Rental Car
Most major car rental companies have outlets at LAX and other area airports. It’s most efficient to make your car rental reservations in advance, either online or by phone. The car rental lots at LAX are off-site; shuttles pick up in front of all terminals under designated signs. Courtesy phones are available at the arrival terminals to call for pick up. Furthermore, rental car offices are also located at many of the larger hotels.
Public Transportation
You can reach nearly any destination in Los Angeles using public transportation, although the system can be somewhat unwieldy and may take longer than battling LA traffic. However, if time is on your side, the $7 day pass allows unlimited travel on the five Metro lines and two bus systems. Additionally, be aware that additional fees may apply for transferring to other local bus and transit companies that serve the Greater LA area. Tip: Avoid taking the Metro all the way from LAX unless your destination is along the Green Line. Often, alternatives, like the Union Station FlyAway bus (discussed below), prove more efficient.
Airport FlyAway Buses
The LAX FlyAway provides a convenient shuttle service offering non-stop transportation between LAX and designated bus stops in five LA neighborhoods including Union Station, L.A.’s Downtown rail travel and Metro hub, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Westwood (UCLA).
Hotel Shuttles from Airports
Many hotels near the airports offer courtesy shuttles transporting guests from the airport to their accommodations. Quite a few hotels maintain regularly scheduled shuttles to local attractions and beaches, which may incur a fee. In contrast, some high-end hotels may provide complimentary limousine service to destinations within two or three miles.
Rideshare Apps
Rideshare services connect you with individuals using their own vehicles to offer rides. The vetting process for drivers and vehicles ensures safety, and you will see a photo of the driver, the vehicle, and the fare beforehand. Notably, Lyft and Uber can now both pick up at LAX.
Shared Ride Shuttles
Several companies offer door-to-door shared ride services from the airport to various specific destinations. Noteworthy companies such as SuperShuttle and Prime Time Shuttle dominate this market, while Shuttle2LAX serves as a flat rate consolidator of shuttle providers. Consequently, discounts are often available when you book online. For one or two passengers, these shuttles can be economical. However, for three or more, opting for a rental car may be more cost-effective and quicker.
Taxis
Los Angeles features nine taxi companies operating within the city, with additional services available for other areas like Los Angeles County and Orange County. Taxis bearing the official City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal are regularly inspected, insured, and operated by trained drivers. While all licensed taxis feature meters, they may also offer flat rates for trips from LAX to Downtown LA. Note that there is a surcharge for pickups originating at LAX. For current taxi fares in the City of Los Angeles, be sure to check for updates. Taxi stands can be found at various locations in Hollywood and other major attractions. If you lack a smartphone, don’t hesitate to ask hotel, restaurant, or nightclub staff for assistance in calling a cab.
Get a Map
A reliable map is essential for navigating LA efficiently. Numerous online maps provide valuable route information. Additionally, you can find several single-sheet or folded maps that are particularly helpful for specific areas. If you intend to spend considerable time in LA or visit lesser-known locations, consider investing in the comprehensive Thomas Guide for Los Angeles and Orange Counties, which provides over 100 indexed pages for in-depth navigation. Moreover, GPS navigators and mobile devices equipped with GPS mapping can save significant time in LA traffic, although they are not always entirely accurate. In certain areas, particularly within the Malibu canyons or parts of Griffith Park, you may encounter zones where GPS coverage is limited.
