Los Angeles is known for its extensive network of subways, trains, and buses that conveniently stop at popular tourist destinations. Opting for a centrally located hotel greatly enhances your ability to navigate the city. While most tourist spots are accessible through public transportation, some may require transfers. Sign up now to receive our personalized feed on the go and never miss out. Download our app for easy access. By signing up, you also agree to receive marketing emails from both Insider and Morning Brew, and you accept Insider’s Terms and Privacy Policy. For Morning Brew’s privacy policy, click here. I was initially concerned when my friend, who doesn’t drive, informed me of her plans to visit Los Angeles. The city doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to public transportation. At first, I considered meeting her there and renting a car. However, I started contemplating experiencing the vast city without one. Having grown accustomed to New York City’s 24-hour subway system and having visited cities with extensive transportation networks in the past, I felt compelled to research this option. Contrary to popular belief, LA offers public transportation options that are affordable and accessible. Subway rides and bus fares are only $1.75 per ride, which includes transfers within a two-hour window. Furthermore, a refillable TAP card can be purchased for a measly $2 to make your transit experience even more convenient. With such competitive prices, I decided it was worth giving it a shot. Arriving at and departing from LAX was a breeze thanks to the FlyAway airport bus. We paid $9.75 for the bus ride to Union Station, which is conveniently located outside each airport terminal. Since there is no ticket kiosk at LAX, we had to download the FlyAway app to secure our tickets. The bus ride was comfortable and took approximately 30 minutes during midday. However, our return trip to LAX took around 50 minutes due to morning rush hour congestion. Upon reaching Union Station, we followed signs to the Metro and purchased our tickets from the designated kiosk. It was important to ensure we used the Metro kiosk and not the one for Metrolink, a separate commuter rail service. When it comes to choosing a hotel in LA, location is key. Despite being pricier than other options, I chose to book the Millennium Biltmore downtown because of its unbeatable location and superior quality. This hotel is just a five-minute walk from the Pershing Square Metro station and only two stops away from Union Station. Additionally, the hotel is situated close to other Metro lines and bus stops, making it incredibly convenient to explore the vast city. If I were to visit LA again, I would choose a different location to stay in, considering downtown isn’t the most vibrant area in the city. However, I would still make sure to stay near a Metro station for easy access to public transportation. We relied on public transit to visit major attractions throughout the LA area. With pleasant temperatures in the 70s, downtown LA was highly walkable. Our hotel was conveniently close to prominent sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bradbury Building, Angels Flight Railway, and Grand Central Market. While the subway may not be the most luxurious mode of transportation, it provided an efficient means of reaching our desired destinations. Metro Line B took us to Hollywood, where we explored popular tourist spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater. The same subway line took us to the Vermont/Sunset Station, where we caught the Observatory/Los Feliz bus to Griffith Observatory. On our way back, the bus was quite crowded, and traffic caused some delays. We also took the opportunity to visit the Petersen Automotive Museum, a fitting choice as we wanted to avoid driving in the city. Although it required a 40-minute bus ride, there was a bus stop just a block away from the museum. Another advantage was that the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Little Ethiopia were all within a short walking distance. While figuring out the various bus routes could be overwhelming, Google Maps proved to be a reliable resource with accurate arrival times. Our only complication arose with buses 20/720 due to detours for a festival. Although the bus network in LA is extensive, it’s advisable to consult a mapping application for real-time information on schedules and routes. Some buses operate more frequently than others, and certain routes may have a 20-minute gap between each bus. To reach Malibu, we utilized both a train and a bus. Our longest journey took approximately two hours. We took a 45-minute train ride to Santa Monica. I noticed that most stations had police and Metro staff available to assist passengers as I admired the view outside the train window. Downtown Santa Monica, the final stop on Metro Line E, was within a short walking distance from the pier. From there, we walked about a block to catch Bus 134 to Malibu. Although the buses didn’t run as frequently as the trains, there were plenty of cafes and shops around to keep us entertained while we waited. Bus 134 commutes between Santa Monica and Malibu. Opting for public transportation offered a cost-effective way to explore Los Angeles. Despite the usual lack of passengers, I was impressed by the efficiency of the metro system and the spaciousness of the stations. However, the subway cars themselves were not as impressive. While some destinations like the Getty Museum may be challenging to access via public transportation, most sights are relatively easy to reach. One challenge with visiting Los Angeles, whether by car or public transit, is that tourist spots are not conveniently located near each other. They are scattered in clusters throughout the region. Taking into account the exorbitant costs of renting, parking, and fueling a car, the additional travel time on buses and trains was a worthwhile compromise.
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