Getting from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown Los Angeles

Check out this guide for getting from LAX Airport to downtown Los Angeles including arrival information, travel tips, and more!

Introduction to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport serving the city of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. LAX is also one of the major gateway cities connecting Asia with North America. This makes it one of the busiest airports in the United States, with more than 75 million passengers annually, as well as one of the largest.

The airport has nine interconnected terminals laid out in the shape of a giant horseshoe, with the LAX facilities varying widely between terminals. Tom Bradley International Terminal is the main terminal handling LAX international arrivals, and most international visitors will arrive there. As with all international inbound flights into the United States, you’ll need to go through immigration and customs before catching an onward domestic flight.

The international terminal at LAX has everything that you would expect from a major airport, including restaurants, gift stores, high-end shopping, airline club lounges, duty-free shops, pet relief areas, and children’s play areas. The domestic LAX terminals tend to have significantly fewer facilities, but you can still expect to find some dining options and basic shops where you can grab some snacks or other necessities for your flight. The prices tend to be obscenely expensive so you may want to bring food with you.

How to Get from LAX to Downtown Los Angeles

There are a few different options to get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles. It will normally take around 30 minutes to an hour to get into the city center. A taxi or rideshare is by far the most convenient way to travel, while the bus and metro are the most inexpensive options. Be prepared for Los Angeles' notoriously bad traffic and always, always allocate extra time. The last thing you want to do is miss your long-haul flight to Asia because you were stuck in traffic on a freeway in Los Angeles.

LAX Airport Shuttle & Private Transfers

One of the most convenient, if not the fastest, ways to get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles is by airport shuttle or private transfer. With this door-to-door service, you’ll get picked up directly at the arrival terminal and dropped off at your hotel or Airbnb. This is ideal for groups or travelers with a lot of luggage. There are shared shuttles and private shuttles, and the price varies according to the destination, time of day, and number of passengers.

Shared shuttles normally run around $30-40 per person one way, with slight discounts for round-trip transfers. If you’re traveling alone, this is a good way to save money, but keep in mind that the shuttle will likely pick up and drop off other passengers on the way, which could add a substantial amount of time to the trip.

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer. The prices will change based on your arrival time and final destination, but it’s often the best option for groups. Check out Trip.com’s airport transfer service for pricing and save up to 12% off on your transfer!

Metro / Public Transport from LAX

Another option to get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles is via public transport. At just $1.75,m this is by far the cheapest way to get from LAX to the city center, but it requires a few different steps. This is best for people who are traveling on a budget with very little luggage. If you’re arriving during rush hour, the metro is probably going to be your best option for getting downtown if you don’t want to risk getting caught in Los Angeles’s notorious traffic jams.

There are two metro stations located within the vicinity of LAX, but unfortunately, neither of these is directly connected to the terminals. Instead, the first thing you need to do is take the free LAX Shuttle to either the Metro K line at Aviation/LAX Station or the Metro K line at Aviation/Century Station. From there, you can connect to additional metro lines to reach various parts of the city. To get downtown, you’ll need to first go to Willowbrooks/Rosa Parks Station on Metro C Line and then switch to the Metro C Line to go to 7th Street/Metro Center Station.

You can pay for a metro ticket via the TAP app using a credit card or Google/Apple Pay. You can also purchase a ticket through a TAP machine at the rail station. If you are planning on taking the metro frequently and don’t feel comfortable pulling out your phone in the station, there is also a reloadable TAP card that you can purchase.

At the time of writing, an airport metro stop is under construction and is set to open sometime in 2025. This will eliminate the need for the LAX Shuttle and make connecting to downtown even easier!

FlyAway Buses

Connecting LAX to Union Station in downtown LA and Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley, FlyAway buses are ideal for anyone staying downtown who is traveling on a budget but not quite ready to navigate the metro system. The buses operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cost just $12.75 each way. You can purchase a ticket via their website, mobile app or by tapping on when entering the bus.

The buses to Union Station and Van Nuys operate on two different routes. It takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to reach Union Station and roughly 40 to 80 minutes to reach Van Nuys.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) from LAX

There are also rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft operating out of LAX. You can find these at the LAX-it (pronounced LA Exit) designated pick-up zone next to Terminal 1. It’s possible to walk there from the terminals by following the green LAX-it signs however, it can be a bit of a hike if you have a lot of luggage. Instead of walking with your bags, you can take the LAX-it free shuttle, which runs every 7-10 minutes outside of the baggage claim area on the first floor. You simply need to wait next to the green LAX-it signs. While it’s tempting to try and save some time by ordering your Uber or Lyft while you wait, you’ll only be able to request a ride once you’re at LAX-it.

