Big jet take-off from LAX Airport

Big jet take-off from LAX Airport; (c) Soul Of America

Los Angeles Transportation

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), second busiest airport in the nation. It features the most direct flights to Hawaii, Asia, and Australia. Century Blvd leading to the airport is landscaped with palm trees. The entrance has large LAX letters lined with 100-foot pylons. The pylons alternate to millions of different colors every few minutes.

The post-modern architecture of LAX Tower is often featured in movies. It’s now a meeting place for USO families. Each terminal hosts an array of gift shops, cafes, lounges, restrooms, wifi, public art, and other amenities. If you have 1+ hours between flights, consider visiting Tom Bradley International Terminal for a peek at its dazzling architecture. The international terminal also features a monument to Tom Bradley who served 20 years as LA’s first Black mayor. Navigating between terminals is easy, but distant between some terminal pairs. Allow 5-25 minutes of walking time between terminals and use the LAX Airport Map.

When you walk to LAX lower-level roadway, carefully look for your chosen ground transport option. Lower-level roadway closest to each terminal hosts LAX Airport buses. LAX lower-level roadway from the center islands hosts Super Shuttle, All American Shuttle, Airport Express shuttles, individual driver pick-ups & drop-offs. LAX Airport buses transport passengers to the area just east of Terminal 1 for Taxis, Uber & Lyft. A different set of LAX Airport buses transport passengers to the Long-Term Parking Facility and the Rental Car Center for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty brands. Read airport bus signage carefully to avoid hassles.

Depending on where you are headed in this metropolis, save up to 1 hour of ground commute time by flying to one of four auxiliary airports. If traveling to San Fernando Valley, look for flights into Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR). The airport is served by Jet Blue, Delta, American, United, Southwest, Delta, Alaska Airlines, taxis, shuttles, and car renters.

If traveling to Long Beach, Carson, Lakewood, or Bellflower, consider Long Beach Airport (LGB) served by Jet Blue, Delta, and American Airlines. It has sufficient service by Taxis, Uber/Lyft, shuttles, and car renters.

If headed to eastern Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, or Riverside County, consider Ontario International Airport (ONT). The ONT airport is served by AeroMexico, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, United, Volaris Airline, taxis, shuttles, and car renters.

If going to Orange County, consider John Wayne International Airport (SNA). The airport is served by American, United, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, Frontier, WestJet Airlines, taxis, shuttles, and car renters.

Los Angeles Union Station grand lobby

Grand lobby in Los Angeles Union Station; (c) Soul Of America

Train Stations

Opened in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station was the last great train station built in America. It is located at 800 North Alameda Street, just north of Hollywood Freeway across from Los Angeles Civic Center.

Featuring Moorish-Spanish architecture and loads of movie appearances, Los Angeles Union Station once hosted 70,000 daily passengers and anchored LA’s 450-mile streetcar system. By 1963, transportation hub status was ended by corporate collusion, federal regulations, and more consumers switching from trains and streetcars to cars, buses, and planes. It was practically a ghost town when once-daily Amtrak long-distance trains began service here in 1971. Many believed the station had an appointment with the wrecking ball.

Fortunately, this architectural gem was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, which placed the station on life-support. Once Metro light rail service began in 1990, Metrolink commuter rail service began in 1992, and Metro heavy rail (subway) service began in 1993, its future was reassured.

Gradually, more Amtrak, Metrolink Commuter Rail, Metro Rail, and Metro Bus services were added. Just before the pandemic, Los Angeles Union Station was hosting 40,000 daily passengers. Today, Los Angeles Union Station hosts these Amtrak routes:

Pacific Surfliner: San Diego-Los Angeles-Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo
Coast Starlight: Los Angeles-Oakland-Sacramento-Portland-Seattle
Texas Eagle: Chicago-St. Louis-Little Rock-Dallas-San Antonio-Tucson-Los Angeles
Southwest Chief: Chicago-Kansas City-Albuquerque-Los Angeles

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner takes 8 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 351-mile San Luis Obispo-Los Angeles-San Diego trip. Pacific Surfliner operates 7 daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. Pacific Surfliner operates 12 daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego. Amtrak Coast Starlight and Amtrak Southwest Chief are long-distance trains that each operate one daily roundtrip to/from Los Angeles Union Station.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train at Glendale Station

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train at Glendale Station; (c) Soul Of America

Amtrak, MetroLink, Metro Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, LAX Airport Shuttle, Taxi, and Uber/Lyft services have made Los Angeles Union Station a thriving multimodal transportation center. The station has begun a massive upgrade for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Sometime afterward, the station will also host California High-Speed Rail trains whose infrastructure is currently under construction.

Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) features attractive modern architecture and open space for passengers connecting between Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, Disneyland-Anaheim Convention Center shuttle, Greyhound, Megabus, Taxis, Uber/Lyft, local buses, and bike storage. In the future, ARTIC will be a California High-Speed Rail Station.

