How To Get Around LA Using Public Transportation

Everyone knows that Los Angeles suffers from congested streets and freeways. What most people don’t realize, however, is that the city has a lot to offer when it comes to public transportation. 

In fact, LA is now home to one of the country’s most comprehensive transportation networks. The options range from subway transportation and light rail to buses and even bike rentals. The city’s public transportation networks and options are so extensive that it’s possible to explore every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area.

Instead of worrying about navigating a new city with a rental car and the headaches that go along with driving in a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles, try the following (affordable) and more relaxing alternatives!

1. Metro Bike Share

The bike share Metro system is great for short rides around LA. Interested in biking through scenic neighborhoods like Pasadena, Venice, Long Beach, or Downtown? This could be the  option for you! Metro rentals are super easy to use. 

Simply buy a pass, either online, via the Metro Bike app, or at the Metro Bike Share stations. Then hop on a bike for a ride around. When you’re done, just return the bike. Rentals cost $1.75 per 30 minutes or you can purchase 24-hour access.

The bikes are available throughout Los Angeles in the Metro Bike service areas of Downtown LA, Central LA, Hollywood, North Hollywood, the Westside and Westwood. To find out where the nearest station is to you, check out the app and prepare to see the city like a local!

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2. DASH Bus

If you’re looking to explore Los Angeles without worrying about parking, take the DASH! The Dash is a localized, reliable bus service that was originally focused on downtown Los Angeles but has since expanded significantly and now operates 31 routes in 27 neighborhoods across the city. Each DASH route provides travel within a specific neighborhood and the fare is only 50 cents a ride ($0.25 for seniors).

The DASH’s neighborhood routes and frequency of operation are listed online. You can also download a PDF map of bus routes from the DASH website. It’s also possible to map out your trip with DASH bus service using an online trip planner on the DASH website.

3. DASH Observatory Bus

In addition to its primary routes, a DASH Observatory Bus was introduced in 2017 to take visitors to two of Los Angeles’ most iconic destinations — Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theater. 

This branch of the DASH operates every day of the year (even holidays!) and runs between the Vermont/Sunset Station of the Los Angeles Metro B Line and the two popular landmarks. 

The full schedule for the DASH Observatory Bus can be found on the LADOT website. You can also print out a PDF of the route map and bus schedule from the same website. The cash fare for the DASH Observatory Bus is 50 cents. Children ride free and the fare for seniors is reduced to 25 cents. 

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4. Metro Bus

The Metro bus is the best choice when you want to feel like a local commuter and ride longer distances through the greater Los Angeles area. You can plan your ride ahead of time! The fare is only $1.75 each way and can be paid with exact change or a TAP card. Make sure you watch out for your stop and press the STOP button about 1 block away from your destination!

5. Metro Rail

The Metro Rail system is the most convenient way to get around the greater LA metro area to completely avoid car traffic. It includes six service lines:

• A Line
• B Line
• C Line
• D Line
• E Line
• K Line

Across all of those lines there are 109 stations. In addition, you can connect to a Metro bus at all of the stations.

Metro Rail fare is affordable and actually identical to the Metro Bus price – only $1.75. For that price you get two hours of unlimited transfers in one direction. 

Check out the maps and timetables on their website.

6. LAnow

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) also operates a service known as LAnow, which is an on-demand, shared-ride shuttle service. 

LAnow kicked off by providing service in West Los Angeles, including the neighborhoods of Palms, Mar Vista, Venice and Del Rey. In June 2025, the shared shuttle rides also became available in South Los Angeles. 

If you want to take advantage of this service, you’ll need to download the LAnow app to your smartphone, as that’s the only way to hail a shuttle. In addition, the shuttle service must be reserved in advance. Shuttles pick up riders at designated pick-up points within the service area. Maps of the service area are available online.

The first two rides on the LAnow shuttles in the West Los Angeles area free. After that the cost is $1.50 for adults and children 5 and older for a one-way ride. The cost for seniors, disabled individuals, and students is just $0.75. 

Fares can be paid in cash or with debit or credit cards. The LAnow South area shuttles are entirely free for the service’s first year of operation (until June 30, 2026).

7. Carpooling

If you still want to experience that iconic LA car traffic, but are not willing to drive yourself, try carpooling! Both Lyft and Uber operate in the city and offer ride-sharing options that are less expensive than riding solo.

Note that this is the most personal public transportation experience of all, so prepare to meet Angelenos on the way!

8. LAX FlyAway Bus

If you’re just arriving in Los Angeles or your visit is coming to an end, you might find the LAX FlyAway Bus useful. 

This bus route provides regular nonstop service from LAX to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The FlyAway also provides service to the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles. A one-way ride on the bus costs $12.75 and can be purchased online, using the mobile FlyAway app, or on the bus itself using a credit card.

Los Angeles: No car required

Despite the city’s long held reputation for being a place where cars are essential, it’s entirely possible to explore the City of Angels without doing the driving yourself. Not only does public transportation save you money, but utilizing this option can be far more relaxing in a city where traffic continues to be a major challenge.

As you make your way around the city, try joining one of our guided LA tours that allow you to get to know the city even better. Some include vehicle transportation, and others are walking (even hiking!) tours, so you choose the transportation style that fits you best.