In 2024 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which saw over 76.6 million passengersOn average, there are close to 210,000 daily travelers. In a city that is known for its traffic jams and lack of parking, public transit Travelers have few options to reach and leave the busy airport.
This is finally changing. The much-anticipated LAX/Metro Transit Center Station officially opened on Friday, June 6. It connects the airport with two Metro rail routes and 14 bus lines for the first via a free shuttle. The nearly $900,000 million project The LAX has been in development for years and the new changes are expected to be even more significant.
A new electric train, the Automated People Mover, is scheduled to debut in 2026. It will provide direct rail access to airport terminals, just in time for summer. FIFA World CupSuper Bowl LXI is scheduled for 2027. LA 2028 Summer Olympics. While the APM continues to be under construction, this new Metro station represents a major advance in improving connectivity between the airports and the rest the city.
The new Metro station opened last week and I was there to check it out. You should know everything about it before you use it.
How to reach the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station
The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is located east of the airport. Formerly called Aviation/96th Street Station, it offers a new alternative to driving or relying on expensive rideshares. No new trains or lines Stations were not added, but rather the station was connected to existing transit routes. The fare remains at $1.75, and can be purchased with either a mobile app or a TAP-card. Here’s where to go to get there key locations in LA:
Hollywood: Switch to the Expo/Crenshaw K-Line from the K-Line.
Downtown: From 7th Street/Metro Center, take the E Line (Yellow Line), and then transfer to the K-Line. You can also take the A Line from 7th Street/Metro Center to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks and then switch to the C Line.
Santa Monica Transfer to the K-Line at Expo/Crenshaw by taking the E-Line (yellow line).
Long Beach Continue to LAX by taking the A Line, then transferring to the C Line.
There are 14 bus routes that connect to the station, including Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit GTrans and Beach Cities Transit.
Free shuttle service to LAX
Follow the signs for the free LAX Shuttle once you reach the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. Buses run roughly every 10 minutes and drop passengers at each terminal’s arrival level—just take an escalator or elevator up to departures.
Look for the pink LAX Shuttle signs outside of arrivals. Hop on. The same bus makes a continuous circuit between the station, terminals and airport. (Time your move: I tried the loop out on a weekend evening, when traffic was fairly light. The full loop took me about 45 minutes. Give yourself more time if you are flying out of terminals 6 or 7.
What you can expect in the station
The new station is easy to navigate, even though it covers 500,000 square foot. From the platform, clear signage directs passengers to shuttle pickup bays located on the ground floor.
The space can handle 5,000 passengers an hour and is equipped with 11 elevators. 12 escalators and 9 stairs. There are also public restrooms, customer service centers, and automated bike storage. The only thing missing is a dining or retail option.
When is it a good idea to use the Metro connection?
This new connection will be a game changer for locals who live near the K and C lines. It is a relatively inexpensive and seamless way to get to LAX for just $1.75.
The journey may still require multiple transfers and, until the APM is opened in 2026 you could spend an additional hour getting to terminals that are further away. Other options, such as the LAX FlyAway Bus, may be more convenient for travelers coming from further out.
The LAX/Metro Transit Center is a smart back-up plan when LA traffic is at its peak and the freeways are jammed. If you consider the larger picture, however, this is a significant step toward a connected future for Los Angeles.
