The 27-kilometer route from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Downtown Los Angeles is a defining LA experience — a journey that can take 30 minutes in light traffic or well over an hour during rush hour. The LAX/Metro Transit Center connects to the Metro C (Green) Line with onward rail connections, while the FlyAway bus offers a direct, affordable ride to Union Station in about 35–50 minutes. Taxis and ride-shares are the most straightforward option.
About Downtown Los Angeles
The cultural offerings are remarkable. The Broad museum houses one of the most important contemporary art collections in the world, with free general admission. Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry with its billowing stainless steel exterior, is home to the LA Philharmonic and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Grand Central Market, operating since 1917, is a bustling food hall with dozens of vendors serving everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to artisan coffee and Thai street food. The Arts District, occupying former warehouses east of Little Tokyo, has become one of LA's coolest neighborhoods with galleries, craft breweries, and murals.
DTLA is also a transit hub, with Union Station — a stunning 1939 Art Deco and Mission Revival train station — serving as the center of Metro rail and bus lines, Amtrak, and Metrolink commuter trains. The convention center (home to events like E3 and Anime Expo), Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) for Lakers and Clippers games, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Olvera Street all contribute to a richly layered downtown experience.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $50-60 (metered) | 30-60 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Train | $2 | 45-55 minutes | Budget, avoiding traffic |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
The FlyAway bus to Union Station runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it the best late-night public transit option from LAX (departures roughly every 30–60 minutes overnight). Metro rail service ends around 12:30–1:00 AM on most lines. Taxis are available at designated stands outside each terminal around the clock, though the queue can be short late at night. Uber and Lyft operate 24/7 at LAX with pickup from the LAX-it lot (a designated ride-share pickup area accessible via shuttle from terminals). Late-night fares to DTLA typically run $35–55, lower than daytime due to no traffic.
Luggage Tips
The FlyAway bus has under-bus luggage storage and handles large suitcases well — the best transit option with heavy bags. Metro trains lack luggage racks and can be crowded. Ride-shares and taxis from the LAX-it lot fit standard luggage in the trunk; request an XL vehicle for oversized items.
Accessibility
The FlyAway bus is ADA accessible with wheelchair lifts. Metro stations have elevators, tactile edges, and audio announcements — all trains and buses are wheelchair accessible. LAX offers wheelchair assistance through your airline. Union Station is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Ride-share apps offer WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle) requests in LA.