The cheapest way from LAX to Downtown LA is the free LAX Metro Shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then Metro rail (C Line to the A Line) to Union Station in central Los Angeles for a single $1.75 fare, taking roughly 55–70 minutes. The $1.75 tap includes 2 hours of free transfers, so the line change costs nothing extra. Don't default to a taxi or rideshare, which runs $50–70+ with traffic, or assume you must take the $12.75 FlyAway bus.
How to find it
- AIRPORTLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- 01From your terminal, go to the Lower/Arrivals level and board the free LAX Metro Shuttle. It runs every 10 minutes to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (Bus Bays 1 and 2), a 5–10 minute ride.
- 02At the LAX/Metro Transit Center, buy or load a $1.75 fare on a TAP card at the machines, or just tap a contactless card or phone at the gate.
- 03Board the Metro C Line toward Norwalk, ride to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks, then transfer to the A Line toward downtown for Union Station. (Alternatively take the K Line north to Expo/Crenshaw and change to the E Line for 7th St/Metro Center in Downtown LA.)
- 04Reach Union Station (or Downtown LA) in roughly 55–70 minutes total including the shuttle and transfer. Trains run about every 15–20 minutes.
- CITY CENTRELos Angeles
Ticket
Metro one-way fare on a TAP card (or contactless tap)
Where to buy: At the TAP vending machines inside the LAX/Metro Transit Center, or load a TAP card into Apple Wallet before you arrive. The free airport shuttle needs no ticket.
How to pay: Tap a TAP card, a phone in Apple Wallet, or a contactless credit/debit card at the gate. The $1.75 fare includes 2 hours of free transfers and daily fares cap at $5.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| CombinationCheapest route | $1.75 | 1 h 10 min | Metro one-way fare on a TAP card (or contactless tap) |
| Bus | $12.75 | 50 min | LAX FlyAway one-way to Union Station |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from LAX to Downtown LA?
- Take the free LAX Metro Shuttle from your terminal to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then Metro rail (C Line to the A Line) to Union Station for a single $1.75 fare. It takes about 55–70 minutes including the transfer.
- How does the free airport shuttle to the train work?
- The free LAX Metro Shuttle runs every 10 minutes from the Lower/Arrivals level of each terminal to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (Bus Bays 1 and 2), a 5–10 minute ride. No ticket is needed for the shuttle.
- How much is the Metro fare and do I need a TAP card?
- A single Metro ride is $1.75 and includes 2 hours of free transfers, with daily fares capped at $5. Buy a TAP card at the station machines, add one to Apple Wallet, or just tap a contactless bank card at the gate.
- Is the FlyAway bus worth it?
- The FlyAway is a nonstop bus to Union Station for $12.75 in about 40–50 minutes, with no transfers. It is handy late at night or with heavy luggage, but it costs about seven times the $1.75 Metro rail.
- How long does LAX to Downtown LA take by public transport?
- About 55–70 minutes door to Union Station via the free shuttle and Metro rail, or roughly 40–50 minutes on the direct FlyAway bus depending on traffic.
- What is the best way from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the free LAX Metro Shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then Metro rail to Union Station in the city center — a single $1.75 fare and roughly 55–70 minutes.
- How much is a taxi from Los Angeles International Airport to the city?
- A taxi or rideshare to Downtown LA runs $50–70+ with traffic — versus $1.75 on Metro rail or $12.75 on the nonstop FlyAway bus.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.