LA Metro Hollywood-Highland Station

LA Metro Hollywood-Highland Station; credit Soul Of America

Rapid Transit

Opened in 1990, Metrorail consists of two Metro heavy rail (subway) lines and four Metro light rail lines to 100 stations with Los Angeles Union Station remaining as the workhorse of Los Angeles Transportation. A Line and B Line Metro rail currently terminate in Downtown LA at 7th & Flower Streets. Normal service is 5 am–12 pm. In 2023, service will extend to 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights again.

Many Metrorail subway stations are designed well enough to be tourist attractions. Metrorail conveniently takes you to attractions in Union Station, most of Downtown LA, LA Convention Center-LA LIVE, USC-Exposition Park, Koreatown, Chinatown, Crenshaw & Expo, Little Tokyo, East Los Angeles, East Hollywood, Hollywood, Universal Studios, La Cienega & Expo, Culver City, Westside Mall, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Carson, Long Beach, and Pasadena.

If your hotel is near a Metrorail station, consider purchasing a Metro Day Pass + Taxi/Uber/Lyft rides to avoid considerable driving and parking hassles. Metrorail System Map

In October 2022, K Line (Westchester-Inglewood-Crenshaw corridor) connected with E Line for commutes to Downtown LA, USC, Culver City, and Santa Monica. LA Metrorail is still expanding before the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

In summer 2023, a Downtown LA tunnel will connect two Metrorail lines, enabling A Line to pass through Los Angeles Union Station and E Line to go from Santa Monica to East Los Angeles.

In early 2024, Metro-LAX Airport Station opens to connect K Line to the Automated People Mover to/from 3 stations within LAX Airport, LAX Long-Term Parking Facility, and LAX Rental Car Center. At that time, K Line will also extend to Norwalk, and C Line will continue from Norwalk to Redondo Beach. Also in 2024, a Metro D Line will extend from Koreatown to Wilshire Museum District.

In 2026, Metro D Line extends to Beverly Hills and Century City. In 2028, D Line extends to Westwood/UCLA as indicated on this forward-looking LA Metrorail System Map.

Low-emission Metrolink locomotive at the station

Metrolink commuter train at the station; credit Metrolink

MetroLink is a 416-mile, 7-line commuter rail system for regional areas not served by Metrorail. Most MetroLink and Metrorail lines meet at Los Angeles Union Station for convenient transfers. MetroLink service is frequent during weekday commute hours but runs 60-90 minutes otherwise. MetroLink trains run faster than Metrorail and expand commutes to longer distances in the metro area. Metrolink System Map

Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) provides shuttle service from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) to large Anaheim hotels, Downtown Disney, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Anaheim Convention Center. One-day passes are available. Children under the age 10 ride free. ART operates every 10-20 minutes, depending on weekends, summer, and holiday periods.

Princess ship at Los Angeles World Cruise Center

Princess cruise ship at Los Angeles World Cruise Center; (c) Soul Of America

Cruiseports

If you think you may get motion sickness, use Dramamine 30-60 minutes before any cruise and sit in the rear lower deck where motion sensation is reduced.

Catalina Island Cruises from Marina Del Rey
Two 149-passenger ferries make the 90-120 minute cruise to beautiful Catalina Island – only 40 miles southwest. Dolphins like to approach the vessel shortly after the cruise departs – a nice reminder that you are getting away. If you like boating, then enjoy upper deck views with a light jacket, since the Marina Del Rey Flyer, travels up to 30 knots per hour and it gets windy. Snacks, beverages, and mixed drinks are available onboard. Eight passengers can upgrade to the Admiral’s Lounge inside the upper deck for fantastic views. Outbound from Marina Del Rey, the Flyer first stops at Avalon at the southern end of the island, then doubles back to Two Harbors at the northern end of the island.
DAYS & HOURS: seasonal schedule, departures to Avalon is 8:30 am some days and 9:15 am on others; return departure is at 5p
TICKETS: Book online for a significant discount and you can rent island bikes with them. We recommend booking Catalina Island hotel and tour packages at the same time as your cruise for discounts and convenience. They also book non-scheduled group cruises to the island.
ADDRESS: Fisherman’s Village, Marina Del Rey MAP
PHONE: 310-305-7250
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaferries.com

Marina Del Rey Harbor Tours
Enjoy 40-minute narrated tours of multi-million dollar yachts, homes, and sometimes sea lions in the harbor. Fisherman’s Village is not as vibrant as it used to be, but there are nice seafood restaurants for pre- and post-dining.
DAYS & HOURS: tours depart 12a, 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p and 5p
ADDRESS: Fishermans Village, Marina Del Rey MAP
PHONE: 310-577-6660
WEBSITE: http://www.hornblower.com/port.asp?port=md

Los Angeles World Cruise Center
Home port of The Love Boat television series from 1977-1986 and next to a port of cargo vessels, World Cruise Center handles three major cruise lines and express ferries to Catalina Island. You will often see 3000-passenger cruise ships docked at two large terminals when they are not traveling to Mexico. The complex has ample parking, a cafe, and restrooms. Courtesy shuttles from the ship to the parking lot are scheduled on ship days only. Taxis and Uber/Lyft are always around when ships port, and you can rent a car. The cruise center is managed by Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals.
Royal Caribbean offers regular 3 and 4-night cruises to Mexico Baja on Monarch of the Seas and 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises
Princess Cruises: 10-night & 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises plus 7, 10 and 11-night Alaska cruises.
Disney Cruise Line 7-night cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas
ADDRESS: World Cruise Center at 500 North Front Street, San Pedro MAP
PARKING: 2500 over-night secured parking spaces available
PHONE: 800-540-PARK
WEBSITE: http://www.pcsterminals.com

