The 25-kilometer route from LAX to Hollywood cuts through the heart of Los Angeles, taking 35–50 minutes by car via the I-405 and US-101 in normal traffic. Public transit requires a bus-to-rail connection via the Metro system, taking about 75–90 minutes. This is a popular route for tourists heading straight to one of the world's most famous entertainment districts.

About Hollywood

Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world — a neighborhood, a brand, and a state of mind that has shaped global popular culture for over a century. The Hollywood Sign, perched on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains, has overlooked the district since 1923 and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth. Below it, Hollywood Boulevard is a sensory overload of movie history, tourist energy, and genuine LA grit.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, with more than 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring achievements in entertainment. The TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's), opened in 1927, features celebrity hand and footprints in cement and still hosts major movie premieres. The Dolby Theatre is the permanent home of the Academy Awards ceremony. The Hollywood Museum, occupying the historic Max Factor building, houses four floors of movie memorabilia and costumes.

Beyond the tourist strip, Hollywood is a working entertainment industry neighborhood. Major studios including Paramount Pictures (the only major studio still physically in Hollywood) offer tours of their active lots. The Hollywood Bowl, a natural amphitheater nestled in the hills, hosts concerts from the LA Philharmonic and top performers all summer. Griffith Observatory, a short drive up into Griffith Park, offers free admission, planetarium shows, and the most spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles — from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood's dining and nightlife scene ranges from historic diners like Musso & Frank Grill (open since 1919) to trendy rooftop bars and clubs along the Sunset Strip.

Nearby Landmarks

Hollywood Walk of Fame TCL Chinese Theatre Griffith Observatory Hollywood Bowl Dolby Theatre

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $40-60 (metered)
Time 30-70 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (Metro C Line + transfers)

Cost $2
Time 70-90 minutes
Frequency Every 8-12 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. From your LAX terminal, take the free shuttle to the LAX-it lot or LAX/Metro Transit Center
2. Board the FlyAway bus to Union Station (runs 24/7, approximately $9.75, 35–50 minutes)
3. At Union Station, follow signs to the Metro B Line (Red Line) subway
4. Purchase a TAP card from the vending machines if you don't have one ($2 card + $1.75 fare)
5. Board the B Line heading toward North Hollywood
6. Ride to Hollywood/Highland station for the Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre (about 15 minutes)
7. Or ride one more stop to Hollywood/Vine for the Pantages Theatre area
8. Exit the station — you'll emerge right on Hollywood Boulevard at the heart of the action

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $40-60 (metered) 30-70 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $2 70-90 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Metro B Line (Red) trains to Hollywood run until approximately 12:30 AM. The FlyAway bus to Union Station runs 24 hours for the first leg. After Metro service ends, taxis and ride-shares are available 24/7 from LAX. An Uber or Lyft to Hollywood at night costs approximately $30–50 and takes about 30 minutes with no traffic. Hollywood itself is busy late into the night on weekends, with plenty of taxis available along Hollywood Boulevard. The area around Hollywood/Highland is well-lit and active late, though side streets require normal urban precautions.

Luggage Tips

The route to Hollywood involves at least one transfer (FlyAway to Metro B Line), meaning you will haul luggage through stations. Metro B Line trains have floor space but no luggage racks. With multiple large bags, a taxi or ride-share is more practical. FlyAway luggage goes in the under-bus hold, making the Union Station leg comfortable before a short Metro ride.

Accessibility

Metro B Line stations at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine have elevators and are wheelchair accessible, though the deep underground stations require using them. The FlyAway bus is ADA accessible with wheelchair lifts. Hollywood Boulevard sidewalks are wide and flat along the Walk of Fame. The TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre have accessible entrances. Griffith Observatory has accessible parking and ramp access.