You just landed. LAX is a sensory assault of construction walls, frantic terminal changes, and that oddly specific smell of jet fuel mixed with salty Pacific air. If you're heading toward Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, or basically anywhere else in the basin, you've likely realized that an Uber might cost you $70 and forty minutes of sitting in a Honda Civic while staring at a bumper sticker. Honestly, there's a better way. The shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station, officially known as the LAX FlyAway, is the city's open secret for avoiding the "LAX-it" ride-share nightmare.
It’s cheap. It’s consistent. It’s also a bit confusing if you haven't done it before.
Most people think public transit in Los Angeles is a myth or a horror story. It isn't. The FlyAway is actually one of the few things the city got right. It’s a dedicated motorcoach service that bypasses the local bus stops and heads straight for the heart of the city. But if you're standing at the curb under a green sign wondering where the bus is, you need to know a few things first.
Where do you actually find the shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station?
Stop looking for a giant terminal. You won't find one.
The FlyAway picks up at every single terminal at LAX. You just need to walk out of baggage claim, look up, and find the blue signs that say "FlyAway." They are usually located on the Lower/Arrivals level on the inner curb. Don't go to the "LAX-it" lot for this. That’s for ride-shares and taxis. The FlyAway comes to you.
Wait.
The bus might say "Van Nuys" on the front. Do not get on that one unless you want to end up in the deep San Fernando Valley. You are looking for the bus that explicitly says "Union Station" in bright LEDs across the top. It’s a big, blue bus. You can't miss it, unless you're distracted by the 500 people trying to find their shuttle to the car rental lots.
The frequency is usually every 30 minutes. Sometimes, if traffic is being particularly "Los Angeles," it might be 40. Keep your eyes peeled because the drivers don't always linger if nobody looks like they’re boarding.
📖 Related: Weather San Diego 92111: Why It’s Kinda Different From the Rest of the City
The cost and the weird "No Cash" rule
Let’s talk money because this is where people usually get stuck at the front of the line while a dozen angry travelers wait behind them. The shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station costs $9.75.
That’s it.
Compare that to a $60 Lyft during surge pricing. However—and this is a big however—they do not take cash. They will not take your $10 bill. They will not take your loose change. You have to pay via credit card, debit card, or a TAP card (the LA Metro transit card).
Most people just buy their ticket on their phone while they're waiting. There’s a website (laxflyaway.org) where you can buy a ticket, get a QR code, and just show it to the driver. It’s significantly faster. If you’re tech-averse, you can pay with a card at the kiosk once you arrive at Union Station, but honestly, just do it on your phone. It saves everyone the headache.
Is it worth ten bucks? Absolutely. You get a seat that actually reclines a little bit, overhead storage for your smaller bags, and a massive luggage bay underneath for your heavy suitcases. The drivers do the heavy lifting. Tip them a buck or two if they handle your bags; it’s just good karma in a city that runs on tips.
Navigating the route: What to expect on the 110
Once you're on the bus, the real "L.A. Experience" starts. The bus merges into the maelstrom of the 105 or the 110 freeway.
Depending on the time of day, this trip can take 35 minutes or an hour and 15 minutes. There is no in-between. If you are traveling at 8:00 AM or 5:00 PM, bring a podcast. The bus uses the ExpressLanes (the carpool lanes you usually have to pay for), so it actually moves faster than the general sea of traffic. Watching people sit in gridlock while you breeze past at 60 mph in a giant blue bus is a top-tier Los Angeles feeling.
👉 See also: Weather Las Vegas NV Monthly: What Most People Get Wrong About the Desert Heat
Why Union Station is the "Boss Move" for travelers
Why are you going to Union Station anyway?
Because it’s the nervous system of the city. Once the shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station drops you off at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Bus Plaza), you are seconds away from:
- The Metro B Line (Red): Takes you to Civic Center, Pershing Square, and Hollywood.
- The Metro D Line (Purple): Heads toward Koreatown.
- The A Line (Blue): Goes all the way to Long Beach or up to Pasadena.
- Amtrak/Metrolink: If you’re heading to San Diego, Santa Barbara, or the suburbs.
Union Station itself is stunning. It’s the "Last of the Great Railway Stations." Take a second to look at the leather club chairs and the hand-painted ceiling tiles in the waiting room. It looks like a movie set because it usually is one.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Don't be the person who misses their flight because they didn't account for the "LAX Loop."
When you're taking the FlyAway back to the airport from Union Station, remember that the bus has to stop at every single terminal. It starts at Terminal 1 and goes all the way around to Terminal 7. If you are flying United (Terminal 7) or Southwest (Terminal 1), your arrival times at the curb will be very different.
If you're heading to the airport, give yourself at least three hours before your flight. Seriously. The 110 freeway is a fickle mistress. One stalled car near Exposition Park can turn a 30-minute jaunt into a grueling expedition.
Another tip: The bus has Wi-Fi. It's... fine. Don't expect to stream 4K video, but you can check your emails or Slack. There are also power outlets under the seats usually, though they've seen better days and might be a little loose.
✨ Don't miss: Weather in Lexington Park: What Most People Get Wrong
Real talk: Is it better than an Uber?
If you are a solo traveler or a couple, the FlyAway is a no-brainer. $19.50 for two people beats $75 plus tip any day of the week.
If you are a family of five? At that point, the math gets fuzzy. You're paying nearly $50 for the bus, and a large Uber XL might actually be cheaper and drop you directly at your hotel.
But for most people, the shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station is the most efficient way to bridge the gap between the airport and the rest of Southern California. It removes the stress of navigating the "Horseshoe" (the airport's chaotic circular roadway) in a rental car or trying to find your specific Uber driver among a sea of white Teslas.
Getting your bearings at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza
When the bus arrives at Union Station, it doesn't drop you at the front entrance with the palm trees. It drops you at the back, at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza.
To get to the trains, follow the crowd into the tunnel. This long, tiled hallway (the East Portal) takes you under the tracks. You'll see the big boards listing the Amtrak and Metrolink departures. If you need the Metro (the subway), keep walking toward the center of the tunnel.
It’s easy to get turned around here. Just remember: West is toward the old, beautiful waiting room and Olvera Street. East is where you just came from.
Actionable steps for a smooth ride
Ready to go? Here is exactly how to handle the shuttle bus from LAX to Union Station like a local.
- Download the App or Bookmark the Site: Go to the LAX FlyAway website the moment you land and buy your ticket. It’s valid for 30 days, so you don't need to worry about the exact minute of purchase.
- Follow the Blue: Walk out of the terminal, ignore the people offering "private rides" (those are illegal and expensive), and stand under the blue FlyAway sign.
- Check the Sign: Ensure the bus says Union Station. Ask the driver if you're unsure. They’re usually pretty helpful even if they're in a rush.
- Load the Luggage: If you have a big bag, put it in the bottom compartment. Keep your small bag with you.
- Scan and Sit: Show your QR code to the driver or the ticket agent at the destination.
- Stay Alert: If you’re heading to the airport, know your terminal number before you get on so you know when to hop off.
The FlyAway isn't glamorous. It’s a bus. But in a city known for some of the worst traffic on the planet, having a dedicated, reliable, and affordable link between the airport and the train station is a massive win. You save money, you save the stress of driving, and you get a decent view of the downtown skyline as you pull into the city.
Just remember: no cash, check the destination sign, and maybe bring a pair of headphones. You'll be at Union Station before you know it.