My First Ride in LA: Navigating the City’s Public Transit System

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The first transit ride for many visitors to Los Angeles often begins at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where the lack of direct Metro rail connections has long posed a challenge for travelers. According to a 2024 report by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), LAX remains one of the few major U.S. airports without a direct rail link, requiring passengers to rely on buses, shuttles, or rideshares to reach the city’s transit network.

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A personal account published by Defector in July 2026 described the experience of navigating this system: “My first transit ride in Los Angeles was to get from LAX—which is not directly connected to any Metro line—so I opted for the 170 bus, which runs every 15 minutes but takes 45 minutes to reach the Westwood/VA Hospital Metro station.” The writer noted the bus’s frequent delays and the lack of real-time tracking information, highlighting the frustrations of relying on a system that prioritizes cars over public transit.

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Metro’s 2023 Capital Improvement Program includes a proposed rail extension to LAX, but the project remains in the planning phase. A spokesperson for Metro stated in a July 2026 interview that “the agency is evaluating options to improve connectivity, but funding and infrastructure challenges mean a rail link is not imminent.” Meanwhile, the existing bus routes, such as the 170 and 190, are among the most utilized for airport access, according to Metro’s ridership data.

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The reliance on buses has drawn criticism from transit advocates. “LAX’s lack of rail access is a systemic failure of urban planning,” said Laura Alvarez, a transportation analyst with the Los Angeles County Transportation Development Authority (LACTD). “While the city has invested heavily in Metro’s rail network, the airport remains an afterthought, disproportionately affecting non-drivers and low-income residents.”

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Alternative options for LAX travelers include the FlyAway bus, a regional service operated by the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) that connects to Union Station and other downtown hubs. However, the FlyAway’s $10 one-way fare and limited frequency have led some passengers to opt for rideshares, which now account for over 30% of airport departures, according to a 2025 LAWA report.

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Efforts to improve connectivity have included the 2026 launch of the LAX Automated People Mover (APM), a 2.7-mile underground train system designed to link the airport’s terminals with the Metro Rail’s Crenshaw/LAX Line. The APM, which opened in February 2026, allows passengers to transfer to the Crenshaw Line at the LAX Station, reducing travel time to downtown Los Angeles by approximately 20 minutes.

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Despite these developments, challenges persist. A 2026 study by the University of Southern California’s Luskin School of Public Affairs found that 42% of LAX travelers still use private vehicles, citing the complexity of navigating bus routes and the lack of clear signage. The study’s lead author, Dr. Michael Chen, noted that “while the APM is a step forward, it does not address the broader issue of integrating airport access with the city’s transit network.”

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For now, travelers like the Defector writer remain reliant on a patchwork of services. “I ended up taking the 170 bus, which was late, and then transferring to the Metro Red Line,” they wrote. “It worked, but it felt like a test of patience—and I hadn’t even left the city yet.”

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As Los Angeles continues to expand its transit infrastructure, the question of how to connect its largest airport to the broader system remains a pressing issue. With the city’s population projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, officials face mounting pressure to address gaps in mobility that affect both residents and visitors.

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According to Metro’s 2026 strategic plan, the agency is exploring partnerships with regional transit authorities to streamline connections between LAX and the Metro system. However, without dedicated funding or political will, the prospect of a direct rail link remains uncertain. For now, the journey from LAX to the heart of Los Angeles continues to test the patience of even the most seasoned travelers.