How to Get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Downtown LA

Quick Answer

The best way to get from LAX to Downtown Los Angeles for most travelers is the LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station (30-50 minutes, $9.75/$146,250 IDR, direct with no transfers). This is the only reasonable public transport option that doesn't require multiple transfers. For late-night arrivals after 1:00 AM, your only practical options are taxi ($50.50 flat rate/697,500 IDR) or Uber/Lyft ($40-80/600,000-1,200,000 IDR). For budget travelers without luggage, the metro rail costs only $1.75/$26,250 IDR but takes 60-90 minutes with 2-3 transfers. Families with children or heavy luggage should strongly consider Uber/Lyft or private transfer despite the higher cost. I DON'T recommend the metro for airport transfers - it's complicated, slow, and luggage-unfriendly. Driving yourself? The 110 Freeway takes 30-70 minutes depending on infamous LA traffic.

How to Get from LAX to Downtown by FlyAway Bus (Recommended)

The LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station is the only direct public transportation from LAX to Downtown Los Angeles. Unlike many cities with airport trains, LAX forces a choice between a direct bus with traffic risk or a complicated metro transfer nightmare. The internet often mentions the metro as an "option," but I need to be honest: unless you're a backpacker with unlimited time, the FlyAway Bus is your only practical public transport choice. Here are your FlyAway options:

Route	Service	Travel Time	Cost	Best For
LAX → Union Station (Downtown)	LAX FlyAway Bus (Direct)	30-50 minutes	$9.75 ($146,250 IDR)	Most travelers - only direct public transport
Union Station → Hotels	Walk/Metro/Uber from Union Station	5-20 minutes	$0-15 ($0-225,000 IDR)	Final leg to Downtown hotels
LAX → Other FlyAway Destinations	FlyAway to Van Nuys, etc.	Varies	$9.75 ($146,250 IDR)	Other parts of LA (not Downtown)

LAX FlyAway Bus: The Only Sensible Public Transport

The FlyAway Bus from LAX to Union Station (30-50 minutes, $9.75) operates 24/7 with buses every 30-60 minutes. It picks up at ALL terminals on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Buses are comfortable with free WiFi, power outlets, and luggage storage underneath. From Union Station, you can: 1) Walk to nearby hotels (10-30 minutes), 2) Take Metro A or E Lines ($1.75), 3) Get an Uber/taxi ($8-15). This is my top recommendation for 90% of LAX visitors going Downtown.

A Common Real-Life Mistake with LAX Transport

You arrive at Terminal 1 at 12:40 AM, see the "Metro" signs and think you'll save money. You wait 15 minutes for the free shuttle to Aviation Station. The last train left at 12:30 AM. Now you're stranded at a dark metro station. You call Uber - surge pricing is 3x normal. You finally get to Downtown at 2:30 AM, having paid $75 instead of $9.75. This happens nightly. If you arrive after 11 PM, just take the FlyAway Bus (until 1 AM) or go straight to Uber/taxi. Don't attempt the metro at night.

FlyAway Schedule & Late Night Realities

FlyAway Bus hours: First bus ~5:00 AM, last bus ~1:00 AM. Frequency: Every 30 minutes peak, 60 minutes off-peak. After 1:00 AM: No public transport until 5:00 AM. Your options: 1) Taxi ($50.50 flat rate), 2) Uber/Lyft ($40-80), 3) Wait 4+ hours at LAX. The airport is NOT designed for overnight stays - seats are limited, and security may ask you to leave. Have a plan if arriving on a red-eye.

LAX to Downtown by Metro Rail & Bus (Not Recommended for Most)

While metro rail exists as an option, it's a complicated, multi-transfer journey that I don't recommend for airport arrivals with luggage. The journey requires: 1) Free shuttle bus to Aviation/96th St Station, 2) Metro C Line (Green) to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, 3) Transfer to Metro A Line (Blue) to Downtown. Total travel time is 60-90 minutes for what's often a 30-minute drive. At $1.75, it's cheap but punishing with bags.

Metro Rail from LAX to Downtown: The Complicated Reality

• Step 1: Find LAX Shuttle 'G' (Green) to Aviation/96th St Station (10-15 minutes)
• Step 2: Take Metro C Line (Green) to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station (20 minutes)
• Step 3: Transfer to Metro A Line (Blue) to Downtown stations (20-30 minutes)
• Total time: 60-90 minutes (vs 30-50 minutes by FlyAway Bus)
• Total cost: $1.75 with TAP card (vs $9.75 FlyAway Bus)
• Luggage: Nearly impossible with more than carry-on
• Safety: Questionable after dark, especially with luggage

Why Would Anyone Choose Metro Over FlyAway?

