How do I get to the Metro from LAX?

Take the free Metro Connector Shuttle from the lower/arrivals level of your terminal (look for pink 'LAX Shuttles' signs) to the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Runs every 10 minutes. From there, board the C Line or K Line.

How much does the Metro cost from LAX?

Metro fare is $1.75 one-way with 2 hours of free transfers. You need a TAP card ($2 at station kiosks) or the TAP app on your phone.

Is the LAX People Mover open yet?

As of March 2026, the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) has no confirmed opening date. It is in final testing. Until it opens, the free shuttle connects terminals to the Metro Transit Center every 10 minutes.

How to Take the Metro from LAX 2026 — New Transit Center Guide

The new LAX/Metro Transit Center changed everything. $1.75 fare, real rail connection, but is it right for you? Honest step-by-step guide.

The New LAX/Metro Transit Center (Opened June 2025)

For years, taking public transit from LAX was genuinely painful — multiple buses, confusing connections, and a shuttle to a rail station that wasn't at the airport. That changed significantly when the LAX/Metro Transit Center opened on June 6, 2025.

Located just east of the airport on Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, the new facility is a proper multimodal hub. It connects the C Line (Green) and K Line (Crenshaw) rail lines directly to a dedicated free shuttle that runs to all LAX terminals every 10 minutes. It also serves as a hub for 10+ Metro bus and municipal bus routes.

Step-by-Step: Metro from LAX

1
Exit to the lower/arrivals levelLook for the pink "LAX Shuttles" signs. This is the free Metro Connector Shuttle.
2
Board the Metro Connector ShuttleFree, no TAP card required. Runs every 10 minutes. Journey time: approximately 10–15 minutes.
3
Arrive at LAX/Metro Transit CenterFollow signs upstairs to the rail platform. You'll need your TAP card or TAP app to get through the fare gates. Metro fare: $1.75 one-way with 2 hours of free transfers.
4
Board your trainC Line runs east toward Norwalk, connecting to the A Line (Blue) at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks for DTLA. K Line runs north-south between Expo/Crenshaw and Redondo Beach.
5
Transfer as needed and exit at your stationFor DTLA: C Line → transfer to A Line at Willowbrook → 7th St/Metro Center (about 55–70 min total from terminal).

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Download the TAP app before you landYou can load funds and use your phone as a virtual TAP card. This saves you the kiosk queue at the transit center. Load the app and add $5–10 before you board your flight.

Which Lines and Buses Serve the Transit Center?

Metro Rail: C Line (Green), K Line (Crenshaw)

Metro Bus routes: 102, 111, 117, 120, 232, LADOT Commuter Express 574

Municipal buses: Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica), Culver CityBus, Beach Cities Transit (Redondo Beach), GTrans (Gardena), Torrance Transit

Getting and Using a TAP Card

Physical TAP card: $2 to purchase at any rail station kiosk (including LAX/MTC). Load money at the kiosk.

TAP app (virtual card): Download from the App Store or Google Play. Add a virtual TAP card and load funds using a credit card. Note: unlike London and NYC, Apple Pay cannot be used directly — you must use the TAP app or physical card.

Fare: $1.75 one-way, with 2 hours of free transfers to any other Metro rail or bus line.

The LAX People Mover: The Future (Still Not Here)

The LAX Automated People Mover (APM) — the electric automated train that will directly connect all terminals to the Metro Transit Center — has no confirmed opening date as of March 2026. Originally scheduled for 2023, it's in final testing and commissioning phases. When it opens, it will be a game-changer for Metro access to LAX. Until then, the free shuttle continues to connect the transit center to the terminals every 10 minutes.

Is Taking the Metro from LAX Actually Worth It?

The Metro is genuinely worth it if you're: A solo traveler with light luggage headed to a station near Downtown LA, Inglewood, or anywhere directly on the C or K lines. Familiar with LA Metro and comfortable with transfers. Traveling on a tight budget.

The Metro is not ideal if you're: Traveling with checked bags. Heading to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, or Malibu — none of which have direct rail connections from LAX. Arriving late at night. Traveling with children or elderly family members. For these travelers, a pre-booked private transfer is a dramatically better experience.

Metro vs. FlyAway vs. Private Transfer

You're...	Best Option	Why
Solo, light bags, going to DTLA	FlyAway ($12.75)	Non-stop to Union Station. Faster than Metro transfers.
Solo, light bags, extreme budget	Metro ($1.75)	Cheapest option. Allow 60–90 min total.
Heading to Santa Monica	iRide360 or Uber	No direct transit. Big Blue Bus + transfers = 60+ min.
Heading to Beverly Hills	iRide360	No direct transit at all.
Family with bags	iRide360	Metro/FlyAway both difficult with family + luggage.
Late night arrival (after 11 PM)	iRide360 or Taxi	FlyAway ends at 11 PM. Metro frequency drops.
Business traveler	iRide360	Work during the ride. Professional arrival. Reliable timing.
International visitor, first time in LA	iRide360	No system knowledge needed. Driver handles everything.

Metro Tips from Regular LAX Users

Use Google Maps or the Transit app for real-time routing. Enter "LAX/Metro Transit Center" as your starting point.

Avoid the Metro at peak commute hours with heavy bags. LA Metro trains can be crowded during 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.

The Big Blue Bus to Santa Monica is underrated. From the transit center, Line 3 or 7 connects to Santa Monica in 30–45 minutes and costs $1.25.

Check service hours before late-night arrivals. Metro rail operates until approximately 12:30–1 AM on most lines.

Want Door-to-Door? Skip the Transfers.

The Metro is great if you're near a station. For everyone else — Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Hollywood, the Valley — iRide360 goes directly from LAX to your door. Your driver meets you inside at baggage claim. Fixed price. Zero connections.

✅ Door-to-Door Service✅ No Transfers✅ Fixed Price✅ All of Los Angeles

Book Your Direct Transfer from LAX →