The 17-kilometer journey from LAX to Santa Monica is one of the shorter airport transfers in Los Angeles, taking just 20–30 minutes by car in good traffic. However, the route along Lincoln Boulevard or the I-405/I-10 can slog during rush hour. The Big Blue Bus offers an affordable public transit option, while taxis and ride-shares provide the most direct service to the beach.

About Santa Monica

Santa Monica is LA's quintessential beach city — a laid-back coastal community with 3.5 miles of wide, sandy beaches, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and a walkable downtown that feels worlds away from the sprawl of greater Los Angeles. The city has its own identity, its own government, and a fiercely local character despite being surrounded by LA on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the fourth.

The Santa Monica Pier, dating back to 1909, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Southern California. It features Pacific Park (a small amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel), the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, street performers, and restaurants. The pier also marks the western terminus of historic Route 66. Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping street just two blocks from the beach, buzzes with shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and street performers. Montana Avenue offers a more upscale, quieter boutique shopping experience.

For travelers, Santa Monica offers an ideal LA beach base. The weather is consistently mild (average 260 sunny days per year), with ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable even in summer. The Expo Line light rail (now Metro E Line) connects Santa Monica to Downtown LA, making it feasible to stay beachside and still explore the rest of the city. Palisades Park, perched on the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway, provides stunning ocean-view walking paths lined with palm trees — one of the best free attractions in all of Los Angeles.

Nearby Landmarks

Santa Monica Pier Third Street Promenade Palisades Park Muscle Beach Santa Monica Place

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $35-50 (metered)
Time 25-45 minutes

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

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit your LAX terminal and take the free shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center
2. Option A (Big Blue Bus): Walk to the bus stops near LAX and board Big Blue Bus Rapid 3 heading to Santa Monica (about $1.25, approximately 35–45 minutes)
3. The bus runs along Lincoln Boulevard and drops you at various stops in Santa Monica including 4th Street and downtown
4. Option B (Metro E Line): From LAX/Metro Transit Center, take the C Line to Aviation/LAX station
5. Transfer to the Metro E Line (Expo) heading toward Downtown Santa Monica
6. Ride to the Downtown Santa Monica station (the terminus, approximately 45–55 minutes total)
7. The Metro E Line station is at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, two blocks from the beach and pier

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $35-50 (metered) 25-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Big Blue Bus service to Santa Monica runs until approximately midnight on most routes, with reduced frequency after 10 PM. The Metro E Line runs until roughly 12:30 AM. After midnight, taxis and ride-shares are your options. Uber and Lyft from LAX to Santa Monica at night cost approximately $25–40 with minimal traffic, making the trip about 20 minutes. The LAX-it ride-share lot operates 24/7. Santa Monica itself is safe at night along the main commercial areas, though the beach and pier area should be approached with normal urban caution after dark.

Luggage Tips

The Big Blue Bus is a regular city bus with no luggage hold — large suitcases can be awkward during busy times. A taxi or ride-share is more practical with multiple bags, as the trip is short and affordable. If your hotel is near the beach, the walk from the nearest bus stop or Metro station may be several blocks, all on flat terrain.

Accessibility

Big Blue Bus vehicles are ADA compliant with wheelchair ramps and designated seating. The Metro E Line stations have elevators and level boarding. Santa Monica's beachfront has accessible pathways and free beach wheelchairs at Perry's Cafe rental locations. The pier has ramp access. Third Street Promenade is flat and fully pedestrian, easy to navigate with a wheelchair. Most Santa Monica hotels meet ADA standards.