Metro's base fare is $1.75 and you never pay more than $5 a day or $18 in seven days when you tap to ride. A TAP card costs $2 (Discover Los Angeles) and you can also tap a phone wallet or contactless card. Metro rail serves Hollywood, downtown and Santa Monica; Malibu and Venice are easier with a bus, bike or car. Fares can change, so confirm on Metro's site.
Getting around Los Angeles
How to get from the airport and around Los Angeles, with verified Metro fares.
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Metro fares (verified October 11, 2026)
| Rider | Base fare | Daily cap | 7-day cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyone | $1.75 | $5.00 | $18.00 |
| K-12 and college students | $0.75 | $2.50 | $6.00 |
| Seniors 62+ and qualifying riders | — | $2.50 | $5.00 |
Fare capping applies when you pay with a TAP card, phone wallet or credit/debit card; cash does not count toward caps. Source: LA Metro.
Choosing how to get around
| Mode | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Metro rail | Hollywood (B Line), downtown (A, B, D, E), Santa Monica (E), Pasadena (A), LAX connection (C, K) | Not every neighborhood has a station; check the trip planner |
| LAX FlyAway | Direct airport buses to Union Station or Van Nuys ($12.75) | Contactless card or app only; no cash |
| DASH bus | Short routes such as Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory link from Vermont/Sunset station | Check LADOT for schedules |
| Rideshare / taxi / rental car | Beaches, Malibu, hillside spots | Costs and parking vary; we publish no prices |
The essentials
Arriving and moving around.
Rent a car or arrange a transfer
Rental companies and shuttles serving the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Metro cost?
The base fare is $1.75 with daily and seven-day caps of $5 and $18.
How do I get from LAX to Hollywood?
Metro's C or K Line to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, connections to the B Line downtown, or the FlyAway bus to Union Station, then the B Line to Hollywood. Check Metro's trip planner.
Do I need a car in Los Angeles?
Not for Hollywood and downtown, which have Metro stations; Malibu and some other spots are easier with a car.
Is there a train to Santa Monica?
Yes, Metro's E Line serves Downtown Santa Monica, per Santa Monica's tourism site.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 11, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Fare Capping on Metro — LA Metro
- Fares — LA Metro
- Go Metro to LAX — LA Metro
- LAX FlyAway: Union Station — Los Angeles World Airports
- Transit to LAX — Los Angeles World Airports
- Go Metro and Go Everywhere in LA — Discover Los Angeles (LA Tourism)
- Take the Santa Monica Metro Station (E Line) — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
- LA Metro — LA Metro
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