Honestly, Los Angeles traffic is a special kind of nightmare. If you've ever tried to get a rideshare from Downtown LA to the airport during rush hour, you already know the pain of watching that "estimated arrival" time climb while your bank account drains. It's brutal. But there’s a better way. Taking the bus from LA Union Station to LAX—specifically the FlyAway service—is basically the best-kept secret for anyone who hates overpaying for a stressful car ride.
It’s cheap. It’s fast. And it actually works.
Most people assume public transit in LA is a mess, but the FlyAway is different. It’s a dedicated motorcoach. You aren't squeezing onto a crowded city bus with fifty stops in between; you're hopping on a high-back seat with luggage storage underneath and heading straight to the terminals.
What is the FlyAway and How Does it Work?
The FlyAway is the primary bus from LA Union Station to LAX operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). It’s been around for decades, yet I still see people standing at the Union Station taxi stand looking confused.
The bus picks up at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza. If you are coming from the Metro (Red, Purple, or Gold lines) or an Amtrak/Metrolink train, you just follow the signs for "FlyAway" or "Patsaouras Plaza." It’s located on the east side of the station. Look for Bay 1. You can’t miss it; there’s usually a line of people with suitcases looking slightly more relaxed than the folks stuck in traffic on the 101.
Timing is everything. The bus generally runs every 30 minutes. Sometimes it’s every 20 minutes during peak hours, but a safe bet is to check the official FlyAway schedule before you leave.
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One thing that trips people up: you cannot pay with cash. Don't even try. The drivers won't take it. You have to pay via credit card, debit card, or a TAP card with stored value. You can buy tickets online ahead of time, which is what most smart travelers do to avoid fumbling with a phone at the boarding gate. As of early 2026, the fare sits around $9.75. Compare that to a $60 Uber and the math starts looking really good.
Getting There: The Union Station Experience
Union Station itself is a landmark. It’s beautiful, honestly. But don't get too distracted by the architecture if you're on a tight schedule.
If you are arriving by car to catch the bus from LA Union Station to LAX, there is long-term parking available under the station (Gateway Plaza Garage). It’s about $8 a day, which is significantly cheaper than parking at the airport. You enter on Vignes Street.
Walking to the bus bay is simple. From the main waiting room, you head through the long passenger tunnel toward the East Portal. Once you see the big glass dome and the aquarium (yes, there's a small aquarium), head up the escalators to the plaza.
The ride takes anywhere from 35 minutes to over an hour. It depends entirely on the 110 freeway. Even with the carpool lanes, LA traffic is unpredictable. If your flight is international, give yourself a massive buffer. Seriously. Don't be that person sprinting through Tom Bradley International Terminal because you thought the 405 would be "clear today." It’s never clear.
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Why the Bus Beats Every Other Option
People love to complain about the "FlyAway experience," but let's look at the alternatives.
The Metro C Line (Green) involves taking a train to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks, transferring, taking another train to Aviation/LAX, and then hopping on a shuttle. That's three transfers. With luggage? No thanks.
Then there's the Uber/Lyft situation. Beyond the cost, there's the "LAX-it" nightmare. When you arrive at LAX, you can't just call a car to the curb anymore. You have to take a shuttle to a remote parking lot to meet your driver. By the time you do all that, you could have already been halfway to Union Station on the FlyAway.
The bus from LA Union Station to LAX drops you off right at the departure level of your specific terminal. It stops at Terminal 1, 2, 3, Tom Bradley (TBIT), 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Just tell the driver which airline you're flying when they load your bags. They’ll put your suitcase in the right section of the cargo hold so they can pull it out quickly when you arrive.
Pro Tips for a Smoother Ride
- Download the App: Use the FlyAway website or app to buy your ticket in advance. It generates a QR code. It’s way faster.
- Check the Terminal: If you’re flying Southwest, get off at Terminal 1. If you're flying Delta, it's Terminal 3. If you're going to London or Tokyo, you’re likely at Tom Bradley. Pay attention to the announcements.
- WiFi Reality Check: They say there is WiFi on the bus. In my experience? It’s hit or miss. Don't plan on hosting a Zoom call or downloading a 4K movie during the ride. Just enjoy the view of the skyline.
- Luggage Limits: Generally, you can bring two bags for the hold and one carry-on. If you're moving your entire life in six suitcases, you might have issues.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the bus is five minutes late. Sometimes the AC is a little too cold. But for under ten bucks, it is the most reliable, cost-effective way to bridge the gap between the heart of the city and the airport.
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What Happens When You Head Back?
Coming from LAX to Union Station is just as easy, but the pickup points are different. You need to look for the Green FlyAway signs on the Lower/Arrivals level islands.
Each terminal has a designated spot. Don't stand under the Red signs (Hotel shuttles) or the Blue signs (LAX-it). Look for Green. The bus will say "Union Station" on the front. Make sure it doesn't say "Van Nuys"—unless you want to end up in the San Fernando Valley by mistake. It happens more often than you'd think.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Stop overthinking your airport commute. If you're looking to save money and skip the stress of driving, here is exactly how to execute the trip using the bus from LA Union Station to LAX:
- Buy your ticket online at the official LAX FlyAway website before you even leave your house. Keep the QR code handy on your phone or print it out.
- Arrive at Union Station at least 2.5 hours before your flight (3.5 for international). Use the Patsaouras Transit Plaza, Bay 1.
- Identify your terminal before the bus starts its loop at LAX. The driver will ask you, and knowing "Terminal 5" is more helpful than saying "JetBlue."
- Keep your ticket until you actually board. The staff will scan it right before you step onto the bus or upon arrival at the station, depending on current staff protocols.
- Use the Gateway Plaza Garage for parking if you're leaving your car behind; it’s the most secure and affordable long-term option in the area.
By choosing the bus, you're opting out of the chaotic LAX-it bottleneck and the surge pricing of rideshares. It is the most logical, "local" way to travel. Get your ticket, grab a seat, and let someone else deal with the 110 freeway.