L.A. traffic is a literal nightmare. Honestly, if you've ever tried to navigate the 405 or the 105 during rush hour—or basically any hour that ends in "m"—you know the soul-crushing reality of staring at brake lights while your flight departure time creeps closer. That's why the FlyAway Union Station to LAX bus exists. It’s not flashy. It’s a big blue bus. But it's arguably the most consistent thing in a city defined by chaos.
People usually assume an Uber is better. It's not. Between the surge pricing that can hit $70 from Downtown LA and the nightmare of the LAX-it pickup lot, the FlyAway starts looking like a stroke of genius.
The Reality of the FlyAway Union Station to LAX Route
The trip usually takes about 35 to 60 minutes. That’s a wide window, I know. But that's California for you. On a clear Sunday morning? You’ll fly down the ExpressLanes. On a rainy Tuesday at 5:00 PM? Strap in.
The bus uses the high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the I-110 Harbor Freeway. This is the secret sauce. While everyone else is glued to the pavement in the general purpose lanes, the FlyAway zips past at 65 mph. It’s deeply satisfying. You’re sitting high up, looking down at the commuters, and you didn't have to pay the $15 toll yourself.
Where exactly is this thing?
You’ll find the pickup point at Union Station East. Don't go to the historic front with the white arches and the leather chairs—that's the west side. You want the side with the giant glass dome and the Metro headquarters. Specifically, it's at Bay 1 of the Patsaouras Transit Plaza.
If you're coming from the Metro (B or D lines), just follow the signs for "Union Station East" or "Patsaouras Plaza." It’s a bit of a walk through the tunnel. Wear comfortable shoes.
Paying the Fare Without Losing Your Mind
Here is the thing about the FlyAway Union Station to LAX: they don't take cash. Don't even try. The drivers will just look at you sadly. You have a few options that actually work:
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- The Official Website: You can buy a ticket on your phone and show the QR code.
- TAP Card: If you have a balance on your Los Angeles transit card, you can tap it at the kiosk.
- Credit/Debit: There are kiosks right there at the plaza.
The fare has stayed remarkably steady at $9.75 one-way. Compared to the price of gas or a rideshare, it's basically free. Well, not free, but you get what I mean. It's a bargain in a city where a sandwich costs $18.
Timing is everything
Buses generally run every 30 minutes. During the peak morning and evening rushes, they sometimes bump that up. But don't count on it. Check the schedule on the LAX FlyAway site before you leave. I've seen people show up three minutes late and watch the bus pull out—it’s heartbreaking.
What It's Like Inside the Bus
It’s a motorcoach. Think reclining seats, overhead bins, and that specific "bus smell" that isn't great but isn't terrible. Most of them have Wi-Fi. Does it work? Kinda. It's fine for emails, but don't expect to stream 4K video while you're crossing the 105.
There are also USB outlets usually located under the seats. They are lifesavers if your phone died while you were navigating the subway.
One major perk is the luggage space. You don't have to haul your 50-pound suitcase onto the bus with you. The driver opens the bays underneath, you chuck your bag in, and you forget about it until you hit the terminal.
The LAX Drop-off Sequence
The bus stops at every single terminal. It starts at Terminal 1 and works its way around the horseshoe. If you’re flying International (Tom Bradley / TBIT), you'll be one of the last ones off.
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Pro tip: If the traffic inside the LAX central terminal area (CTA) looks like a parking lot—which it often does—and you're flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, sometimes it's faster to hop off at Terminal 1 and just walk across the parking garages. It sounds crazy, but I've done it. You save twenty minutes of idling in a loop.
Why Locals Choose This Over Driving
Parking at LAX is a scam. Even the "budget" lots are charging $20, $30, or $50 a day. If you're gone for a week, you've just spent $300 to let your car sit in a dusty lot near Sepulveda.
The FlyAway Union Station to LAX removes that math. You get dropped off at the curb. Not the "LAX-it" lot where you have to take a shuttle to get to your Uber. The bus goes directly to the departure level.
What most people get wrong
A lot of travelers think the FlyAway is only for people living in Downtown. Not true. Because Union Station is the hub for Metrolink and Amtrak, people come in from Ventura, Orange County, and the Inland Empire to catch this bus. It's the "Grand Central" of the West.
I once met a guy who took the Surfliner train from San Diego, got off at Union Station, and hopped the FlyAway. He said it was cheaper and less stressful than driving the 5 freeway. I believe him.
Navigating the Return Trip: LAX to Union Station
Finding the bus when you land is actually harder than finding it at Union Station. Look for the green signs on the Lower/Arrivals level that say "FlyAway & Long Distance Vans."
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Don't stand under the blue signs. Those are for different shuttles.
The bus will pull up, and you'll see "Union Station" on the digital display. Make sure it says Union Station! There used to be routes to Van Nuys, Hollywood, and Long Beach. Nowadays, it's mostly Union Station and Van Nuys, but always check the sign.
You pay when you arrive at Union Station for the return trip. You’ll get off the bus, walk to the little ticket window, pay your fare, and then they'll give you a ticket to show the driver so you can get your bags. It feels a little backward, but it keeps the line moving at the airport.
Important Limitations to Keep in Mind
Look, it's not perfect. Nothing in LA is.
- No Reservations: You can't reserve a seat. It's first-come, first-served. If the bus is full, you're waiting another 30 minutes. This rarely happens at Union Station, but it can happen at LAX during the holidays.
- The "L.A. Factor": If there's a major accident on the 110, the bus is stuck just like everyone else. It doesn't have wings.
- Late Night Gaps: The bus doesn't run 24/7 with high frequency. Late at night, the gaps between buses can get longer. If you land at 2:00 AM, check the schedule or you might be waiting an hour in the cold (well, "LA cold").
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
To make the most of the FlyAway Union Station to LAX, follow this checklist:
- Download the TAP App: Load $10 onto a virtual TAP card on your phone. It’s the fastest way to pay and bypasses the kiosk lines.
- Aim for "One Bus Early": If you need to be at LAX by 2:00 PM, don't take the bus that arrives at 1:45 PM. Take the one that leaves Union Station at 12:30 PM. Give yourself that buffer.
- Check the "East" vs. "West" Entrance: If you are being dropped off by a friend at Union Station, tell them to go to 801 Vignes St. That's the entrance for the Patsaouras Plaza. If they drop you at the front on Alameda, you’re going to be hiking through the station for ten minutes.
- Keep Your Ticket: If you buy a round-trip or use a paper ticket, don't lose it. The staff is pretty strict about seeing proof of payment before you exit the terminal area at Union Station.
The FlyAway is the unsung hero of Southern California transit. It’s reliable, it’s affordable, and it lets you browse your phone instead of screaming at a Prius that just cut you off in the HOV lane. Use it. Your blood pressure will thank you.