Depending on the distance and traffic, an Uber can cost anywhere between $40-80, with the average being around $55-60. Lyfts tend to be a little bit cheaper, ranging from $50-65 depending on the time of day. The average drive time for both is around 30 minutes.

Taxi from LAX to Downtown

Taxis are one of the most convenient options for getting downtown from LAX. There is a set rate of $55 for trips to downtown, which includes an airport surcharge. Tips are expected and appreciated. The travel time is comparable to an Uber or a Lyft and can vary between 30-60 minutes on average based on traffic.

Thanks to the flat fare, taxis are the best option for anyone arriving during rush hour as you’ll know exactly how much you’ll have to pay for the ride. You can hail a taxi at LAX-it from the designated taxi lane.

Renting a Car at LAX

If you’re used to driving in big cities and are feeling brave, you could also consider renting a car at LAX. Most of the major international car rental companies, such as Hertz, Budget, and Avis, as well as smaller companies, can be found in or near LAX. Some of these are offered on-site, while others can be easily accessed via free rental car shuttle service. Make sure to book your rental car on Trip.com before you go to save up to 8%!

Parking in Los Angeles can be extremely expensive, and the traffic can be brutal. In saying that, renting a car is a great option for visitors hoping to go on a road trip or who are planning a long stay.

Pro Tip: Use the free LAX Shuttle ‘G’ to reach the rental cars offices.

Getting Around LAX Terminals for Downtown Transport

Getting around LAX is fairly straightforward, and you’ll find plenty of signs to help guide you to the correct destination. It takes around five to eight minutes to walk between terminals at LAX. All ride shares and shuttles will pick you up at LAX-it station, and there is a frequent shuttle connecting this station to the other terminals.

What to Do If You Arrive on a Late-Night or Red-Eye Flight at LAX

Arriving late at night at any airport can be a stressful experience. Luckily, there are plenty of transport options to help you get to your hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The FlyAway bus is available all night, or you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft directly to your hotel from the LAX pickup locations. If you plan on taking the bus, make sure to check how long it will take you to get from Union Station to your hotel. You may even want to contact the hotel and ask if it’s safe to walk alone at night.

If you are visiting Los Angeles as part of a long transfer or are coming off of a very long trans-Pacific flight, you may want to consider booking a hotel near LAX airport. Many of these hotels offer free airport shuttle services. You can find a long list of airport hotels at a wide range of prices on Trip.com

If you arrive late at night and want to stay in the airport until morning, keep in mind that no restaurants are open 24/7. Some terminals have club lounges, but the opening hours vary.

👇Book the hotels near LAX with shuttle👇

Tips for a Smooth LAX to Downtown Trip

Booking Discounts & Deals

If this is your first time in Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to book an airport shuttle in advance. You can book an airport shuttle directly through Trip.com. If you plan on taking an Uber, these can also be booked in advance for a small extra fee.

Avoiding Traffic & Delays

Los Angeles experiences some of the worst traffic delays in the entire country, especially during the peak hours from 7 - 10 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m. This can double or triple the time that it takes you to reach your destination. If possible, try to avoid flights that arrive during these hours, take alternative routes, or plan on taking the metro, which will help you avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic.

Luggage & Accessibility

If you’re traveling with one or two people and a large amount of luggage, we highly recommend taking a rideshare or taxi to your destination. Shuttles will also have dedicated luggage space and are great for groups. Technically, it’s also possible to take public transport as all metro stations are equipped with either elevators or ramps, but use your best judgment when deciding whether or not this is a feasible option for you based on your physical fitness and the number of bags you will be carrying.

Pre-Arrival Travel Essentials

Staying Connected: eSIMs & SIM Cards

Although most major airports in the United States have free wifi, this isn’t guaranteed to work all the time, and you may find yourself struggling to order an Uber. If you don’t have international data on your phone, you should consider purchasing an eSim through Trip.com. This will help you stay connected the entire time you’re in the United States!

Must-Have Apps for LA Travel

Finding your way around the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles can be tricky, but having an arsenal of useful apps will make it much easier! We recommend downloading Google Maps, Uber, and Lyft to help with getting around. Meanwhile, Yelp is a great way to find top-rated restaurants and bars, and Trip.com can help you book hotels and activities while you’re on the go!