AIRPORT EXIT

How to get from Los Angeles International to Santa Monica

High confidenceChecked May 2026

Big Blue Bus Route 3 from LAX City Bus Center to Santa Monica — $1.25. Uber is $25–$45 depending on surge.

Best options

Best overall
Uber or Lyft from LAX-it lot — $25–$45, 20–40 min off-peak.
Cheapest safe
Big Blue Bus Route 3 / Rapid 3 — $1.25 to Santa Monica, ~40 min. Take the shuttle to the LAX City Bus Center first.
Best at night
Uber or Lyft from LAX-it — taxi rank also works, ~$50 metered.
With luggage / kids
Uber from LAX-it — Big Blue Bus is fine but cramped with suitcases at rush hour.
Taxi fare
$45–$60 metered + $4 airport fee + tip
Ride-hailing
Uber, Lyft, Opoli — pickup only at LAX-it lot. Free shuttle from each terminal.
available
Public transport
Free shuttle to LAX City Bus Center, then Big Blue Bus Route 3 / Rapid 3 to Santa Monica ($1.25).

After landing — step by step

  1. 1Clear baggage and exit to the lower (arrivals) curb
  2. 2For Uber/Lyft: board the green 'LAX-it' shuttle — runs 24/7
  3. 3Order the ride only after you arrive at LAX-it (faster pickup)
  4. 4For Big Blue Bus: take the 'LAX City Bus Center' shuttle from the same curb
  5. 5Route 3 / Rapid 3 runs every 12–20 min — $1.25, exact change or TAP card

Scam warnings

Curbside 'town car' drivers approaching arrivals — illegal and unmetered

Drivers refusing to take you because the trip is 'too short' (it isn't)

Surge-priced rides during peak hours hitting $80+

Avoid this

  • • Anyone offering a ride at the terminal curb
  • • Taxi quotes above $70 — refuse and use the meter
  • • Booking the rideshare before reaching LAX-it (you'll be charged for the wait)
SOURCES
Full LAX airport guide