The metro makes sense in three rare scenarios: 1) Extreme budget travelers saving $8, 2) You're staying near a Downtown metro station (not just Union Station), 3) Rush hour traffic is apocalyptic (metro avoids traffic). However, I need to be clear: the metro is NOT a tourist-friendly airport transfer. The transfers, stairs, and lack of luggage space make it miserable. The internet says "metro is an option" - that's only true if you have no bags, infinite time, and love adventures in urban transit.

Metro vs FlyAway: When Each Fails

FlyAway fails when: You arrive after 1:00 AM, need to go beyond Union Station, or hit catastrophic traffic. Metro fails when: You have luggage, are traveling after 8 PM, have mobility issues, or value your time. During metro service disruptions (common on weekends), the journey can take 2+ hours. I only include metro information because other sites do, but I strongly advise against it for airport arrivals.

Taxi, Uber & Lyft from LAX to Downtown

Taxi from LAX to Downtown LA

Taking a taxi from LAX to Downtown offers door-to-door convenience with a flat rate. The distance is approximately 16 miles (26 km), with travel time of 30-70 minutes depending on traffic. Flat taxi fare is $46.50 (about 697,500 IDR) plus $4 airport fee = $50.50 total. This rate is set by LA City Council for taxis to Downtown. Taxis are at designated taxi stands outside baggage claim. This option is only cost-effective for groups of 3-4 splitting the fare. Solo travelers should NEVER take a taxi from LAX - it's 5x more expensive than FlyAway Bus.

Uber & Lyft from LAX to Downtown

Uber/Lyft from LAX picks up at the LAX-it lot, requiring a free shuttle from terminals. Typical fares range from $40-80 (600,000-1,200,000 IDR) depending on demand, time, and vehicle type. During surge pricing (Friday nights, holidays), fares can exceed $100. UberX fits 3-4 people, UberXL fits 5-6 with more luggage. The LAX-it shuttle adds 10-20 minutes to your trip. Always check both apps - sometimes Lyft is cheaper, sometimes Uber.

When is Uber/Taxi Actually Worth It?

For solo travelers: Almost never (FlyAway is $9.75 vs $40+). For 2 people: Only if you arrive after 1:00 AM (FlyAway not running). For 3-4 people: Usually yes (split $50-80 = $12.50-20 each vs FlyAway $9.75 each). For families with car seats: Uber Family or car seat taxi (limited availability). For late night arrivals after 1:00 AM: Your ONLY option besides waiting. During rush hour: Uber/taxi stuck in same traffic as FlyAway Bus - not worth premium.

The LAX-it Shuttle Reality Check

LAX-it is NOT door-to-door pickup. You must take a free shuttle from terminals to the LAX-it lot. During peak times: 1) Wait 10-20 minutes for shuttle, 2) 5-10 minute shuttle ride, 3) Wait 5-15 minutes for Uber/Lyft. Total added time: 20-45 minutes. Taxis are at terminals - no shuttle. If you hate waiting, taxis are actually faster despite higher cost.

Private Transfer & Rental Cars from LAX

Private Transfer Services

Private transfers from LAX provide a pre-booked car with meet-and-greet service. Prices range from $80-150 (1,200,000-2,250,000 IDR) depending on vehicle type and service level. Benefits include: fixed price, driver waiting with name sign, assistance with luggage, and 24/7 availability. This is the most convenient door-to-door option for families, those with heavy luggage, or arrivals after midnight. I recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance. SuperShuttle closed in 2019 - don't look for it.

Rental Cars at LAX

Renting a car at LAX involves taking a free rental car shuttle from terminals to the Consolidated Rental Car Center. All rental companies are located here. Driving to Downtown: Take I-105 E to I-110 N (Harbor Freeway). Travel time: 30-70 minutes depending on traffic. Tolls: None. Parking in Downtown: Hotel parking $40-60/night, public lots $20-40/day. I DON'T recommend renting a car if you're only staying Downtown - parking is expensive and traffic stressful.

Is a Private Transfer Worth It?

For solo/budget travelers: No (FlyAway + Uber is cheaper). For families of 4+: Often yes (fits everyone comfortably with luggage). For luxury travelers: Definitely (Mercedes/SUV available). For conference attendees with colleagues: Can split cost. Compared to taxi ($50.50) or Uber ($40-80), private transfers at $80-150 are premium options. The main advantage is reliability and no wait - your driver is waiting regardless of flight delays.

LAX to Downtown LA Route Map

The map below shows the travel routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Downtown Los Angeles. The FlyAway Bus follows the I-105 to I-110 (Harbor Freeway) route. The metro rail takes a more circuitous route through South LA. Driving routes typically use I-105 E to I-110 N or Sepulveda Blvd to I-10 E.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from LAX to Downtown LA on Google Maps

The distance from LAX to Downtown LA is approximately 16 miles (26 km). During rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM), travel times can exceed 90 minutes by road. The metro rail is unaffected by road traffic but has its own delays. Friday afternoons are the absolute worst - all freeways around LAX become parking lots.

