Travel Tips

Los Angeles public transportation: How to get around without a car

Los Angeles public transportation with expert tips from a local. Learn how to use the LA Metro, TAP cards, and airport buses stress-free.

Navigating Los Angeles’ public transportation can be challenging, but the good news is that you can get around the city using the Metro rail, buses, and local shuttles without a car.

LA is famous for its massive highway system and heavy traffic, but the public transit network makes it easy to reach downtown, Santa Monica, and even Universal Studios. To get real, ground-level insight on how the system functions, Jihea Chang, a local Holafly expert, has some tips and suggestions to share.

This guide breaks down everything a first-time visitor needs to know about routes, tickets, safety, and how to stay connected with an unlimited data eSIM for the USA.

In this article

Is the public transport in Los Angeles good?

While one can say Los Angeles has a decent public transport system, it’s undoubtedly a car-dependent city. However, according to Jihea, subway lines are expanding in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA.

Recently, a subway line connecting LAX and Downtown LA has opened. So, while Los Angeles’ public transportation system might not be as connected as London’s public transit, it’s definitely improving, and as a tourist, you will still be able to get to some classic spots.

Ways to get around Los Angeles

There are quite a few ways to get around Los Angeles using public transportation, including subways, neighborhood shuttles, and local rideshares.

Metro Rail

The expansive LA Metro Rail system includes both heavy-rail subway lines and light-rail lines. If you’re planning some of the classic things to do in Los Angeles, you’ll probably use the B line (formerly the red line) the most.

The B line connects Downtown LA to Hollywood and North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. The D line is also expanding, and soon, travelers will be able to use new stations along Wilshire Boulevard towards Beverly Hills.

Metro Bus

If you find that the train doesn’t reach your specific destination, you could always opt for the Metro Bus. The Metro Bus system is definitely more connected than the rail system, with over 100 bus lines. You’ll find regular local routes and rapid transit options that will get you where you need to go.

DASH buses

These are part of LADOT’s transit services and are small, neighborhood-focused buses, perfect for short trips. A popular route for tourists is the DASH observatory bus, which takes you right up to the Griffith Observatory.

Big Blue Bus

If you’re planning on traveling through West Los Angeles (to experience some of the best food in LA), this bus is the gold standard. You’ll find routes connecting Downtown LA to Santa Monica, making it perfect for coastal commuters.

Metrolink

Metrolink is the regional commuter rail network that links Union Station in Downtown LA to areas across Los Angeles County and as far as San Diego. This is an ideal Los Angeles public transport option for day trips out of the city. It operates on a fixed commuter schedule rather than continuous loops.

Cycling and e-scooters

You can also choose to cycle or scooter short distances around Los Angeles. Rent electric scooters or use the Metro Bike Share program in touristy spots like Santa Monica and Venice.

Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)

Apps like Uber and Lyft are very popular in LA. However, Jihea recommends a more budget-friendly option, such as Metro Micro — an on-demand carpool service that matches riders in specific zones for a fraction of the cost of standard rideshare.

Los Angeles public transport tickets and passes

Figuring out Los Angeles’ public transportation system includes navigating fares, downloading digital passes, and even securing discounts.

TAP card/contactless: To ride the Metro Rail or any Metro Bus lines, you will need Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a physical TAP card. You can get the reusable smart card at any station vending machine. Or, download the official TAP app and add the virtual card to your phone’s wallet for quick, tap-and-go entry at stations.

Fare and passes: A standard one-way fare on a Los Angeles Metro Rail train or bus is typically $1.75 USD. Jihea points out that while multiple-use cards and weekend passes exist, they’re not popular among visitors. Standard fare includes free transfers for up to two hours of travel in one direction, so you can switch between rail stations and local buses seamlessly. However, if you’re mixing transit services, Jihea recommends buying the regional EZ transit pass for broader coverage.

Discounts: There are discounts and fare reductions for specific groups traveling through the region. If you’re a senior, a K-12 student, or a community college student. However, most of these are only available for LA residents.

Airport connections: Navigating Los Angeles International (LAX) via public transit is undergoing a massive upgrade. While the upcoming automated people mover train is still in the works to link airline terminals, you can still use the LAX flyaway bus for connections between arrivals and Union Station. You can also get on the C line (formerly the green line) or the K line from the transit center near the airport.

Top tips for using public transport in Los Angeles

With every city, using public transportation comes with its own set of unspoken rules. Jihea gives some much-needed insight into some of the most important ones:

Tip 1: Sort out your travel apps beforehand.

To smoothly coordinate your trips across LA using public transport, having apps like Transit or Google Maps is essential. Download the TAP app to manage your digital balances. Having the Uber, Lyft, and Metro Micro apps downloaded is also essential.

Tip 2: Plan your route before traveling.

“LA is huge, and heavy traffic can completely change your schedule. Also, there are lots of gaps”. Jihea warns that taking a bus from East Los Angeles or Downtown to the West can feel much longer than driving. However, if you’re traveling to Universal Studios, taking the subway is more efficient since it drops you off right at the theme park’s shuttle stop.

Tip 3: Avoid rush hour at all costs.

While all services run during peak hours, you might want to avoid public transport from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Jihea adds that Uber also gets more expensive during those hours.

Tip 4: Stay safe.

Public transit in LA requires a good sense of self-awareness. Jihea’s honest opinion is that public transportation can feel isolating at times because most people rely on personal cars. Try to keep to yourself and move away from erratic behavior or intoxicated individuals. For late-night travel or evening outings, she notes that most locals skip public transit entirely and opt for rideshares instead.

Stay connected with Holafly’s eSIM for the USA

Using public transport in Los Angeles, or any destination, safely and responsibly requires reliable mobile internet. You’ll need data to track buses, book rideshares, and check maps as you explore one of the most famous cities in the world.

Choose a trusted eSIM provider like Holafly for the ultimate peace of mind. Holafly’s eSIM for the USA offers unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and 5G speeds.

Plus, Holafly offers 1 GB of monthly backup data with Always On. This special perk is available with every eSIM plan for as long as you keep the Holafly eSIM installed on your device.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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