Transport Tips for Los Angeles

LAX FlyAway Bus to Union Station

$9.75 one-way from any terminal lower level - follow green FlyAway signs. Buses every 15-30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 4:00 AM daily. Journey takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, but it's reliable and comfortable with luggage space.

Union Station to Hollywood

Take B Line (Red Line) northbound to Hollywood/Highland station. Just 6 stops, 12 minutes total. Exit at street level and you're in the heart of tourist Hollywood. Total journey cost: $11.50 versus $35-60 rideshare surge pricing.

Ultra-Budget Alternative

Take free LAX shuttle to Aviation/LAX Metro station (Green Line), then C Line to 7th/Metro Center, transfer to B Line northbound. Only $1.75 total but adds 30 minutes - worth it if you're seriously budget-conscious.

Buy a reloadable TAP card at any station vending machine - works on all buses and trains citywide. Don't let poor Spanish pronunciation intimidate you at Union Station; staff are used to confused tourists and very helpful. Rideshares surge constantly from LAX, especially evenings and weekends.

Several rapid bus lines connect Hollywood area to westside destinations faster than driving. Routes vary but generally under $2 with TAP card.

Check Metro website for current routes and schedules as they change. Some run every 15-20 minutes weekdays, less frequent weekends. Much better than taking Red Line to Expo Line transfers which takes over an hour.

Forget walking the 4+ miles of crowded areas between Venice and Santa Monica. Grab a Bird scooter for $3.50 plus per-minute charges and cruise the bike path in 20-30 minutes instead of walking.

Download the app, find a scooter near Venice Skate Park, and take the dedicated bike lane north. Way faster than Uber in beach traffic and you'll actually enjoy the ocean breeze.

Park at Santa Monica Pier bike racks when you're done. Just don't ride on the actual boardwalk — Security will yell at you.