tip | 30 - 60 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Immediate pickup, no app needed. |
| FlyAway Bus + Rideshare (Recommended) | $20 - $30 ($9.75 + $10-$20) | 60 - 80 min | One easy transfer | Best value balancing cost & convenience. |
| FlyAway Bus + Metro Bus | $11.50 ($9.75 + $1.75) | 90 - 120 min | One transfer | Cheapest option, budget travelers with light luggage. |
| Shared Ride Van | $25 - $40 | 60 - 90 min | None (but multiple stops) | Door-to-door on a budget, if available. |
| Private Car Service | $100 - $180+ | 30 - 60 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Luxury, business, large groups. |
| Metro Rail & Bus | $3.75 - $7.00 | 120 - 150 min | 2-3 transfers | Adventurous solo travelers with minimal baggage. |
Traveler Tips & Local Insights for Your LAX to Glendale Trip
📦 Managing Luggage
- Avoid Complex Metro with Large Bags: The multi-transfer Metro route is not suitcase-friendly due to stairs, crowded trains, and bus limitations.
- FlyAway is Luggage-Friendly: Buses have ample under-carriage storage.
- Consider Luggage Shipping: Services like LugLess or ShipGo can send your bags directly to your hotel, freeing you for an easier transit day.
⏰ Timing is Everything
- Rush Hour (Weekdays 7-10 AM & 4-7 PM): Add 30-50% more time to any driving option (rideshares, taxis, shuttles). The 110 and 5 freeways are particularly notorious.
- Friday Evenings & Holiday Sundays are the absolute worst for traffic and rideshare surge pricing.
- Late-Night Flights: Have a backup plan. While FlyAway runs until ~1 AM, your connecting options from Union Station thin out after midnight.
💳 Payment & Apps
- Get a TAP Card App: Even if you use FlyAway, the TAP app is useful for paying for local Metro buses in Glendale/Burbank.
- Have Both Uber & Lyft Apps: Compare prices at LAX-it; they often differ significantly.
- Cash on Hand: Useful for tipping shuttle drivers or for the Metro bus if your TAP card has issues.
📍 Glendale Arrival Points
Glendale is spread out. Know your final area:
- Downtown Glendale / Americana at Brand / Glendale Galleria: Best served by Metro Bus 92/94 or a rideshare from Union Station.
- South Glendale / Eagle Rock border: The Metro 180/181 bus lines from Downtown LA might be closer.
- North Glendale / near Forest Lawn: A rideshare from Universal City Red Line station is often most direct.
FAQs: LAX to Glendale Transportation
What is the cheapest way to get from LAX to Glendale?
The absolute cheapest way is to take the LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station ($9.75) and then transfer to the Metro 92 or 94 bus ($1.75), for a total of about $11.50. The entire trip takes 90-120 minutes. A slightly faster budget option is the FlyAway Bus + Metro Rail B Line (Red Line) to Universal City station, then a short rideshare to Glendale.
Is there a direct train from LAX to Glendale?
No, there is no direct train. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does not have a direct rail connection. You must first take a shuttle or bus to a rail station. The most common route is to take the free 'LAX Shuttle & Airline Connection' (G Shuttle) to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station, then take the Metro C Line (Green) to the Red Line connection, which involves multiple transfers to reach Glendale.
How much is a taxi or Uber from LAX to Glendale?
A taxi or rideshare (UberX/Lyft Standard) from LAX to Glendale typically costs between $60 and $100+, depending on traffic, time of day, and exact destination. Uber/Lyft fares can surge during peak hours (weekdays 4-7 PM, Friday evenings). Flat-rate taxi fares are not offered for this route, so the meter will run. This is the most expensive but most door-to-door convenient option.
What is the fastest way to get from LAX to Glendale?
The fastest way, outside of extreme traffic, is typically a rideshares (Uber/Lyft) or a taxi, taking 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. If you prefer public transit, the LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station (35-50 mins) followed by a rideshare from Union Station to Glendale (15-20 mins) is the quickest public transport combination, totaling about 60-80 minutes.
How do I get from LAX to Glendale late at night or early in the morning?
For late-night arrivals (after midnight): Public transit options are very limited. Your best bets are 24/7 taxi services or rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Some shared shuttle services may also operate but require advance booking. The LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station runs until approximately 1:00 AM, but you'd need connecting transport from there. For early mornings (before 6 AM): Rideshares/taxis are reliable. The first FlyAway Bus departs around 5:00 AM.
Is the LAX FlyAway Bus a good option for Glendale?
Yes, the LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station is one of the best public transit options. It's fast, reliable, and affordable ($9.75). From Union Station, you can take a Metro Local bus (92/94), a Metro Micro on-demand shuttle (if within zone), or a short rideshare to complete your journey to Glendale. It's excellent for travelers with manageable luggage.
What’s the best way from LAX to Glendale with lots of luggage or a family?
For families or travelers with multiple/large bags, we recommend:
1. A pre-booked private shuttle or van service (e.g., Prime Time, SuperShuttle) for door-to-door service and fixed rates.
2. Rideshare UberXL or Lyft XL for more space.
3. Two taxis if your group is large. Public transit with many bags, especially involving bus transfers, can be challenging and stressful.
Should I rent a car at LAX to drive to Glendale?
It depends. Renting a car is convenient if you plan extensive travel around LA. The drive from LAX to Glendale is straightforward (take I-105 E to I-110 N to I-5 N to SR-134 E) and takes 30-60 mins. However, consider high rental costs, LAX facility fees, expensive gas in CA, and challenging/pricy parking in Glendale (especially at hotels). For a short stay focused in Glendale/Burbank/Pasadena, using rideshares and local transit may be more cost-effective.