Routes at a glance
| From | How | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX airport | Taxi or ride-hailing | 30–70 min to Hollywood | Depends heavily on traffic; pick-up arrangements vary by terminal |
| LAX airport | FlyAway bus | 35–50 min to Union Station | Direct coach to Downtown, then Metro |
| Burbank airport (BUR) | Taxi or ride-hailing | 20–30 min to Hollywood | Small, quick airport close to the studios |
| San Diego | Pacific Surfliner train | About 3 hours | Scenic coastal ride into Union Station |
| San Diego | Car | 2–2.5 hours | Longer in rush hour |
| San Francisco | Flight | About 1.5 hours | Frequent departures |
| San Francisco | Car | 6–6.5 hours on I-5 | Or two to three days on Highway 1 |
| Las Vegas | Car | 4–5 hours | Very busy on Sunday afternoons |
From LAX
LAX has nine terminals around a congested loop road. The airport is partway through a major rebuild that includes an automated people mover linking the terminals with the Metro and a consolidated rental-car centre; until every part is running, expect shuttle buses for some connections and follow the signs on arrival.
A taxi or ride-hailing car is simplest with luggage. The FlyAway coach to Union Station is the best-value public option for Downtown and onward Metro connections.
By train and car
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner links Union Station with San Diego and Santa Barbara several times a day, and the Coast Starlight continues north once daily. Driving in, try to avoid weekday rush hours — roughly 7 to 10 am and 3 to 7 pm — when a 30-minute journey can take three times as long. See getting around California.
Getting around locally
- Metro B Line (subway) runs from Union Station and Downtown to Hollywood and Universal City; the E Line runs from Downtown to Santa Monica. Pay with a TAP card or the app.
- A rental car gives the most freedom, especially for the Getty, Griffith Park and the coast. Check your hotel’s parking charge.
- Ride-hailing is plentiful and often cheaper than parking for single trips.
- DASH minibuses cover short hops, including the route up to Griffith Observatory.
- Santa Monica and Venice are best explored on foot or by hire bike along the beach path.