Complete Metro Rail Stops: LAX to Downtown LA

If you insist on taking the metro despite my warnings, here are the complete station lists. Remember: this requires a free shuttle bus from LAX terminals to Aviation Station.

Step 1: Free LAX Shuttle 'G' to Aviation/96th St Station

This shuttle runs 24/7, every 10-20 minutes. Stops at ALL terminals on Lower/Arrivals Level. Look for green "G" signs. Travel time: 10-15 minutes to station.

Step 2: Metro C Line (Green) to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station

From Aviation/96th St Station heading east:

1. Aviation/96th St Station (Departure - after shuttle from LAX)
2. Mariposa Station (3 minutes)
3. El Segundo Station (6 minutes)
4. Douglas Station (9 minutes)
5. Redondo Beach Station (12 minutes)
6. Torrance Station (15 minutes)
7. Del Amo Station (18 minutes)
8. Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station (22 minutes - transfer point)

Step 3: Metro A Line (Blue) to Downtown LA Stations

From Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station heading north:

1. Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station (Transfer from C Line)
2. 103rd St/Watts Towers Station (4 minutes)
3. Firestone Station (7 minutes)
4. Florence Station (10 minutes)
5. Slauson Station (13 minutes)
6. Vernon Station (16 minutes)
7. Washington Station (19 minutes)
8. San Pedro Street Station (22 minutes)
9. Grand/LATTC Station (24 minutes)
10. Pico Station (26 minutes - near Staples Center)
11. 7th St/Metro Center Station (28 minutes - major transfer point)
12. Pershing Square Station (30 minutes - central Downtown)
13. Civic Center/Grand Park Station (32 minutes - near City Hall)
14. Union Station (34 minutes - end of line, Amtrak/Metrolink)

Total metro travel time: 60-90 minutes | Cost: $1.75 with TAP card | First/Last trains: ~4:00 AM / ~12:30 AM

Important Note About K Line (Crenshaw) Extension

The K Line (Crenshaw) extension to LAX is under construction (expected 2024 completion). It will connect to the C Line at Hawthorne/Lennox Station, not directly to Downtown. You'll still need to transfer to C Line, then A Line. Even when completed, it won't be a direct airport-to-Downtown train. The FlyAway Bus will remain the best public transport option.

LAX to Downtown: Ticketing, TAP Cards & Costs

TAP Cards vs Paper Tickets: Which is Better?

For metro/bus: TAP card required. Paper tickets no longer sold. Buy TAP card: $2 purchase + load money at metro station machines. At LAX: Buy at Aviation/96th St Station (after shuttle) or Union Station. For FlyAway Bus: No TAP needed - pay with card at kiosk, on bus, or online. For visitors: Consider $7/day or $25/7-day Metro pass if using metro extensively. FlyAway Bus not included in Metro passes.

FlyAway Bus Tickets: How to Buy

FlyAway Bus ticket options: 1) Online: flylax.com or FlyAway app (mobile ticket), 2) Terminal kiosks: Credit/debit cards only, 3) On bus: Card only (no cash). Round-trip: $19 ($285,000 IDR) saves $0.50. Children: Under 5 free, 5+ full fare. I recommend buying online - saves time and guarantees seat during holidays.

Cost Comparison Reality Check

Metro at $1.75 seems cheapest but add: TAP card $2, Uber from Union Station to hotel $8-15. Total: $11.75-18.75. FlyAway at $9.75 + same Uber: $17.75-24.75. Difference: $6-9. For that $6-9, you save 30-60 minutes and avoid metro stress. The metro is NOT actually cheaper when you factor in the final leg to your hotel.

Scenario-Based Guide: Which Option is Best for YOU?

1. Late Night / Early Morning Arrivals

Arriving 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM: FlyAway Bus runs until ~1:00 AM. Be at bus stop by 12:45 AM. Arriving after 1:00 AM: No public transport. Options: 1) Taxi ($50.50), 2) Uber/Lyft ($40-80), 3) Wait 4+ hours for first FlyAway (~5:00 AM). Early flights (departing 6:00-7:00 AM): First FlyAway at ~5:00 AM might be too late. Take Uber/taxi or stay at airport hotel night before.

2. Traveling with Heavy Luggage / Family / Elderly

One suitcase per person: FlyAway Bus is minimum acceptable. Multiple large suitcases: Uber/taxi/private transfer essential. With young children: Uber Car Seat (limited availability) or private transfer with car seats. Elderly or mobility impaired: FlyAway Bus has steps; Uber/taxi better. The metro with luggage is essentially impossible - stairs at Aviation Station, crowded trains, no elevators at some transfers.

