Planning a trip to Los Angeles can be exciting, but with such a massive city full of neighborhoods, freeways, and hidden gems, it helps to know a few things before you go. Whether you’re flying in for a few days or staying a full week, getting around L.A. takes a bit of strategy. But don’t worry. This page breaks down exactly what you need to know, from airport tips and public transport options to the best times to visit and what apps make life easier once you land.
LA isn’t like other cities. There’s no single city center, it’s more like a collection of unique districts, each with its own vibe. Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Downtown, Silver Lake, West Hollywood, they all offer something different. And because the city is so spread out, having a plan for how to move between neighborhoods will save you hours of frustration.
Whether you’re renting a car, using rideshares, or figuring out the Metro, this page gives you realistic, local-style advice. We’ll also go over things like travel passes, airport arrivals, the best months to visit, and even what to pack. So if you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Los Angeles without stress, this is the place to start.
Getting To and From the Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- LAX-it Shuttle: Free shuttle from terminals to rideshare/taxi pickup lot (every 5–10 min).
- FlyAway Bus: $9.75 one-way to Union Station (Downtown) or Van Nuys; runs every 30–60 minutes.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): ~$35–$60 depending on traffic and time of day.
- Car Rentals: Shuttles run from outside baggage claim to nearby rental centers.
Insider tip: Avoid arriving at LAX during weekday rush hours (7–10 AM and 3–7 PM) if possible. Traffic around the airport can add 30–45 extra minutes.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Do You Need a Car?
Yes, if you plan to explore multiple neighborhoods, beaches, or hikes. Public transport exists but isn’t comprehensive.
No, if you stay local in walkable areas like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Downtown and rely on rideshare or hotel shuttles.
Metro & Public Transit
- Metro Rail: Connects Downtown to Santa Monica, Hollywood, Universal City, and Long Beach. $1.75 per ride or $7 daily pass.
- Metro Buses: Extensive coverage, but often slow in traffic.
- TAP Card: Reloadable transit card usable on all Metro buses and trains. Available at kiosks or in app.
Insider tip: Download the Transit or Moovit app for real-time Metro updates and trip planning.
Alternative Transportation
- Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are everywhere. Budget around $12–30 per ride depending on distance and time.
- Scooters/Bikes: Bird, Lime, and Metro Bike Share available in Venice, DTLA, Santa Monica.
- Walking: Great in areas like Venice Beach, West Hollywood, and Silver Lake, but not always ideal due to long distances and lack of sidewalks in some areas.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
- March to May and September to November offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June-August) is busy and dry but beach weather is prime.
- Winter (Dec-Feb) is mild with occasional rain, fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.
What to Pack
- Layers! Evenings can be cool, even in summer.
- Good walking shoes! You’ll thank yourself after exploring Griffith or Venice.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are year-round essentials.
- A portable phone charger (e.g. a power bank). Navigation apps eat battery fast.
Where to Stay (Quick Overview)
- Families: Santa Monica, Marina del Rey
- Couples: West Hollywood, Silver Lake
- Solo travelers: Hollywood, Downtown LA
- Budget-conscious: Koreatown, Culver City
- Luxury seekers: Beverly Hills, Malibu
Must-Have Apps for LA Travel
- Transit / Moovit: Public transportation planning
- Google Maps / Waze: Driving with live traffic
- Uber / Lyft: Ride-hailing
- SpotHero / ParkWhiz: Parking spots
- Yelp / OpenTable: Restaurant reviews and reservations
Enjoy planning your trip to Los Angeles! We are sure you will have a blast in this wonderful city!