Everything You Need to Know About Transportation in Los Angeles
LA’s public transport system is surprisingly good.
Los Angeles has several options for public transportation, all of which are inexpensive and simple to use. We’ll get into the specifics of LA’s public transport system further down. Overall, you have several options:
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Los Angeles may not appear to be a metropolis (we’ve all seen SNL skits mocking California’s obsession with car routes), but the metro in Los Angeles is extensive—and growing! You can use the metro to travel between most neighbourhoods (though you may need to change lines). Plus, a ticket costs only $1.75, making the metro a cost-effective way to get around Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Metro uses two types of trains: heavy rail (underground trains) and light rail (mostly above ground).
To use the metro, you must purchase a TAP card at a metro station. You can refill your card online if you use it frequently (which we hope you do because there are so many amazing places to visit in Los Angeles). When entering a station, make sure to “tap” your TAP—failure to do so can result in steep fines.
Furthermore, the LA metro is so beautiful that it offers free art tours.
Los Angeles buses
In Los Angeles, there are several different types of bus systems. What you use will be heavily influenced by where you choose to stay in Los Angeles. Fortunately, your TAP card can be used on both buses and the metro.
Metro buses: With their own lanes on surface streets and the motorway, Metro buses can be an excellent way to avoid Los Angeles’ notorious traffic.
Big Blue Bus: Operated by the city of Santa Monica, the Big Blue Bus is an excellent way to get around the city and neighbouring communities. It also has a connection to LAX. Culver City provides a comparable service.
Dash Buses: Dash buses are operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and run on loops within specific Los Angeles neighbourhoods at a low cost.
Pro tip: To make it easier to navigate LA’s public transportation, consider downloading the LA Metro app. Alternatively, simply ask a local for transit advice.