LAX Metro Experience
You can FINALLY sorta kinda take the train from LAX into Los Angeles!
There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and terrible LA public transportation. But with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games steadily approaching, the city is finally investing in infrastructure. One of the most exciting new developments is a train from LAX into the city!
I tried it out last week when I landed during rush hour and was quoted $60 for a 35 minute UberX home. I figured it was worth a try since I wasn’t in a hurry to get home.
It only took 15 minutes longer than Ubering directly from LAX-it, and I saved $47. That’s TWO Erewhon smoothies! WOW!
While it’s only really convenient if you live near a Metro stop, I can see the potential — especially once the Automated People Mover (APM) train opens in 2026, connecting LAX directly to the Metro Station.
Here’s how to take the Metro from LAX (accurate as of 8/23/2025). Skip to the Summary at the end for the TL;DR.
LAX/Metro Transit Center featuring C and K Lines
Metro Connector Shuttle
To get from LAX to the Metro station, you’ll first need to take the Metro Connector Shuttle.
Look for the pink LAX Shuttles signs outside the arrivals terminal (lower level). The “Metro Connector” shuttle takes you to the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, where you can catch city buses and the Metro C and K lines.
Shuttles are scheduled every 10 minutes and you can track them at this handy link. I only waited 6 minutes for mine.
Unfortunately, if you’re at the later terminals (T5-onward), the shuttles often fill up before they reach you, and you might be left waiting for a longgg time. I was at T6 and the bus was already crowded, but I boarded via the back door and had no issues. I realized later that no one was being allowed onto the bus via the front door.
Pro tip: Board the bus via the back door to increase your chances of being allowed to ride.
These buses will eventually be replaced by the free LAX People Mover, a train that will connect LAX directly to the Metro Station (scheduled for early 2026).
LAX/Metro Station
The shuttle ride from LAX to the station took 13 minutes. I took the escalators upstairs for the Metro trains and walked down until I reached the LAX/Metro Transit Center on the right.
You’ll need a TAP Card to get through the validators and onto the platform. If you don’t already have one, you can buy a physical card at the station or load a virtual one on your phone.
If you’re taking a bus instead of a train, stay on the lower level and check the screens for the right route.
TAP Card
You can’t tap directly with Apple Pay like in NYC and London — you must have a TAP Card! You can buy a physical TAP Card from a vending machine at the station OR you can load a virtual TAP Card onto your smartphone and add funds there. It’s a good idea to set up your virtual card while riding the shuttle to the station.
To add a TAP Card onto an iPhone:
Open your Wallet app and click on the plus sign in the top right corner
Select ‘Transit Card’
Select ‘TAP’ or search for it if it doesn’t appear
Tap ‘Continue’
Select amount of funds to add - minimum is $1 (one-way fares are currently $1.75; see current rates at Metro’s website)
Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Pay
On The Platform
The platform was clean, with plenty of Metro staff and clear signage showing train times. The posted times were accurate. Are we in Tokyo???
On The Train
The K Line train was clean and mostly empty, even during weekday rush hour. It’s not the most scenic of routes, but the ride was quick and easy. LA is known for its shitty public transportation, so the bar is low here!!
Summary
Total Time: 50 minutes from LAX curbside to my front door
Total Cost: $13.71 ($1.75 Metro fare + $11.96 Uber home from Metro stop; for reference, Uber from LAX-it to home was $60)
Split Times:
5:11pm - Started waiting for Metro Connector Shuttle to take me from LAX —> LAX/Metro Transit Center Station
5:17pm - Boarded shuttle
5:30pm - Arrived at LAX/Metro Transit Center Station
5:34pm - Metro train departed on time
5:48pm - Arrived at my Metro station on time
5:56pm - Got into Uber (called while pulling into station)
6:01pm - Arrived home
Would I do this again? Yes, but probably only during daylight hours
General Tips:
Board the Metro Connector Shuttle at LAX via the back door if possible
Load your TAP Card before arriving at the Metro station
Best for daytime trips — stations are less crowded and better lit