3. Business Travelers vs Budget Travelers

Business travelers: Time is money. Uber/taxi to hotel ($40-80) or private transfer. Budget backpackers: Metro ($1.75) if you can handle transfers. FlyAway ($9.75) is worth the extra $8. Mid-range tourists: FlyAway Bus to Union Station ($9.75) + Uber to hotel ($8-15). Total $17.75-24.75, 40-60 minutes. The internet says "metro is fine" - that's only true for 22-year-old backpackers, not for typical tourists.

4. LA Traffic vs Your Sanity

Rush hour (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM): All road options take 60-90+ minutes. Metro avoids traffic but has its own delays. Friday afternoons: Catastrophic. Leave extra 60+ minutes or take metro. Rainy days: LA drivers forget how to drive in rain - add 50% to travel time. Special events (Concert at Staples, Dodgers game): Downtown traffic gridlocked. Uber surge pricing 3x normal.

Traveler Experience: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting from LAX to Downtown LA frustrates thousands of visitors daily. The most common error: assuming LA has an airport train like other major cities. It doesn't. Another mistake: trying to save $8 with the metro and wasting 60 minutes. Your vacation time is worth more than $8/hour. A critical error: not checking FlyAway Bus last departure. At 1:00 AM, the bus stops and you're stuck with $80 Uber.

The "I Took the Metro and Regretted It" Story

Here's a typical LAX metro story: You follow signs to "Metro," wait 20 minutes for the shuttle. Get to Aviation Station, buy a TAP card, wait 15 minutes for the train. Squeeze on with your suitcase, get dirty looks. Transfer at Willowbrook, wait 20 minutes because of a delay. Finally reach Downtown 95 minutes later, exhausted. Then realize your hotel is a 20-minute walk from the station in 85°F heat. You waste $15 on Uber for the last mile. Total: $16.75 and 2 hours. FlyAway Bus: $9.75 and 45 minutes door-to-hotel with Uber. The metro is a false economy for airport transfers.

What Other Travel Sites Don't Tell You

Most LA transport guides are written by locals who've never arrived at LAX with luggage. Here's the reality: For tourists arriving with normal luggage, FlyAway Bus is the only reasonable public transport. The metro is not a "budget alternative" - it's punishment. Uber/taxi is not "wasteful" - it's time-saving. Private transfers are not "luxury" - they're sanity-preserving for families. The internet says "consider all options" - but only FlyAway Bus and Uber/taxi are actually viable for tourists.

Practical Tips, Warnings & LA Traffic Survival

• With heavy luggage: Uber/taxi/private transfer only. Don't attempt FlyAway with more than 2 bags per person.
• Late night arrival warning: FlyAway stops at 1:00 AM. If flight lands after 12:00 AM, have Uber/taxi money ready.
• FlyAway bus stops: ALL terminals on Lower/Arrivals Level. Board at your terminal or next one if you just missed it.
• Safety at Union Station: Generally safe but be alert at night. Don't walk to hotels after 10 PM - take Uber/taxi.
• LAX-it shuttle reality: Adds 20-45 minutes to Uber/Lyft. Taxis are at terminals with no shuttle.
• Hotel location check: Google Maps your hotel from Union Station. Walking distance? If not, factor Uber cost.
• Group of 3-4 people: Uber/taxi split 3-4 ways ($12.50-20 each) vs FlyAway ($9.75 each) - often worth door-to-door.
• Family with car seats: Pre-book private transfer with car seats. Uber Car Seat has limited availability.
• Mobile apps to download: "Uber"/"Lyft" for rides, "FlyAway" for bus tickets, "Transit" for metro (but don't use metro).
• Return trip timing: Leave Downtown 2.5-3 hours before domestic flight, 3-4 hours for international.
• Luggage storage: Smarte Carte at LAX terminals ($6-10 per bag). Some hotels hold bags after checkout.
• First/last FlyAway times: Confirm at flylax.com. Sunday morning first buses later (~6:00 AM).
• LAX terminal confusion: Tom Bradley is International. Terminals 1-8 are connected post-security but not pre-security.
• Weather considerations: Rain causes massive delays. "June Gloom" morning fog causes flight delays.
• Credit cards: Accepted everywhere. Have a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Weekend vs weekday: Friday afternoon worst, Sunday evening heavy. Monday morning moderate traffic.
• Construction alerts: I-105/I-110 often have lane closures. Check SigAlert.com for real-time traffic.

LA Traffic Survival Guide

Peak traffic hours: 7-10 AM, 4-7 PM. Worst days: Friday afternoons, Monday mornings, day before holidays. Alternate routes: Sepulveda Blvd to I-10 E sometimes faster than freeways. Waze/Google Maps: Essential for real-time routing. If you must drive during rush hour: Leave extra 60-90 minutes. Better yet, take the metro (if you must) to avoid traffic entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions: LAX to Downtown LA