How to get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to your hotel
Compare prices and travel times for the best transfer options to Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is notoriously busy and complex, located about 18 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown L.A. Known for its 'horseshoe' layout and frequent traffic congestion, getting out of LAX can be daunting for first-timers. Unlike many global hubs, it lacks a direct train station right at the terminal (until the Automated People Mover opens). Currently, the FlyAway Bus is the most efficient public transport link, while rideshares and taxis are popular but prone to heavy traffic delays.
Want the easiest arrival from Los Angeles International Airport?
Pre-booking a private airport transfer works best when you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or just want a driver waiting at arrivals instead of comparing taxis and rideshare lines.
LAX FlyAway Bus
The FlyAway Bus is widely considered the best value and most stress-free way to leave LAX. It provides non-stop service to Union Station (Downtown LA) and Van Nuys (San Fernando Valley). Buses depart every 30 minutes from each terminal (look for the green 'FlyAway' columns on the Lower/Arrivals Level). It uses bus lanes to bypass some freeway traffic, making it often faster than driving yourself. Tickets are approx. $9.75 one-way.
Pros
- Direct, non-stop service to Union Station.
- Much cheaper than Uber/Lyft.
- Dedicated luggage storage under the bus.
Cons
- Only goes to specific hubs (Union Station / Van Nuys).
- You may need a rideshare/metro from Union Station to your final hotel.
- Service frequency can vary late at night.
Map of hotels near Los Angeles International Airport LAX
Compare nearby hotels if you want an easier airport base after a late arrival, before an early departure, or when transfer simplicity matters more than staying in the city.
Best airport hotel picks near LAX
Three stays worth checking when the smoothest terminal-to-bed plan matters as much as the room itself.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Rideshares are very popular but come with a catch: you cannot get picked up curbside at the terminal. You must take a green shuttle to the 'LAX-it' lot (a dedicated rideshare pickup zone next to Terminal 1), or walk there (10-20 mins). Surge pricing is common, and fares to Downtown or Santa Monica can range from $40 to $80+. It is convenient once you are in the car, but the process of getting to the car can be chaotic.
Pros
- Door-to-door service to anywhere in LA.
- Available 24/7.
- Good for groups splitting the fare.
Cons
- Requires taking a shuttle or walking to the 'LAX-it' lot.
- Expensive, especially during surge pricing.
- Stuck in the same heavy traffic as everyone else.
Metro (C Line + Shuttle)
This is the cheapest option but the most complicated. You must take the free 'Metro G Shuttle' from the Arrivals level to the Aviation/LAX Metro Station. From there, you can take the Metro C Line (Green) to connect with the wider LA Metro rail network. It costs only $1.75 but takes significantly longer due to the shuttle connection and transfer times. Not recommended if you have heavy luggage.
Pros
- Extremely cheap ($1.75).
- Connects to the wider Metro rail network.
Cons
- Requires a shuttle transfer just to reach the train.
- Travel time is long (1.5+ hours to Downtown).
- Navigating the Metro with luggage can be difficult.
Taxi
Like rideshares, taxis generally pick up at the LAX-it lot (Terminal 1) or specific parking structures (Parking Structure 3). There are flat fares to certain zones (e.g., Downtown), but generally, it is metered. Taxis avoid surge pricing, which can make them cheaper than Uber during peak times, but they are still a pricey option compared to the FlyAway bus.
Pros
- No surge pricing (metered or flat rate).
- Professional drivers who know the city well.
Cons
- Still requires getting to the pickup lot (LAX-it).
- More expensive than public transport.
Have a layover at LAX?
See whether you should stay inside the airport, use Tom Bradley or connected terminals, book a nearby shuttle hotel, or leave for Los Angeles only if the layover is truly long.