I returned from Los Angelas last month.
On my trip, I was on pubic transportation as I am in every other city.
L.A. is really a car city though.
I did fine.
It was only my second time in Los Angelas too.
I plan to visit L.A. more though later.
On my first visit, I rented a car.
I still think that is the best option for most people.
If you have to be on public transportation like me though, the FlyAway Bus is a great option to get to and from LAX.
Cabs and Ubers from LAX can run close to $100 each way.
The FlyAway bus costs about $10 each way.
The bus is clean and efficient.
It is more like a charter bus because all passengers are going to and from LAX.
Here is how to take the FlyAway Bus from and to LAX as well as my personal thoughts on the experience.
What is the FlyAway Bus?
The FlyAway Bus is an airport shuttle service that takes passengers nonstop to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The bus runs from LAX to either Van Nuys or Union Station.
Union Station is where you can catch the Los Angelas subway as well as other buses to other parts of the L.A. metro area.
Union Station is also within walking distance of some Downtown L.A. hotels.
So, Union Station is where most passengers from LAX will need to go.
The FlyAway Bus runs seven days a week.
It stops at each terminal at LAX.
I was flying Delta.
So, it stopped outside terminal 3 for me where Delta flies.
How To Pay For The FlyAway Bus
The FlyAway bus is exactly $9.75 each way.
The FlyAway Bus does not accept cash payments.
You can purchase tickets with a credit or debit card at the station or online.
However, the best method to pay for the bus is to use your tap credit or debit card when you enter the bus.
This is what I did.
You just step on the bus, and tap your card at the machine.
How Do You Catch The Flyaway From LAX
The Flyaway Bus from LAX is very easy to catch.
1. Go To lower level/arrivals at any terminal
When you arrive on your airline, go to the lower level.
This is what people do to exit the airport, or claim their bags.
Once you are on the lower level, you will see the following signs for public transportation:
- Taxi
- FlyAway Bus
- LAX Shuttle
- Shared ride
- Hotel
- Rental cars
Follow the FlyAway Bus sign.
2. Look for the blue signs.
After you follow the public transportation sign in the direction of the FlyAway Bus, you will just keep following the blue signs.
You will then reach the FlyAway Bus station stop.
3. Find the bus with the correct location.
After you reach the spot where the FlyAway Bus picks up passengers, you will need to get on the correct bus.
There are two Flyaway buses from LAX again.
One goes to Union Station.
The other goes to Van Nuys.
Most people will need to go to Union Station as I said earlier.
So, you look for the bus with “Union Station” on the front.
If you were going to Van Nuys, you would look for the bus with “Van Nuys” on the front.
4. Board and pay
Next, just board the bus, and tap your card if you have not already purchased a ticket.
Again, the cost is exactly $9.75.
The bus has power outlets to charge your phone if needed.
How To Catch the Flyaway Bus from Union Station
When you are ready to take the Flyaway Bus back to LAX from Union Station, it is very simple.
The Union Station FlyAway Bus operates at Bus Stop 1 at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station East.
1. Walk Toward Union Station East
Union Station in Los Angelas is very big.
Wherever you are at in Union Station, you want to follow signs for Union Station East.
2. Look for signs for Patsaourus Transit
Then, you will start seeing signs for Patsaourus.
This is where all the buses depart at Union Station.
Just keep following the signs.
3. Look for Bus Stop 1 or Bus Bay One
There are many buses leaving Union Station.
They each have a number.
To take the Flyaway Bus, look for Bus Stop or Bus Bay One.
It will be the first set of gates at the end of Union Station East.
4. Take the stairs, escalator, or elevator to the bus stop.
Just go upstairs, and you will see the FlyAway Bus sign.
Again, enter, and tap your card.
The bus to LAX uses express lanes, so it actually would be faster than an Uber or Lyft or driving a car.
My bus got to LAX from Union Station in about 20-30 minutes.
My Experience
My experience with the LAX FlyAway Bus was very positive.
I loved it.
It was nice and clean.
It was only about $9.75 each way.
It had places to charge your phone again.
It was very convenient.
Mine ran on schedule.
Again, everyone who takes this bus is either going to and from LAX.
There was only one negative.
The bus goes to Downtown Los Angeles at Union Station, but not Hollywood/West Hollywood.
Most tourists who visit L.A. need to get to Hollywood/WestHollywood.
The bus used to go to Hollywood, but that route was discontinued during the pandemic.
If you are going to be on public transportation to Hollywood/West Hollywood, you will have to take the subway with your luggage from Union Station
If you don’t like that, you can consider other options.
For instance, I think Uber/Lyft is slightly cheaper from Downtown L.A. than LAX, but not by much.
Again, I think the best option for navigating car culture Los Angeles is to rent a car.
My hotel was in Downtown Los Angelas again.
I went to Hollywood/West Hollywood, but I was not carrying luggage.
It does not look like something that can’t be done though.
On my next trip to Los Angelas, I will more than likely stay in Hollywood/West Hollywood.
So, maybe I will take my carry on luggage on the L.A. subway from Union Station to Hollywood.
I take carry on luggage on every other major city subway.
I will write about my experience taking the L.A. subway later.
Honestly, I read a lot of negative things about it.
it was like the subway in every other city.
Again, if they could ever get a FlyAway Bus route from LAX to Hollywood/West Hollywood then I think that would make the best choice.
I still enjoyed the FlyAway Bus though.
I plan to use it in the future.
Other Public Transportation In L.A.
Again, L.A. is not know for public transportation.
I took the public subway and buses everywhere though.
It got me from Hollywood to Santa Monica to Downtown.
If you don’t want to take the FlyAway Bus from LAX, you can take the subway from LAX.
It requires a shuttle from the airport and transfers.
From what I read, this is not the best option though.
If going to Santa Monica, you can take the Big Blue Bus from LAX.
From LAX, I would still recommend the Flyaway Bus if you are not renting a car or taking an Uber/Lyft.
Summary
If on public transportation, the Flyaway Bus is a great option to and from LAX.
It is a very nice bus.
Again, this is especially great if your hotel is in Downtown Los Angelas.
Uber/Lyfts from what I read online can be close to $100 each way to Hollywood again.
Again, I did not have to get luggage on a subway to Hollywood.
However, this can definitely be a cost effective way of transport even if going to Hollywood.
I may try it on my next visit.
Again, I plan to stay in Hollywood /West Hollywood on my next visit.
If they ever brought back a FlyAway Bus Hollywood route or added a West Hollywood route, this would be the best option in getting to and from LAX.
I will definitely be using the FlyAway bus in the future though again.
It was such a pleasant experience.
As usual, if this post was useful, share it below on social media.