Assessing the Performance of the Fresh LAX/Metro Transit Center Station: Does It Measure Up?
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) recently introduced a new transit hub, the LAX/Metro Transit Center, offering a more efficient and streamlined travel experience.
Last week, a traveller observed that the transit center is vast and impressive. Upon landing at Terminal 3, they took a shuttle bus to this new facility, which was pleasantly clean and well-maintained.
Their journey from LAX to West Hollywood took 1 hour and 45 minutes and cost $41.88. This included the 20-minute shuttle ride to the Transit Center, the Metro travel time, and the transfer costs.
Currently, shuttle buses between the LAX/Metro Transit Center and the airport run every 10–15 minutes, but they should become far more frequent (around every 2 minutes) once the automated people mover (APM) is completed. The APM, slated to open in early 2026, will significantly reduce travel time from the airport to the Transit Center, estimated at about 10 minutes.
From the Transit Center, Metro rail travel to West Hollywood takes roughly 40-50 minutes, depending on routing and wait times. Therefore, the total trip using the fully completed APM plus Metro rail will likely be around 50-60 minutes from airport terminal to West Hollywood. This is an improvement over current bus shuttle plus Metro options, which can exceed 75 minutes or more due to infrequent shuttles and multiple transfers.
Two Metro lines service the LAX/Metro Transit Center stop: the C and the K. Buying a ticket at the Transit Center can be quick and easy once you know how. The Los Angeles transit TAP card can be added directly to an iPhone wallet, and it can be topped up via Apple Pay.
Passengers currently using the new station must take a transfer bus between LAX terminals and the new LAX/Metro Transit Center. However, if the APM were up and running, the author would take public transport every time, as it would provide a more seamless and faster connection between terminals and the Transit Center.
The author is unsure whether the $40 saving was worth the time and hassle of the journey. If prioritizing time, many travelers still use Uber or taxis; however, the completed APM and rail connection will offer a more convenient and reasonably quick transit alternative.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great pick for commuting expenses, as it earns 2x miles on all eligible purchases, including transit.
The new LAX/Metro Transit Center station is set to open in 2026, marking a new era for LAX travel. With the automation of people mover services, Angelenos can look forward to a more efficient and eco-friendly way to travel to and from the airport.
- The new LAX/Metro Transit Center offers a more efficient way to travel, even for finance-conscious individuals, as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 2x miles on all eligible purchases, including transit expenses.
- Once the automated people mover (APM) is completed in early 2026, passengers will find travel from the LAX/Metro Transit Center to the airport terminals more seamless and fast, reducing travel time by an estimated 10 minutes while potentially providing a saving on transportation costs.
- Additionally, passengers can now easily and quickly buy a ticket for the Metro lines, C and K, at the LAX/Metro Transit Center, with the introduction of the Los Angeles transit TAP card, which can be added to an iPhone wallet and topped up via Apple Pay, making the transit experience both budget-friendly and convenient.
