What's the Deal on Transport in Los Angeles?
BY Liam Casey
Prior to the pandemic, ordering a Lyft or Uber was about as quick and easy as it could get: a driver would be around in about three minutes and a ride from Hollywood to Downtown would often hover around $15. The situation is radically different now, but with the city as automobile-centric as it is, if you’re visiting and not renting a vehicle, it still makes the most sense.
The city of L.A. has the largest clean-air bus fleet in the U.S., and the Metro Rail, which operates six lines and has ninety-three stations, is also a good option when travelling mainly in the denser core of the city. Purchasing a TAP card is the best way to ride Metro Rail and the bus; it costs $2 plus the fare. A Day Pass will cost you $7, but oftentimes there are discounts; in March 2022, for example, a Day Pass will cost you $3.50. In neighbourhoods farther from the central core, like Mid City, Brentwood, Culver City, Eagle Rock and Glendale, calling a Rideshare (Lyft or Uber) is much more efficient. Taxi services have suffered greatly because of the convenience of app-based rides; while they still exist, there are significantly less. Unlike other cities, it isn’t realistic to hail right off the street, you normally have to call a cab company beforehand, which you can find online.
If you’re at LAX or aiming to get to LAX, once again, Lyft or Uber is the most likely option. If you’re in Union Station or Van Nuys Airport, you can take the FlyAway nonstop bus to LAX. Other public transit options which include LAX on their route are LA Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit.
If you're planning to visit Los Angeles, have a look at our local guides to discover the best places to go.
