Airport to Los Angeles City Center — Transfer Options & Prices
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. Learn more.
Getting from LAX to Downtown LA: Your No-Fluff Guide
So you’ve landed at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and need to get to downtown LA (roughly Union Station or the Civic Center area). Here’s the straight talk on getting there—no hype, just real prices, times, and what actually works for your situation. LAX has one main terminal complex (Terminals 1-8), with free shuttles between them. All options start at the LAX Airport Transit Center (ATC), near Terminal 5.
1. FlyAway Bus (Best for Budget & Families)
- Price: $10 one-way (cash or credit at bus stop; no app needed). Free for kids under 12.
- Journey Time: 40-50 minutes (depends on traffic). Buses leave every 15-20 minutes from the ATC.
- Route: Runs directly from LAX to Union Station (downtown) and Union Station to LAX. No transfers.
- Pros: Cheapest option, AC, no transfers, reliable schedule, great for families (kids ride free). You’re seated, not crammed on a bus.
- Cons: Can be slow during rush hour (4-6 pm). Stops at 3 downtown locations (Union Station is the main one). Not ideal for business travelers with tight schedules.
- Best For: Budget travelers, families (kids under 12 free), groups of 2+.
2. Metro Rail (Best for Ultra-Budget Travelers)
- Price: $1.75 one-way (pay with TAP card or contactless payment; get TAP card at airport kiosks for $2).
- Journey Time: 45-60 minutes total. Take the L Line (Blue) from LAX Station (inside ATC) to Union Station (7 stops, ~20 mins). Add 5-10 mins to walk from station to downtown core.
- Route: LAX Station (in ATC) → Union Station (downtown).
- Pros: Cheapest possible option. Runs 5:30 am–1 am daily. Avoids traffic.
- Cons: Requires walking (10 mins from LAX Station to ATC, 5 mins from Union Station to downtown). Can be crowded. Not ideal for heavy luggage or families with strollers. Lacks AC on some trains.
- Best For: Solo budget travelers with light luggage (and patience for walking).
3. Uber/Lyft (Best for Business Travelers & Late-Night)
- Price: $35–$50 base (20-25 mins). Can jump to $60+ during rush hour or bad weather. No surge pricing on Uber Pool (shared ride).
- Journey Time: 25-45 minutes. Always depends on traffic. Worst during 4-7 pm rush hour.
- Route: Pick-up at LAX Ground Transportation (outside Terminal 5, near the FlyAway stop).
- Pros: Fastest, most reliable door-to-door. No walking, no transfers. Best for business travelers with laptops or heavy luggage. Works 24/7.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Can be frustrating if stuck in traffic. No AC in some older cars (but most UberX are modern).
- Best For: Business travelers, groups of 3+, late-night arrivals, or when you need speed over savings.
4. Private Transfer (Best for Luxury or Large Groups)
- Price: $70–$100 for 1-3 people (flat rate, no surge). $120+ for 4+ people. Book 24+ hours ahead via companies like Blacklane or LAX Transfers.
- Journey Time: 30-45 minutes (driver meets you at baggage claim). Guaranteed door-to-door.
- Route: Driver meets you at baggage claim (not at the terminal curb like taxis).
- Pros: No stress, no traffic worries, professional driver. Best for luxury stays or large families. Includes luggage help.
- Cons: Overkill for solo travelers. Pricey for 1-2 people. Requires advance booking.
- Best For: Families with 4+ people, luxury travelers, or if you’re staying at a hotel with a concierge (they often arrange these).
What’s NOT Worth It
- Standard Taxis: Avoid. They charge $50+ for the same trip as Uber, have no pickup zone (you’ll get scammed for $20+ just to call one), and often take longer routes. LAX has no official taxi stand—only ride-shares work reliably.
- Shared Shuttles: Skip them. Companies like LAX Shuttle charge $15+ for the same route as FlyAway but with more stops and no guaranteed seats.
Which One Should YOU Choose?
- For Budget Travelers: FlyAway ($10) is unbeatable. Metro ($1.75) if you’re okay with walking and it’s early/late.
- For Families: FlyAway (kids ride free, AC, no transfers). Avoid Metro if you have strollers or heavy bags.
- For Business Travelers: Uber/Lyft ($35–$50) or Private Transfer ($70+). Saves time, avoids stress. Skip FlyAway if you’re running late.
- For Late-Night Arrivals (after 10 pm): Uber/Lyft or Private Transfer. FlyAway runs until 10:30 pm, Metro until 1 am.
Key Tips
- Get to the ATC: All options (FlyAway, Metro, Uber) start at the LAX Airport Transit Center (ATC), a 5-7 minute walk from most terminals (or free shuttle buses between terminals).
- Check Traffic: Use Google Maps before booking Uber. Rush hour (4-7 pm) makes it 50% slower.
- Book Private Transfers Early: If you go this route, book 24 hours ahead. Last-minute bookings cost more.
- Don’t Pay for Airport Taxis: They’re scams. Ride-shares only.
The Bottom Line
FlyAway is your go-to for most travelers ($10, reliable, family-friendly). Uber/Lyft is worth the splurge for speed and convenience ($
Plan Your Trip
🚕 GetTransfer — fixed price airport transfer
🚕 Kiwitaxi — compare transfer prices
🚕 Welcome Pickups — meet & greet service
🚕 intui.travel — budget transfers
✈️ Search Flights
🏨 Find Hotels
🚗 Rent a Car
More About Los Angeles
About · Contact · Editorial Policy · How We Make Money