Los Angeles Airport Transfers: LAX & Burbank Guide

Los Angeles is served by two main airports for most visitors — Los Angeles International (LAX) on the west side, and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to the north. Both require planning to navigate, since LA’s car-centric layout means public transit connections are less comprehensive than in cities like New York or Chicago. Here’s how to reach the main destinations from each airport.

LAX — Los Angeles International Airport

LAX is 16 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and roughly 15 miles from Hollywood. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, and traffic on the Century Freeway (I-105) and the 405 Freeway corridor can add significant time to surface transfers.

FlyAway Bus

The LAX FlyAway is a direct non-stop bus service operated by Los Angeles World Airports. It runs between LAX and several locations across the city.

Routes (as of 2026):

• Union Station (Downtown): Every 30 minutes, approximately $9.75 each way. Journey time 35–55 minutes. Union Station connects to Metro Rail (A, B, D, E lines) and Metrolink regional rail.
• Van Nuys: Serves the San Fernando Valley, approximately $9.75 each way.
• Westwood/UCLA: Approximately $9.75 each way, useful for Santa Monica and Westside accommodation.

FlyAway buses operate 24 hours a day from most major terminals. Purchase tickets at the FlyAway counters inside the terminals or online. Buses depart from the lower level of each terminal.

Metro Rail

LAX does not have a direct Metro connection inside the terminal campus. The free LAX Shuttle G runs between all terminals and the 96th Street/Aviation Metro C Line (Green Line) station approximately every 10–15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

From Aviation/96th St, you can:

• Take the C Line south to Redondo Beach, or north to Norwalk
• Transfer at Expo/Crenshaw (connecting to the E Line / Expo Line) toward downtown Culver City, USC, and downtown Los Angeles
• Transfer at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks for the A Line (Blue Line) toward Long Beach or downtown

The new Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor (K Line) now also connects Aviation/96th St more directly toward Crenshaw and the Wilshire corridor. Transit fares with a TAP card are approximately $1.75 per ride as of 2026.

Allow at least 60–80 minutes total travel time from the terminal to downtown Los Angeles via Metro.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

All rideshare pickups from LAX operate from the LAX-it lot, located a short free shuttle ride from all terminals. Ride-hailing from the kerb or at regular taxi areas is not permitted.

Steps:

1. Exit arrivals, follow LAX-it shuttle signs on the lower roadway level
2. Board the free shuttle to the LAX-it lot (5–10 minutes)
3. Once at the lot, open your Uber or Lyft app and request a ride

Typical fares to popular destinations (as of 2026):

• Santa Monica: approximately $25–$45
• Venice Beach: approximately $25–$40
• Hollywood / Koreatown: approximately $35–$60
• Downtown Los Angeles: approximately $30–$55
• Beverly Hills: approximately $30–$50
• Anaheim / Disneyland area: approximately $70–$110

Surge pricing is common Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. If you are flexible, waiting 20–30 minutes after claiming bags can reduce surge costs.

Taxi

Traditional taxis queue at the LAX-it lot alongside rideshare. Licensed LA taxis are metered; expect approximately $50–$75 to downtown and approximately $55–$80 to Hollywood, before tip. Taxis are available 24 hours.

Private Transfer

For guaranteed fixed pricing and a meet-and-greet inside arrivals, pre-booked private transfers remove the stress of the LAX-it lot queue. Book with [/go/transfers-usa] (Kiwitaxi) for pre-paid, fixed-rate transfers from LAX to any LA destination. Compare options at [/go/transfers-usa-gettransfer] (GetTransfer) or [/go/welcome-pickups-usa] (Welcome Pickups).

Typical pre-booked private transfer rates from LAX (as of 2026):

• To downtown LA or Hollywood: approximately $75–$110 for a standard sedan
• To Anaheim (Disneyland area): approximately $100–$140
• To Beverly Hills / West Hollywood: approximately $70–$95

Private transfers operate 24 hours and track your flight for delays.

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Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Burbank is in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 13 miles north of Hollywood and 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is smaller and easier to navigate than LAX, and often the better option for travellers staying in Hollywood, the Valley, or Pasadena.

Metrolink

Burbank Airport is one of the few California airports with a direct rail connection. The Metrolink Ventura County Line stops at Burbank Airport–North station, a short walk from the terminal. Trains run to Los Angeles Union Station in approximately 35–45 minutes.

Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $11–$13 each way, depending on zone. Trains run frequently during peak hours (approximately every 30–60 minutes) but less often on evenings and weekends.

From Union Station, you can connect to Metro Rail for onward travel across the city.

Rideshare

Rideshare pickup at Burbank Airport is straightforward compared to LAX — designated zones are a short walk from the terminal. Fares to Hollywood run approximately $20–$35. To downtown LA, expect approximately $35–$55.

Taxi and Private Transfer

Licensed taxis are available at the terminal. Pre-booked private cars offer fixed rates and are particularly good value for groups or travellers with a lot of luggage. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] or [/go/welcome-pickups-usa].

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Comparing Your Options

Route	Method	Approx. cost	Approx. time
LAX → Downtown LA	FlyAway + Metro	$11–$12	70–90 min
LAX → Downtown LA	Rideshare	$30–$55	35–60 min
LAX → Hollywood	Rideshare	$35–$60	30–55 min
LAX → Santa Monica	Rideshare	$25–$45	20–40 min
LAX → Anywhere	Private transfer	$70–$140	25–60 min
BUR → Hollywood	Rideshare	$20–$35	20–30 min
BUR → Downtown LA	Metrolink + Metro	$11–$15	55–75 min

Costs and times as of 2026. LA traffic varies enormously by time of day.

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Tips for LA Airport Transfers

Time your arrival wisely. LA traffic is among the worst in the country. The 405 Freeway near LAX clogs severely from 7–9am and 3:30–7pm on weekdays. If you have a choice, plan arrivals outside these windows.

Do not attempt Uber/Lyft from the terminal kerb at LAX. You will be redirected to the LAX-it lot regardless — save the confusion by heading there directly.

FlyAway to Union Station is underused and reliable. Many travellers overlook it in favour of rideshare. If you are staying anywhere near Metro Rail lines, FlyAway + Metro is vastly cheaper and often comparable in time to a rideshare during congestion.

Burbank for north LA stays. If you are heading to Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, or the San Fernando Valley, flying into BUR often saves 30–60 minutes of transfer time compared to LAX.

Book private transfers for early departures. For 5am or 6am flights, rideshare surge pricing is often high and availability can be unpredictable. A pre-booked private car through [/go/transfers-usa] guarantees pickup at a fixed price.

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