Getting Around Los Angeles, Chile: A Practical Transport Guide
Los Angeles has a complex multimodal transportation system serving the region. While cars dominate local travel, visitors have several options for getting around the city and reaching it from the airport. This guide covers the main transport modes and how to use them effectively.
Arriving at the Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the region. LAX is one of the world's busiest commercial airports and a major entry point for international visitors to the United States. Nearly all major airlines fly into LAX, and hundreds of rental cars are available from major agencies near the airport.
The most convenient public transport option from LAX is the LAX FlyAway express bus service, which offers comfortable, fast, and relatively frequent connections to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and to Van Nuys. Many connecting bus routes also serve destinations throughout Southern California from the airport.
The Los Angeles metropolitan area is also served by four other major commercial airports, which may be closer depending on your destination. Hollywood Burbank Airport is located in the San Fernando Valley, northeast of Downtown LA. From there, you can take a free shuttle to the North Hollywood Red Line subway station and ride south to central areas, or use Metrolink/Amtrak trains to Downtown. Long Beach Airport serves southern Los Angeles County, while Ontario International Airport and John Wayne Airport serve the Inland Empire and Orange County respectively. None of these five airports have direct train service.
Rail Networks: Metro Rail, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail
Los Angeles Metro has built an extensive network of light and heavy rail lines across the city and greater Los Angeles County. Union Station, located in Downtown Los Angeles, serves as the major regional hub for all rail services.
Union Station is well-designed for visitors, featuring Mission Revival architecture, spacious waiting areas, and on-site dining and shopping. The station is directly connected to LA's public transit system, with a Metro Red/Purple Line subway station in the basement and a Metro Gold Line light rail station. This makes Union Station an excellent central point for accessing the city's rail network and connecting to buses.
Within the city, the Metro Rail system includes subway and light rail lines serving various neighborhoods and destinations. The Red/Purple Line subway connects Downtown with areas north and south, while the Gold Line provides light rail service to other parts of the city and county. These rail lines form the backbone of public transit connectivity.
Buses and Public Transport
Los Angeles has numerous bus lines serving the city and broader region. Many bus routes connect to Union Station and the Patsaouras Bus Plaza adjacent to the station, making this a key transfer point for navigating the city by public transport.
The LAX FlyAway shuttle provides express bus service from LAX to Union Station and Van Nuys, offering a practical alternative to taxis or rental cars for airport arrivals. Beyond this, a network of local and regional bus lines connects various neighborhoods, though service patterns vary by area.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are available at major transport hubs including Union Station (at the main Alameda Street entrance) and at the airport. Ride-hailing companies operate throughout the Los Angeles area, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walkability and Getting Around by Car
Much of Los Angeles is car-dependent, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation for residents. The city is served by numerous freeways and major highways crisscrossing the region. If you choose to drive, be aware that rush hour typically occurs on weekdays between 5 am and 10 am, and from 3 pm to 7 pm, though traffic can extend beyond these windows. Traffic may also be heavier before major holidays.
Many neighborhoods have limited pedestrian infrastructure, so walkability varies considerably depending on which area you're visiting. Downtown Los Angeles near Union Station is more walkable, with the Civic Center, Olvera Street, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo all within short walking distance of the station. However, other parts of the city are more spread out and require motorized transport to navigate efficiently.
Planning Your Transit
Los Angeles is a very large metropolitan area, and any journey will generally require substantial travel. Choose your airport carefully based on your final destination, as using a closer airport can save significant time and hassle. When arriving by train at Union Station, note that the station is patrolled by security and people lingering without a ticket may be asked to leave.
For longer journeys within the region or to other cities, Amtrak provides intercity rail service from Union Station with connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Seattle, Chicago, and other destinations. This makes Union Station a practical hub for both regional exploration and longer trips.