Transportation in Los Angeles
L.A. is a great big highway, goes the song. And so it is. In fact, touring this sprawling urban metropolis – the second largest in the US (after New York) – without a car is very tricky and often frustrating. It can be done, but it's not easy. Dig deeper to find small neighbourhoods with their own geography and charm. The relatively compact area that runs from Venice Beach in the southwest to lush, affluent Beverly Hills in the northwest or hip adjacent West Hollywood and Westwood (in the west) shows the diversity available within an eight kilometre stretch.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Car
Everybody drives here – but, if you're under 25, it can be difficult to rent a car.
Bus
Although most locals will say that you need a car, it's not strictly true. Around 3,000 garish orange MTA buses on the city's freeways offer the main form of public transport in L.A., but very few tourists use them.
Metro
Safe, clean and punctual, the L.A. metro is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Take it from major attractions such as Universal Studios and Hollywood.
Taxi
Taxis are available, but not cheap because of the long distances involved for most journeys.
Foot
Most people don't walk, because of the jay-walking regulations – which is a shame. Strolling along the ocean front and in downtown is a great way to discover the city.
Rent your car
Car travel is the best way to get around Los Angeles, with freeways linking downtown to the Pacific coast and Orange County. Peak-time traffic can be unbearable, but can be avoided by navigating the grid of smaller local roads. Parking costs $0.25-$6 per hour, but hotels are best for overnight parking.
Transportation Tips
Five-lane highway driving takes some getting used to. However, once you get a feel for the overtaking etiquette (there isn't any!), it gets much easier. Purchasing one of those plastic-covered fold-out maps of L.A. is a smart investment.
