Destination Guides > North America > USA > West Coast > California > Los Angeles > Local Transport
Los Angeles
Local Transport
With a metropolitan area spread over five counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura), poor public transport and an excellent freeway network, this is one city where you’ll probably want to rent a car – it’s not just the best way to get around, it’s also the only way to truly experience Los Angeles.
Despite 90% of local residents relying on their own car for transport, Los Angeles does have an acceptable public transport system – it is just that the city’s sprawl makes it seem less efficient than it actually is.
LA’s public transport system is comprised of buses, a metro and suburban trains. Union Station in downtown LA is the hob for most public transport services.
BUS
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA; tel 800 266 6883; website www.mta.net) runs LA’s bus network, although several smaller bus operators serve specific parts of Los Angeles. The Big Blue Bus (tel (310) 451 5444; website www.bigbluebus.com) is the most useful of the smaller bus companies serving western LA including Santa Monica, Venice Beach and LAX.
MTA bus fares range from $1.35 to $3.85 with a good value $11 weekly pass. Big Blue Buses are cheaper with fares starting at 75c.
METRO RAIL
Los Angeles relatively new metro system (MTA; tel 800 266 6883; website www.mta.net) consists of three lines. It is a fast and cheap way to get around the city with trains running through downtown LA to Hollywood, Long Beach and LAX. Fares are just $1.35.
SUBURBAN TRAINS
The Metrolink (tel 800 371 5465; website www.metrolinktrains.com) suburban train system is an often-overlooked transport option. It consists of six lines and runs from Union Station in downtown LA to neighbouring counties and is a good way to get to Burbank Airport.
