I have noticed that my past entries about the Los Angeles public transportation system are getting quite a few hits.  There’s a lot of people out there looking for information, and not much to be found.

I decided to take some of the most frequently searched questions and do my best to answer them here. Much more information can be found on the official Metro website. (Update 2/2010: The Metro website has been updated. I think it looks great now.)  This is simply my own firsthand knowledge as a daily Metro rider for the past 8 years and counting.

Though it pales in comparison to the reach of the T back in Boston, the Los Angeles Metro system isn’t bad at all.  It’s usually pretty reliable, clean, safe, and very convenient.  Though I wish it the subway lines would go further west to the Westside, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica (there’s always talk about that being in the works), there are plenty of buses that will take you there.  Many people in L.A. are attached to their vehicles, despite the horrible traffic, and there seems to be a stigma associated with taking public transit in this image-obsessed city.  With the economic slump and more attention being given to the environment, this is changing, and I hope more people give the Metro system a look.

Anyway, I hope this helps anyone looking for information on how to get around Los Angeles without a car.  Don’t forget, with the great weather and crazy sights, walking is always a great option!

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What is the public transportation system in Los Angeles?

The public transit system in L.A. is known as the Metro. This includes the subway, above ground rails (Orange Line and Gold Line), and buses.

How much does it cost to ride the Metro’s buses or subway lines?

The L.A. Metro has the same fare rates for both buses and the subway. Bus fare or a one-way subway ticket is $1.25. A day pass, which is good all day on both the subway and buses, is $5. If you want a day pass when getting on a bus, just put $5 in the fare box and the bus driver will hand you a day pass.

At the subway stations, you don’t need exact change for the ticket machines. They also take debit and credit cards.

In addition to the day pass, people can buy weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly Metro paper passes. There is also a refillable card called the T.A.P (Transit Access Pass) that functions like a weekly or monthly pass. You can refill it at a subway ticketing machine instead of buying a new paper pass (which are bought online or at specific stores).

How does the ticketing system work aboard the Los Angeles Metro subway lines?

In essence, the Los Angeles subway works on the honor system. When you’re on the subway train, you should have valid fare in your possession, be it a one-way ticket, day pass, monthly pass, etc.

Most of the time, you will go your entire ride without ever needed to show your pass to anyone. However, a few times a month, Metro agents or deputies from the Sheriffs department will either board your train car or be waiting at the station’s exit. They will ask to see your ticket or pass, and you better have it, or else you’re going to get pulled aside, embarrassed in front of everyone, and given a $250 ticket. They carry scanning devices to make sure T.A.P. cards are valid. There are also T.A.P. scanners leading into the subway platforms for T.A.P. holders to use to verify that their cards are still valid.

Note: You must get a new one-way ticket if switching lines on the subway. For example, if you need to take the Red Line and then switch to the Blue Line, either have a day pass or greater or buy a ticket at the Red Line station and a ticket at the Blue Line station. A Metro subway one-way ticket is good for one way, one line.

Update: The Metro has installed turnstiles at most Metro stations. These are activated by the T.A.P. cards. They are starting to get rid of paper passes and switch everything to T.A.P. cards. As of 2/2010, you can still get paper passes. If you have one instead of a T.A.P. card, no need to go through the turnstiles; just go through the open gate. Many people even with T.A.P. cards are too lazy to tap and go through the open gate also but this may soon change. Everyone will have to go through the turnstiles at some point.

How late does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?

Not very. Most subway lines stop running around midnight. The Los Angeles Metro subway system will usually run all night long though on New Year’s Eve.

How frequently does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?

It varies depending upon the time of day and day of week. During rush hour, it could be about every 10 minutes, but it could be 20 – 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

How late does the Los Angeles Metro buses run?

Varies. Some less popular bus lines will stop around 9 P.M. Most stop running around midnight, and some run all night but infrequently, about once every hour.

How frequently do the Los Angeles Metro buses run?

It varies depending upon the time of day, day of week, and the particular bus line. During rush hour, Metro Rapid buses can often run every 5 – 7 minutes and many regular buses will run every 10 – 12 minutes. During off-peak hours, it could be about every 30 minutes to up to once an hour.

Click here to see a list of Metro buses that run about every 12 minutes or less.

What’s the difference between the regular buses, the Metro Rapid buses, and the limited buses?

The regular buses runs on a regular schedule and stops at all stops listed. The Metro Rapid buses, which are newer, red buses, run very frequently, most often during busy hours. There is always a 7 at the beginning of the name of the bus line. The reason why they can run so frequently is that they only make stops at popular destinations such as major intersections. The limited bus lines, which have a 3 at the beginning of the line’s name, is like a hybrid of the regular bus and the Metro Rapid. They have limited stops and often do not go as far or run as long as the regular line.

What are the lines on the Los Angeles Metro subway system and where do they go?

L.A. has 6 main subway lines:

Red Line – The main subway line; runs from North Hollywood in the valley to Union station in Downtown L.A. Major stops include Universal City (for the Universal Studios Theme Park and Citywalk), several stops in Hollywood, the Wilshire District and Downtown Los Angeles.

Purple Line – Part of the Red Line that branches off at the Vermont/Wilshire station (from downtown) and runs east on Wilshire to Western Avenue.

Orange Line – Above ground line (fancy buses) that serves the Valley.

Gold Line – Above ground light rail that goes from Union Station to Pasadena.

Blue Line – Runs between the Red Line’s 7th Street/Metro stop (downtown L.A.) to Long Beach.

Green Line – Connection to South Bay/LAX (the airport) from the Metro Blue Line’s Imperial/Wilmington stop.

Click here for a Metro subway system map.

What are the bus lines in Los Angeles?

There are many bus lines in L.A. that service all parts of the city.

Click here for a map of the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.

Click here to see the schedules and timetables for the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.

How do I find out which Metro bus or subway line to take in L.A.?

The Metro website has a great trip planner that will map your trip for you. Just enter your arrival or departure time, starting point, and ending destination:

Check out the Metro Trip Planner now.

What are my other public transportation options in Los Angeles?

In addition to the Metro system, there are other bus lines in and around Los Angeles. The DASH, a small line run by a separate agency, is only 25 cents and has a good coverage area.

Click here for a list of other public transit carriers in Los Angeles.

How can I get to the airport (LAX) using public transportation in Los Angeles?

The easiest way is to use the Metro Trip Planner to plot your trip. The Metro Green Line goes to the airport (there’s a free shuttle from the stop). You can also take the Metro Red Line to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles ($1.25 fare) and then hop aboard the direct FlyAway Shuttle (a large coach bus) for only $6. I have personally taken it several times and it’s a very easy, hassle-free trip.

How do I go to Universal Studios Theme Park or Citywalk using public transportation in Los Angeles?

Take the Red Line to the Universal City stop. Once you exit, you’ll have to cross the street and catch the free shuttle up the hill into the theme park area. You can also walk up the hill, but I would not recommend it (this is coming from someone who prefers walking and walks a lot).

How do I get to the Staples Center or Nokia Theatre using public transportation in Los Angeles?

Take the Red Line to the 7th Street/Metro Station. It’s a short walk from there, or if you’re feeling lazy you can connect to the Blue Line and get off at the closer Pico Station.

Here’s a walking map from the 7th Street Metro Station to Staples (also the Convention Center and Nokia Theatre).

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I’ll keep updating this page if I think of anything else that would be good to know about the public transporation here in L.A.