Los Angeles International Airport sits on the coast southwest of Downtown, and there are three main ways to make the trip: the FlyAway bus straight to Union Station, Metro rail via the new LAX/Metro Transit Center, or a taxi or rideshare. Each has trade-offs in price, time and hassle. This guide walks through each one step by step, using details from LAX and Metro that we checked in October 2026.
In this guide
It is part of our getting around Los Angeles guide. Once you are in town, see our LA Metro guide.
LAX to Downtown at a glance
- FlyAway bus $12.75 one way to Union Station, card or app only, about 30 to 60 minutes
- Metro rail $1.75 with free transfers; free LAX Connector shuttle to the Transit Center
- Rideshare and taxis Pick up at LAX-it, reached by shuttle from the terminals
- People mover LAX’s SkyLink train was still in testing in October 2026 with no confirmed opening date
- Best for most travelers FlyAway, for a direct ride with luggage space
Option 1: FlyAway bus to Union Station
The FlyAway is a bus run by the airport between LAX and Union Station in Downtown. It is the simplest option if you have bags and do not want to change trains.
How it works
- Fare | $12.75 one way. FlyAway does not take cash; pay by card or through the app.
- Where to board at LAX | On the Lower/Arrivals Level outside each terminal, at the FlyAway signs. Check that the bus says Union Station, since FlyAway also runs to Van Nuys.
- Where it arrives | Patsaouras Transit Plaza on the east side of Union Station.
- How long | LAX estimates 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- How often | The schedule lists buses about every 30 minutes for most of the day. Check the FlyAway schedule for early morning and late night times.
From Union Station, you can walk to Olvera Street and Chinatown or take the A, B or D Lines to the rest of Downtown. See our Downtown Los Angeles guide.
Traffic on the 105 and 110 freeways at rush hour can stretch the trip toward the longer end, so leave extra time when you are heading back to the airport.
Option 2: Metro rail from the LAX/Metro Transit Center
The LAX/Metro Transit Center opened in June 2025 and connects the airport area to the rail network. It is the cheapest option and avoids freeway traffic, though it involves a shuttle and at least one transfer.
Step by step
- Step 1 | On the Lower/Arrivals Level, follow the pink “LAX Shuttle” signs and board the free LAX Connector shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
- Step 2 | At the Transit Center, tap a TAP card or contactless bank card or phone at the reader. The fare is $1.75, with free transfers within two hours.
- Step 3 | Take the K Line north to Expo/Crenshaw.
- Step 4 | Transfer to the E Line toward Downtown and ride to 7th St/Metro Center or another Downtown station.
Allow roughly an hour or more in total, including the shuttle and transfer. Another route is the C Line east to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks and then the A Line north into Downtown. Check the Metro trip planner for the fastest route at your time of day.
Buying a TAP card
A new TAP card costs $2 at station vending machines. You can skip the card entirely by tapping a contactless bank card or phone. Either way, fare capping means you pay no more than $5 in a day. Children under 6 ride free with a paying adult.
Is rail a good choice?
Rail works well if you travel light, do not mind a transfer, arrive during the day and are staying near a station. It is less convenient with big suitcases, late at night or if your hotel is far from the line.
Option 3: Taxi or rideshare
Taxis, Uber and Lyft do not pick up at the terminal curb. Follow the green LAX-it signs to the free shuttle, which takes you to the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 1, it is a short walk.
At LAX-it, licensed taxis wait in a queue, and Uber and Lyft drivers meet riders in marked zones. Prices for rideshare vary with demand, and fares can jump at busy arrival times. Ask a taxi driver about the fare before you set off. Outside rush hour the drive to Downtown can take about 30 minutes, but on weekday mornings and afternoons it can take an hour or more.
Rideshare makes the most sense for groups splitting a fare, travelers with lots of luggage and late-night arrivals.
Comparing the options
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlyAway | $12.75 | 30 to 60 min | Solo travelers and pairs with luggage |
| Metro rail | $1.75 | About an hour or more | Light packers on a budget |
| Rideshare or taxi | Varies with demand | 30 min to over an hour | Groups and late arrivals |
Flying into another airport?
LAX is not the only choice. Hollywood Burbank Airport is closer to Hollywood, Burbank and Pasadena and has a train station nearby. Long Beach Airport is small and easy for Long Beach and the South Bay. John Wayne Airport in Orange County is closer to Disneyland. Compare total travel time, not only fares, when you book. Our getting around Los Angeles guide covers each one.
Going from Downtown to LAX
Reverse any of these routes. FlyAway buses leave Union Station from Patsaouras Plaza, and the schedule lists departures about every 30 minutes for most of the day. Leave extra time on weekday afternoons, when traffic toward the airport is heavy. On rail, take the E Line to Expo/Crenshaw, transfer to the K Line to the Transit Center and ride the free shuttle to your terminal.
Tips
LAX transfer tips
- Set up a contactless card or TAP app before you fly.
- Check the FlyAway schedule if you land late at night or very early.
- Allow extra time for terminal shuttles; the SkyLink people mover was not open as of October 2026.
- Keep your phone charged for the rideshare app and TAP app.
- Staying in Hollywood or Santa Monica instead? See our where to stay in Los Angeles guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the FlyAway from LAX to Union Station?
$12.75 one way, paid by card or through the app. Cash is not accepted.
How long does it take to get from LAX to Downtown LA?
About 30 to 60 minutes on FlyAway or by car, depending on traffic, and roughly an hour or more by rail.
Is there a train from LAX to Downtown LA?
Not directly. Take the free LAX Connector shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then the K Line and E Line.
Where do I get an Uber at LAX?
At LAX-it, next to Terminal 1. Follow the green LAX-it signs from any terminal to the free shuttle, which runs between the terminals and the lot.
Is the LAX people mover open?
Not as of October 2026. LAX says SkyLink is in final testing and will announce an opening date later.
Official sources: LAX FlyAway bus; LAX ground transportation; LAX SkyLink; LA Metro fares; LA Metro trip planner.
Photo credits
Featured image: Tmiller lawa / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain