Does L.A. have any public transportation?

Asked by: Sandra Barrows  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (68 votes)

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Does Los Angeles have good public transport?

Los Angeles is home to one of the country's best public transportation networks, including subways, light rail, buses and shuttles that service every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area.

What public transport is available in LA?

The extensive bus system operated by LACMTA includes the Metro Local, Metro Rapid, and formerly Metro Express services. Local buses tend to be orange, rapid buses red, and express buses blue. Rapid bus route numbers usually begin with a 7 and express bus numbers begin with 4 and 5.

Is there a metro system in LA?

The Los Angeles Metro Rail is an urban rail transit system serving Los Angeles County, California, United States, consisting of six lines: four light rail lines (the A, C, E and K lines) and two rapid transit lines (the B and D lines), serving a total of 102 stations.

Is LA Metro free to ride?

How to Ride Metro Bus. Fares can be paid using cash (exact change) or a TAP card. Regular fare is $1.75 and is good for 2 hrs of unlimited transfers in one direction.

Why LA Destroyed Its World-Class Transit System - Cheddar Explains

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How to pay for public transport in LA?

All fares can be pre-paid by loading a pass or Stored Valued (cash) on a TAP card and then tapping each time you board. On buses you can also pay for a single ride with a token or cash using exact change.

Does LA Metro run to LAX?

Metro C Line (Green)

The Green Line connects to LAX at Aviation/LAX Station.

How do you get around in LA?

The Best Ways to Get Around Los Angeles:
  1. Public Transportation.
  2. Bicycles & E-Scooters.
  3. Rideshares, Taxis, and Rental Cars.
  4. Walking.
  5. A Day in LA Tours.

Is public transport expensive in Los Angeles?

BEST WAY TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN LOS ANGELES

A single fare on the Los Angeles Metro is $1.75 and when bought with the TAP card can be used for up to two hours of transfers (in other words if you need to take a combination buses and trains $1.75 covers the entire journey within two hours).

Does the LA Metro run all night?

Unfortunately, the LA Metro system does not run 24/7! Most trains run from 4 a.m. until midnight or 1 a.m. on Sunday – Thursday, and all lines (including the Orange and Silver Line Busways) run until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Can I use one tap card for two people?

Ride with a TAP card

To pay with a TAP card, each rider must have a TAP card. TAP cards are non-transferable, even with family members.

How do you get around LA if you don't drive?

The best way for tourists to get around LA without a car is by utilizing the trains and buses and downloading the Uber and Lyft apps. You'll save a lot of money by skipping a car rental and still be able to get everywhere you need. Rideshares are abundant in the city and the public transportation routes are spread out.

Is LA Metro good for tourists?

The Los Angeles Metro is affordable, relatively easy to use and services most of Los Angeles County and its top attractions. The public transit system consists of Metro Buses, DASH Buses and Metro Rail Trains. To ride these buses, trains and subways, we recommend purchasing a reusable TAP Card.

Which US city has the best public transportation?

At the top of the list was New York City with a Walk Score transit rating of 88.8 out of a possible 100. The New York Subway is both affordable ($2.90 a ride, for most) and accessible (there are 472 stations in total).

Does LA have a subway system?

There are only two subway lines in L.A., one of which shares most of its stops with the other. Underground heavy rail is admittedly not our strong point—blame it on fault lines and politics.

How can I explore LA like a local?

Go to the beach
  1. El Matador beach, where you can explore caves and rock formations and become well-acquainted with the coastal bird life.
  2. Little Dume Beach, which showcases the bluest of waters and is perfect for surfing (another LA local must!), as well as being beautiful and picturesque.

Do I need cash in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles - currency

There are countless ATM machines around the city, and you'll be able to pay on card in most shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. We recommended getting your Dollars before you travel to LA, though, to get the best rates and avoid paying charges for using your card abroad.

Is LA Metro still free?

With fare capping, Metro riders will never pay more than $5 in a day or $18 within seven days. Once you reach the 1-Day or 7-Day fare cap, rides are FREE!

Are the LAX shuttles free?

LAX Transportation

Free shuttle transportation is provided for terminal to terminal connections. Free shuttles transport to and from the terminals and the LAX City Bus Center, LAX Economy Parking, Metro C Line at Aviation Station, and LAX employee parking lots.

Do I need cash to ride the bus in LA?

Regular Ride

Pay with a TAP card, Apple Wallet, TAP app or cash. Enjoy up to 80% off regular Metro fares. Students at participating GoPass schools ride for FREE.

Does LA have a good public transportation system?

I agree and have had good experiences since living here & using public transit. I don't use the train often enough but it's awesome I can hop on a quick bus & then the train and make my way to Santa Monica in an hour~ which would be 30-40min drive + parking, which is really the downfall here.

What is the senior age for LA Metro?

To receive the discounted cash fares below, show your Medicare card plus photo ID or other valid ID proving you are at least 62 years old. Two children under age 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult.