You just landed. The recycled plane air is still in your lungs, and honestly, the last thing you want to do is navigate the labyrinth of Los Angeles International Airport. If you're heading from LAX to Redondo Beach, you’re in luck because it’s one of the shortest hops you can make from the airport. But don't let the "seven miles" on the map fool you. This is LA. Seven miles can take fifteen minutes or an hour depending on whether a single raindrop has hit the pavement or a generic sedan has stalled on the 405.
Most people just walk out of the terminal and hope for the best. That's a mistake. You've got options ranging from the "budget-friendly but slightly annoying" to the "expensive but I just want a nap" varieties. Redondo Beach is that classic South Bay gem—divided into South Redondo (the pier and the surf) and North Redondo (more residential/commercial)—and where you’re going specifically dictates which route is smartest.
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The LAX-it Reality Check for Rideshares
If you’re planning on calling an Uber or Lyft, forget everything you know about just walking outside your terminal and seeing your driver. LAX changed the game a few years back with "LAX-it." Basically, you have to take a green shuttle or walk to a specific lot near Terminal 1 to catch your ride.
If you land at Tom Bradley International (TBIT) or Terminal 4, it's a bit of a hike. My advice? Walk if you have a light bag. The shuttles get crowded and sometimes you’ll wait longer for the bus than it takes to just hoof it. Once you’re at the lot, the ride from LAX to Redondo Beach is usually around $30 to $50, but during a "bomb cyclone" or a Friday afternoon at 5:00 PM? Expect that price to double.
Waymo is also a thing now in Los Angeles. If you’ve never tried a driverless car, the South Bay is a frequent haunt for them. They aren't always allowed to pick up directly in the inner loops of the airport just yet due to evolving regulations, but they are becoming a very real alternative to the traditional rideshare apps that keep hiking their service fees.
The Public Transit Route: It’s Better Than You Think
People love to bash LA public transit. Sometimes, they’re right. But if you’re trying to save money, the route from LAX to Redondo Beach is actually one of the more logical paths in the Metro system.
- Catch the C Line (Green) shuttle at the airport. It's marked as "Metro Rail Shuttles" under the pink signs.
- This takes you to the Aviation/LAX Station.
- Hop on the C Line heading east.
- Get off at the Redondo Beach Station.
Wait. There's a catch. The Redondo Beach Station is actually in North Redondo/Lawndale. It is nowhere near the water. If your hotel is the Portofino or the Sonesta near the pier, you’re still a three-mile Uber or a bus ride away. To get to the actual beach using only transit, you'll likely want to look at the Beach Cities Transit (BCT) Line 109. It runs from the LAX City Bus Center and goes right down through Manhattan and Hermosa into the heart of Redondo. It’s cheap. It’s slow. But the view as you hit the coast is unbeatable.
Driving Yourself: The Scenic vs. The Fast
If you’re grabbing a rental car, you’ll be taking a shuttle to the rental lots first. Once you have the keys, you have a choice.
The Fast Way: Take Sepulveda Blvd (Hwy 1) south. It’s straight. It’s boring. It has a lot of traffic lights. If the 405 is clear (rarely), you could jump on that, but for Redondo, it’s usually overkill.
The Scenic Way: If you aren't in a rush, cut over to Vista Del Mar. You’ll drive right along the perimeter of the airport, watch planes take off over your head, and then cruise alongside the ocean through Playa del Rey and El Segundo. It eventually turns into Highland Ave in Manhattan Beach and then leads you right into Redondo. Honestly, if it's sunset, do this. It turns a stressful commute into a "welcome to California" moment.
Parking in Redondo (The Silent Killer)
You’ve made it from LAX to Redondo Beach. Now what? If you’re staying at a vacation rental in South Redondo, check the signs. Redondo is notorious for street sweeping tickets and "resident only" permits. The Pier has a massive parking structure, and while it’s convenient, it’s not exactly cheap for long-term stays. Most people get caught off guard by the 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM parking bans in certain neighborhoods.
Why People Choose Redondo Over Santa Monica
A lot of travelers landing at LAX head north to Santa Monica because it’s "famous." Big mistake if you hate crowds. Redondo has a far more local vibe. The Redondo Beach Pier is quirky—it’s shaped like a giant horseshoe. You can get fresh Dungeness crab at Quality Seafood where they literally crack it in front of you on a wooden tray. It’s gritty in a good way.
Then there’s the "King Harbor" area. If you’re into paddleboarding or want to see sea lions without the pier-carnival atmosphere, this is your spot. It’s only about 15-20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect "layover escape" if you have an eight-hour gap between flights.
Hidden Logistics Most People Ignore
- The Southbound Sepulveda Tunnel: When leaving LAX to go south, you’ll go through a tunnel under the runways. It’s a cool experience, but GPS sometimes loses its mind in there. If you miss the turn for Hwy 1 South right after the tunnel, you'll end up in a residential part of El Segundo and have to loop back.
- The "FlyAway" Option: There isn't a direct FlyAway bus to Redondo Beach. The closest it gets is Long Beach or Union Station. Don't take it. You’ll be going way out of your way.
- Taxis: Believe it or not, sometimes a traditional yellow cab is faster at LAX because they can pick you up right at the curb (on the Lower/Arrivals level). No shuttle to the LAX-it lot required. If the line for the LAX-it shuttle looks like a Coachella entrance, just walk to the taxi stand. It might cost $10 more, but your time is worth something.
Actual Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
First, check the traffic on Google Maps or Waze the second you turn your phone on after landing. If the 105 and 405 are deep red, stick to the surface streets like Pershing Drive or Vista Del Mar.
Second, if you're traveling with a group of three or more, skip the bus. The cost of three Metro fares and the subsequent Uber from the train station will almost equal a single UberXL from the airport.
Third, if you have a late-night arrival (after 11:00 PM), the LAX-it shuttles run less frequently. This is the time to splurge on a taxi or a "Black" car service that is authorized for curbside pickup.
Finally, once you arrive in Redondo, head straight to the Esplanade. It’s the long stretch of road overlooking the ocean. Walk south toward RAT (Right After Torrance) Beach. It’s the best way to decompress after the chaos of the airport. Redondo isn't just a destination; it's a breather from the rest of Los Angeles.
Check the street signs twice. Avoid the 405 during Friday afternoon "getaway" hours. Drink a local beer at a spot like King Harbor Brewing once you’ve dropped your bags. You’ve successfully navigated the LAX to Redondo Beach gauntlet.