Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the second-busiest airport in the United States and the primary transpacific gateway. Transit into Southern California is served by the FlyAway express motorcoach ($12.75 USD to Union Station and Van Nuys), Metro C & K Line connections, and the dedicated "LAX-it" rideshare/taxi staging lot.
The #1 recommended option is the LAX FlyAway Bus, running directly from all terminal curbs to Union Station in 35–45 minutes for $12.75 USD using highway carpool lanes. Budget travelers can take the Metro C & K Line Shuttle to the Metro Rail for just $1.75 USD. Taxis and Uber/Lyft picked up at the LAX-it lot cost $50–$75 USD to Downtown.
Santa Monica is located only 18 km north of LAX. The fastest door-to-door way is an Uber / Lyft or taxi from the LAX-it lot ($35–$55 USD, 25–35 mins). Budget travelers can take the free LAX City Bus Center shuttle and board the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Route 3 or Rapid 3 for just $1.25 USD directly into Downtown Santa Monica.
To reach Hollywood, taking an Uber / Lyft from LAX-it costs $55–$85 USD and takes 40–60 minutes directly to your hotel. By public transit, take the FlyAway bus to Union Station ($9.75) and transfer to the Metro B Line (Red) subway directly to Hollywood/Highland for $1.75 (total $11.50 USD, 65 mins).
LAX features nine passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape: Terminals 1 through 8 plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B). All terminals are connected airside post-security via walkways. For taxis, Uber, and Lyft, passengers must walk (3–10 min from T1/T2/T7) or board the free green LAX-it shuttle bus to the dedicated "LAX-it" lot next to Terminal 1.
Standard taxis and Uber/Lyft drivers are NOT permitted to pick up passengers at the central terminal curbs on the lower arrivals level (only premium Uber Black/Lyft Lux can pick up curbside). Never accept rides from drivers soliciting at the curb; always head to the official LAX-it lot.
LAX FlyAway buses to Union Station operate 24 hours daily (every 30 min daytime, every 60 min late night). Taxis and rideshares in the LAX-it lot operate around the clock.
Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.
Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Lyft pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.