How do people get around LA without a car?
Asked by: Dejon Littel | Last update: April 22, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (34 votes)
Is it easy to get around Los Angeles without a car?
You don't need a car to get around LA. I'm from here and never once owned a car or license, but getting around via bus/metro is 100% doable, just takes a bit longer. You can also rent a bicycle if you're comfortable share the streets with aggressive drivers.
How do tourists get around in Los Angeles?
While some neighborhoods welcome leisurely strolls, others will require a car or rideshare service, or where possible, public transportation. Driving is ideal in Malibu, the Metro is a great choice for Hollywood and Universal Studios, while biking and walking are encouraged around Santa Monica and Venice.
Is there a way to avoid LA traffic?
Avoid gridlock hours
This might seem obvious, but it's the main rule of moving smoothly around LA. If you can, try to stay out of traffic between 7:30 and 9:30 am, and between 3:30 and 7:30 pm on weekdays. This gives you a chance to see the city in a new light.
Does LA have any public transportation?
LADOT Transit services keep Los Angeles moving by providing world class transportation choices to everyone in Los Angeles. LADOT is updating its entire transit system to better serve you by expanding hours, making transit free for students, and going 100% electric by 2030. See all transit services below.
How to ACTUALLY get around LA as a tourist!!!
Is LA Metro bus free?
(Metro base fare for buses and trains remains $1.75, and includes two hours of free one-way transfers on Metro with each paid ride.)
What is the most common form of transportation in Los Angeles?
People in Los Angeles rely on cars as the dominant mode of transportation, but since 1990 the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has built over one hundred miles (160 km) of light and heavy rail serving more and more parts of Los Angeles and the greater area of Los Angeles County; Los Angeles was ...
Does LA have the worst traffic in the US?
In the overall traffic index, Los Angeles landed all the way outside of the top 10 at no. 14, faring better than big cities like Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington D.C. The worst offender in the U.S.? For the second time in as many years: New York City.
Are there secret roads in LA?
There actually are tunnels running under Los Angeles.
There are also several abandoned equestrian and subway tunnels that were in use long before cars stank up the joint. All of these are closed to the public though the Hollywood elite does occasionally use them for film or television purposes.
How do people deal with traffic in LA?
Explore Alternate Routes or Travel Times
If you can, experiment with different routes or travel times to avoid peak congestion hours. Finding less congested paths or traveling during off-peak hours can reduce the stress associated with traffic. Even a single beautiful vista or landmark can enhance your drive.
How can I explore LA like a local?
- El Matador beach, where you can explore caves and rock formations and become well-acquainted with the coastal bird life.
- 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.
How to travel safely in LA?
The biggest risks for visitors are usually petty theft or scams. Keep your personal belongings close in crowded areas, and don't flash cash or expensive items like cameras. For solo female travelers, LA is generally safe, especially in safe neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. But, always trust your gut.
Which area is best to stay in LA as a tourist?
We recommend you stay Downtown, or in Hollywood. In Los Angeles to see the sights? Consider hotels Downtown, in Hollywood, or in Beverly Hills.
How to get to Lax without a car?
Several public transit providers serve LAX, including L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit. (Click on transit provider for more information including routes, timetables and trip planners.)
Is driving around LA difficult?
Here, from my humble perspective, are four (of nine) warnings for those planning to drive in Los Angeles for the first time: Intense traffic: If you've never been to Los Angeles, then you probably can't imagine just how snarled the traffic can be at times. Rush hour seems to last all day there.
Where not to drive in LA?
- Sierra Highway. One of the most dangerous highways in California is the Sierra Highway, which begins within the northernmost limits of the City of Los Angeles. ...
- Interstate 5. ...
- Interstate 405. ...
- Route 74. ...
- Route 118. ...
- State Route 1. ...
- Interstate 710. ...
- Route 101.
Can you explore LA without a car?
It can take a little bit longer to get between activities if you're getting around Los Angeles without a car, but if you factor in traffic and having to stop for gas, it isn't by much. There are trains and buses dotted around the city that can take you nearly everywhere making it a convenient option.
What is the famous road in LA?
Mulholland Drive is one of the most popular streets in Los Angeles, providing spectacular views of Downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
Which traffic is worse, LA or NYC?
That top honor goes to New York City, according to the annual Traffic Index for 2023 put out by geolocation technology specialist TomTom. The rankings analyzed the time, cost, and CO2 emissions per mile driven to get the results, simulating how long it takes to complete a six-mile trip within a city for cars.
Which city has the worst traffic in the world?
Most of the cities struggling with the worst traffic congestion are some of their respective countries' largest economic hubs including: New York, London, Paris, Mexico City, Rome, Istanbul, and Cape Town.
What time of day is LA traffic the worst?
For example, when is LA traffic the worst, and what time is rush hour in LA? LA traffic rush hour is typically considered to be on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. However, rush hour does not affect all freeways in Los Angeles, CA, equally.
Can you pay cash on LA buses?
If you pay online or through an app, you can use credit card, TAP account cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Cash is accepted at TAP vendors, TAP Vending Machines and bus fareboxes. If you ride the bus again within the hour of your first ride, it's free. Here's what else you need to know about fare capping.
What time does the LA Metro stop running?
The Los Angeles Metro Rail runs approximately from 4:30 am to 1:30 am, although the schedule varies depending on the line and day of the week. The frequency of trains is approximately between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the time.