Catalina Island Cruises from San Pedro
During warm months, it’s popular to cruise to Catalina Island. Highly active travelers go there to hike year-round because most of the island is a habitat preserve. So there are rules to protect wildlife. Boats dock at scenic Avalon Harbor. Get there in 60 minutes aboard Catalina Express; reservations are recommended.
ADDRESS: 95 Berth, San Pedro MAP
PARKING: 2500 secured parking spaces available
PHONE: 310-519-1212
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaexpress.com

Catalina Island Cruises from Long Beach
Embark at the passenger terminal next to the Queen Mary; from LA take the I-405 Freeway south to the I-710 Freeway south to its end. Stay to the left, and follow signs to downtown Long Beach. Look for Queen Mary signs and exit on Golden Shore. Get to Catalina Island in 55 minutes; reservations are recommended.
ADDRESS: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach  MAP
PARKING: secured parking is available
PHONE: 310-519-1212
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaexpress.com

Starline Hollywood Fun Tours

Starline Hollywood Fun Tours; (c) Soul Of America

Tours

L.A. By Pam Siteseeing Tours
Pam Garrett is a premier Black family reunion coordinator of personalized city tours and specialty tours of LA and surrounding locales, and sponsor of a youth travel club; Pam also provides city guide services for visiting authors, Gospelfest tours, and Allensworth State Historic Park Tours; available for large groups and has a concierge service for small groups. A travel club membership is available for Los Angeles residents.
PHONE: 323-777-7833 or 800-LABYPAM
WEBSITE: http://www.labypamtours.com

Starline Tours
Since 1935 these have been the most popular tours of Downtown, Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile, Melrose Avenue, Santa Monica, Venice, celebrity homes, movie studios, and night tours. Red open-top double-decker buses imported from the UK are used on Hop On-Hop Off routes but often have recorded guide information. Small shuttle buses are used to tour Movie Star Homes with the driver serving as your guide. Clarify which movie star homes to see before your tour since some take different routes. Closed-top vehicles are used when it rains. If you prefer not to drive, they offer a 48-hour Hop-on/Hop-off Pass and tour packages to many attractions.
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9:30a
BOX OFFICE: Starline kiosk in Chinese Theater courtyard; other prices available for tours combined with destinations such as Universal Studios, Getty Museum, and Disneyland
ADDRESS: 6925 Hollywood Blvd MAP
PHONE: 800-959-3131
WEBSITE: http://www.starlinetours.com

Catalina Island Helicopter Flight from San Pedro
A family-run business that flies 3 six-passenger turbine-powered, soundproofed helicopters. Their aerial views include a portion of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Avalon Catalina Island. It takes only 15 minutes to Avalon in good weather. Each helicopter carries 1 to 6 passengers. If you easily get motion sickness, take Dramamine 30-60 minutes before a helicopter flight.
DAYS & HOURS: 8a-Sunset
ADDRESS: World Cruise Center – Berth 95, San Pedro MAP
PARKING: 2500 secured parking spaces available
PHONE: 800-228-2566
WEBSITE: http:www.islandexpress.com

Catalina Island Helicopter from Long Beach
For aerial views that include Long Beach, consider this option which takes only 15 minutes to reach Avalon in good weather; each helicopter carries 1 to 6 passengers. If you easily get motion sickness, buy Dramamine 30-60 minutes before a helicopter flight.
ADDRESS: 1175 Queens Highway, Queen Mary Heliport, Long Beach, CA
PHONE: 800-228-2566

Freeways & Tollways

Los Angeles Freeway & Tollway Network is America’s largest when you combine mileage with lanes per mile. It features more carpool lanes, sound walls, modern interchanges, metered entrances, and freeway status signs that enable it to carry more autos than any other freeway network in the world. Nevertheless, LA freeways are congested for 4-5 hours each weekday morning and another 4-5 hours each weekday evening.

Two HOV lanes were converted to Hign Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes are on the I-10 Freeway East of Downtown and the I-110 Freeway south of Downtown. Traffic moves invitingly fast in those HOT Lanes, but requires a FasTrak transponder in your vehicle to automatically deduct a toll when you ride in the lane.

No matter how congested other lanes get on I-10 and I-110 Freeways, do not use HOT Lanes without a FasTrak transponder. High-resolution video cameras surveil those lanes 24/7 and the fine is painful.

If your stay in LA requires multiple business trips on the I-110 Freeway and I-10 Freeway, inquire with your airport rental car agency to rent a FasTrak transponder. Tolls are based on the current congestion level and the length of your trip. Orange County features more Tollways than Los Angeles County.

Return to LOS ANGELES

0 replies

Login. Register. Use your Google / Facebook login.

Leave a Reply