Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Central Los Angeles — All Transport Options 2026

Terminals at Los Angeles International Airport

LAX has nine terminals (1, 2, 3, TBIT/Tom Bradley International, 4-8) arranged in the classic horseshoe. A free shuttle links terminals landside, and the new Automated People Mover connects to the Metro rail system and a consolidated car-rental centre.

All ways to get from Los Angeles International Airport to Los Angeles

Transport options from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Los Angeles, compared
Option	Duration	Price	Frequency / Hours	Luggage
🚈 LAX Automated People Mover + Metro rail	~45-60 min to Downtown	from $1.75 (Metro fare) + free APM	APM continuous; trains every ~10 min roughly 04:00-00:30	good — step-free APM to rail; trains vary
🚌 FlyAway Bus	~40-60 min	from $9.75	every 30 min roughly 24/7 on Union Station route	excellent — bags in hold, one central stop
🚕 Taxi	~30-60 min	from $50-$70 (flat ~$60 to Downtown)	on demand 24/7	excellent — door to door
📱 Uber / Lyft	~30-60 min	from $35-$70 (surges higher)	on demand 24/7	excellent — door to door

Each option in detail

🚈LAX Automated People Mover + Metro rail

→ Downtown LA / wider Metro network

⏱ ~45-60 min to Downtown 💷 from $1.75 (Metro fare) + free APM 🔁 APM continuous; trains every ~10 min 🕒 roughly 04:00-00:30

Luggage: good — step-free APM to rail; trains vary

💷 Cheapest

🚌FlyAway Bus

→ Union Station (Downtown LA) / Van Nuys

⏱ ~40-60 min 💷 from $9.75 🔁 every 30 min 🕒 roughly 24/7 on Union Station route

Luggage: excellent — bags in hold, one central stop

🧳 Best with luggage🌙 Late night

🚕Taxi

→ Downtown / Santa Monica / Hollywood

⏱ ~30-60 min 💷 from $50-$70 (flat ~$60 to Downtown) 🔁 on demand 🕒 24/7

Luggage: excellent — door to door

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for families

📱Uber / Lyft

→ Anywhere in LA (pickup at LAX-it lot)

⏱ ~30-60 min 💷 from $35-$70 (surges higher) 🔁 on demand 🕒 24/7

Luggage: excellent — door to door

🌙 Late night

Insider Tips

💡 Uber/Lyft pickups are at the dedicated 'LAX-it' lot — take the free shuttle from the terminal curb to reach it.

💡 The new Automated People Mover links terminals to Metro rail, making transit far easier than it used to be.

💡 The FlyAway bus to Union Station is a reliable, luggage-friendly link into Downtown, running around the clock.

💡 LA traffic is unpredictable — allow generous time, especially in afternoon rush.

Popular routes from this airport

LAX to Downtown LA →LAX to Santa Monica →

✈️ Download CityNav before you fly

✈️ Download CityNav before you fly — Los Angeles's transit maps work fully offline, so you can route from the airport with no roaming data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is LAX to Downtown LA?

Metro rail (via the People Mover) is from $1.75. The FlyAway bus to Union Station is $9.75. A taxi is roughly $60 flat; Uber/Lyft $35-$70+.

What's the fastest way from LAX to Downtown?

Off-peak, a taxi or rideshare (~30-45 min). Metro rail and FlyAway take 40-60 minutes but avoid the worst traffic uncertainty.

What's the cheapest way from LAX into the city?

Metro rail via the free Automated People Mover — from $1.75.

Best LAX option with luggage?

The FlyAway bus (bags in the hold, one stop) or a taxi/rideshare door-to-door.

What about a late-night arrival at LAX?

The FlyAway to Union Station runs 24 hours, and Uber/Lyft and taxis are always available at the LAX-it lot.

How do I pay for Metro from LAX?

Use a TAP card or contactless where accepted at Metro gates; the Automated People Mover to the station is free.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Getting to Los Angeles