Getting Around Los Angeles | Guide to LA Metro and Los Angeles Transit
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 6/11/2026
Los Angeles is a very large city with many things to do, and places to see. Most sites and landmarks are spread across the large area covered by the city. How to get around Los Angeles? This article is there to guide you through the transit system of Los Angeles.
LA Metro vs. ATN vs. OCTA
Before we actually get into the transit systems of Los Angeles, be aware that each city or county within the “Greater Los Angeles” may have its own transit system. This include:
LA Metro - Main authority for transit within the city of Los Angeles. The one you might use might use the most if staying around Hollywood and downtown.
ATN (Anaheim Transit Network) - System operated by the city of Anaheim. This one is important to know if you plan to visit Disneyland.
OCTA (Orange County Transit Authority) - This agency operates the transit system of all the cities within Orange County. This includes the city of Anaheim.
Amtrak - Nationwide agency that operates passenger trains.
Do you need a car in Los Angeles?
The United States is for most part a country thought for vehicles, so having a car will always be easier. Nonetheless, you can make your trip work without a car. Cities like Los Angeles have a pretty good transit system, and as a tourist, this system should be enough to reach the major spots of the city.
Metro Rail
Metro rail is the subway and rail system of Los Angeles. It covers most of the city’s neighborhoods with stops at major tourist destinations like Santa Monica or Hollywood. The system has 6 lanes and 115 stations.
Fares
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Regular One Way Fare - $1.75
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Daily Cap (You never pay more than) - $5
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7 Day Cap - $18
Metro Bus is the bus system of Los Angeles. It is possibly the most precise transit system of Los Angeles, allowing you to get nearly everywhere in town.
Metro Bus
Types of Bus
Metro Bus works using a color system where each color corresponds to a specific type of ride.
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Orange - Regular bus. Stops every two blocks.
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Red - Rapid buses. Stops only at major intersections.
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Bus Rapid Trans Lines (BRT) - Selected buses that use a dedicated line and require payment using TAP.
Fares
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Regular One Way Fare - $1.75
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Daily Cap (You never pay more than) - $5
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7 Day Cap - $18
Metrolink
Metrolink is a commuter train connecting the major towns of Southern California. As a tourist, it can allow you to reach further distances from Los Angeles, including San Diego.
Fee
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One Way Ticket - Varies
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One Day Pass - $15 (weekdays) and $10 (Saturday & Sunday)
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5 Day Pass - Varies
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Month Pass - Varies
Metro Bike
If you’d like to visit Los Angeles using a bike, LA Metro has its own system of bike share. It’s simple. Go to one of the points, release the bike, use it and then return it to a nearby station. Bikes can be returned to any station. For more convenience, you can use the dedicated Metro Bike Share App to find stations, see available bikes and pay for your fare.
Fares
Four types of pass are available.
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Single ride (30 min) - $1.75
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24H Access - $5
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30 Day Pass - $17
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365 Day Pass - $150
How to get from LAX to Los Angeles?
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Los Angeles is not complicated. Although some hotels may run their own shuttles, the two main options are public transportations and the FlyAway bus.
LAX FlyAway Bus
The LAX FlyAway bus takes passengers from or to each terminal of Los Angeles International Airport to either Van Nuys or LA Union Station. The terminals for the bus are located at the Arrival level of the airport at the designated FlyAway columns.
A one-way fare cost $12.75. Fare is free for two children under 5 traveling with their parents. The tickets are valid for 60 days from purchase. Tickets can either be paid online, or with a contactless method when boarding the bus.
Public Transportation
The pink and green lines of the subway stop at the LAX/Metro Transit Center. A free shuttle connects the transit center to the terminals of the airport.
FAQ
Is Los Angeles Transit Safe?
Like many major cities, the transit system may have some safety concerns. You may at times meet some aggressive people, but there is nothing to fear. LA Metro makes sure to securize the different stations with security guards. Aside from that, exercise usual precautions when traveling.
Is there fare capping for credit/debit cards?
Yes, fare capping work for credit/debit cards. However, you will need to make sure you use the exact same card each time.
Transportation in Los Angeles During the Football Worldcup
During the 2026 Football Worldcup, LA Metro will take special steps to allow fans to travel more easily to the game locations in Los Angeles. Direct service will be offered to get from specific pick up points to the stadium where the game will be played.
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