Transportation
While there is public transportation in Los Angeles, compared to other large US cities its coverage is spotty at best. The automobile rules in LA and if you live here chances are you have at least one, if not two or more, cars! If visiting, renting a car will be your most likely choice to get around, giving you the most flexibility to not only make your own schedule, but access the whole city including many areas where public transport is not available.
Example…Want to see Mulholland Drive, or the Hollywood Hills where many stars live? Better have a car, or take one of the many excellent guided tours, as you will not be able to get there any other way.
Rental Cars
As you would expect, all the large auto rental car companies are located all over the city. Rent anything from an economy car to an SUV. Feel like a spin around town in a Lamborghini or Ferrari? You will find several places to rent luxury and exotic cars for the day or more.
Limousines
Want to see the city in style? Take a “limo”! If you are a visitor from abroad you no doubt will have seen the images in movies or TV, of long sleek stretch limousines, which are ubiquitous with LA. They are usually Cadillac’s or Lincoln’s and offer a silky smooth ride with a chauffer. Many of the larger cars have bars and TV’s in the rear! The smaller Lincoln town cars are also ideal for smaller parties and are popular to get to and from the airports.
Rely Transportation
1-800 760 3555
Rely Trans
Virgin Limo
Buses
The city is served by single decker Metro buses. Given the size of LA, and the vast expanses of land over which the city is located, it would be impossible for city buses to cover anything but a small portion of the area. That being said, they do tend to run on many, if not most, major arteries traversing the city. So for instance, if you need to get from Downtown to Santa Monica, most of the route will take you along one street or Boulevard.
Be careful in the evening in some areas, when taking a bus can be dangerous.
Flyaway
Coaches to LAX airport from Downtown LA (Union Station), Westwood and Van Nuys (San Fernando Valley). Very reasonable fares.
Flyaway
Shuttles
These can be a great option for getting to and form the airport. Usually a minivan of sorts, seating 6 to 10 people. There are several companies that offer this service.
Prime Time Shuttle
Metrolink
Running mostly underground, the city’s subway system is relatively new, unlike in other major world cities such as New York and London. As with buses, the routes are somewhat limited but can be a great option if you find they cover an area you wish to go to. They are inexpensive, fast, and mostly very safe.
Amtrak
Pacific Surfliner trains go from Downtown LA (Union Station) to Orange County, and down south into San Diego. You can also catch it in the other direction North to Santa Barbara.
Private Jets
If your budget allows, one of the largest civil aviation airports in the country, Van Nuys Airport, has several companies that can accommodate you by arranging a flight to Las Vegas or anywhere you choose.
Van Nuys Airport
16461 Sherman Way, Van Nuys (818) 785 8838
