Have you considered using the LA Metro Rail subway when visiting Los Angeles? After all, LA has some of the worst traffic in America. What’s more, the price of gas locally is among the highest in the nation, averaging over $5 a gallon. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have to pay for parking at almost every place you go, along with an occasional tip to the attendant. Instead of driving most of the time, why not use the Metro Rail and maybe use the LA Metro parking at a station? While the system is relatively new compared to other major cities, it’s getting better and can save much time and trouble during your stay.
LA Metro Rail Basic Facts
The LA Metro Rail has 108 stations, 180 station elevators, and 171 station elevators. Initial operation of the light rail/subway service began in 1990, but construction is underway to improve LA’s traffic conditions significantly. Providing service across 109 miles in Los Angeles County, LA Metro Rail has six lines, two heavy rail and four operating as light rail. On the other hand, the average daily ridership of about 192,000 is low compared to cities like Chicago or New York. However, that number will grow as the system is undergoing a major expansion. During your visit, you can use Metro Rail to visit many of the top attractions in Los Angeles. However, there may be an occasion when you might have to use a connecting bus to make your journey easier. Either way, riding the LA Metro is more affordable and relaxing than driving a car in California’s largest and most congested city. Even if you use this public transportation part of the time, you can still save on gas and parking.
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Understanding the LA Metro Rail System Map
Because LA Metro only has six rail lines, it’s not difficult to read directions on a system map. First of all, you must determine your departure and arrival stations. Next, follow the lettered and color-coded rail line to determine your direction of travel. That’s basically how you can ride the LA Metro Rail, although there might be a time you have to transfer to another line. If that’s the case, continue following the rail line and see which line to transfer to. Please visit the LA Metro Rail website for the most up-to-date system map.
A Line (Blue)
The A Line extends nearly 50 miles from the city of Azusa to the city of Long Beach. As the world’s longest light rail line, the A Line serves several communities and local attractions.
B Line (Red)
The B Line connects North Hollywood to Downtown Los Angeles, passing several attractions along the way. Important stations include Universal City, Hollywood/Highland, and Civic Center. The B Line and D Line both operate as a subway service. In other words, these two lines operate entirely underground. In fact, the new Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station is 100 feet below surface level. The terminus at North Hollywood offers all-day parking at its LA Metro parking lot.
C Line (Green Line)
You may only need to use the C Line if you wish to visit Redondo Beach. On the other hand, the C Line does serve other LA-area communities like El Segundo, Hawthorne, and Norwalk. However, the C Line will be a vital connector between Los Angeles and LAX later this year. In other words, if you’re flying into LAX and prefer public transport, you can take advantage of the Green Line extension.
D Line (Purple)
From Union Station, the D Line continues through Downtown Los Angeles before reaching Wilshire/Western Station. The endpoint at Wilshire/Western is the closest you’ll be to important attractions like LACMA and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. That’s not to mention the La Brea Tar Pits and the Petersen Automotive Museum. You may wish to use a connecting Metro bus since it’s nearly three miles between the Wilshire/Western Station and LACMA.
D Line Extension
The construction of the D Line extension is currently underway. Upon completion, this portion will have stops that include Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Rodeo, and Westwood/UCLA. The D Line extension has an expected opening from 2025 to 2027.
E Line (Yellow)
There is a good chance you’ll use the E Line in Los Angeles. That’s because this route serves many worthwhile attractions. This includes Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, USC, Exposition Park, and Santa Monica. In all, the E Line covers 22 miles while connecting Santa Monica to Atlantic Station in East Los Angeles.
K Line (Violet)
The newest Metro Rail route is the K Line, which connects seven stations in South Los Angeles. However, an extension is under construction and, upon completion, will connect LAX to other parts of LA. Also under construction is the LAX Automated People Mover, which will connect to the C and K Lines. The LAX Automated People Mover has an expected opening date in 2025.
G Line (Orange)
Although the G Line isn’t a light rail service, it may be helpful if you’re in the San Fernando Valley. The G Line is a Metro bus route that operates on dedicated lanes on streets and freeways. In other words, the G Line won’t get stuck in traffic like a traditional bus route. This rapid transit route extends 18 miles from Chatsworth to near the Metro Rail station in North Hollywood. In addition to Chatsworth and North Hollywood, the G Line has 17 stations, including at Reseda, Van Nuys, and Laurel Canyon.
Related: How to Use the Boston Subway
(credit: LA Metro)
Parking at LA Metro Stations
LA Metro stations offer several parking lots within its vast system. While most LA Metro parking lots charge a slight fee, there are some LA Metro parking lots where you can park for free. The best way to pay for parking at a LA Metro station is via the Metro Parking app for Android or Apple iPhones. Alternatively, you can use a TAP card, cash, coins or a credit card. One last option is to pay for your parking online via LA Metro’s parking website. The daily rate for parking at LA Metro stations is just $3. That is a bargain when you compare the parking rate to almost any major attraction in Los Angeles County. For example, parking at the Hollywood/Highland garage is $2 for every 20 minutes, $6 per hour and $20 for the day.
(credit: LA Metro )
Using TAP on LA Metro Subways/Light Rail
If you use a public bus or subway line in LA, the best way to pay for fare is the TAP payment system. You can use a reloadable TAP card or download the TAP app via the Apple App Store or Google Play. Vending machines for TAP cards are available across the Greater Los Angeles Area and is valid on 27 local transit agencies. Just recently, LA Metro introduced fare capping to help you save even more while riding public transit. In some detail, your fare is capped after $5 per day and $2.50 per day for reduced fare. In other words, the more you ride LA Metro, the more you will save on your travel.
Accessibility on LA Metro Rail Lines
All of the LA Metro Rail lines are wheelchair accessible. In addition, each of the 108 stations has either an elevator or a walkway/ramp from the street to the platform. Among other accessible features of LA Metro are hands-free intercoms, tactile and braille signs, and accessible turnstiles. Of course, on LA Metro Rail lines, automated announcements inform you when to exit the train at a station. For more information on accessible services, you can visit the LA Metro website.
Safety on LA Metro Rail
Riding LA Metro Rail lines is generally safe. However, there are some basic tips for you to follow. For instance, you should always stand away from the edge of the station’s platform. You should also be aware of your surroundings and keep personal items close to you. While on board, don’t lean on the train doors, and use the grab bars if necessary. In addition to the LA Metro TAP app, there is the LA Metro Transit Watch app. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, this app allows you to connect directly to Metro Security. More safety tips are available on the LA Metro website.
Attractions Served by LA Metro Rail
Exposition Park
Encompassing 160 acres, Exposition Park features several leading Los Angeles attractions. First and foremost is the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the home field of the USC Trojans and a three-time Olympic stadium. In addition, Exposition Park is home to three prominent museums, including the California Science Center. The Exposition Park Metro Rail station is adjacent to the Park’s Rose Garden and across from the USC campus. From this station, it’s a .3-mile walk to the California Science Center, which is the most visited museum in LA.
Downtown Los Angeles
Covering nearly 6 square miles, Downtown LA is a vibrant hub of activity with many attractions to explore. Due to its size, LA Metro Rail offers four lines to accommodate riders, making it easy to navigate this vital city section. Among the attractions you can see are the historic Angels Flight Railway, lively Grand Central Market, and the iconic Disney Concert Hall. In addition, there are outstanding museums, like The Broad, MoCA, and the Japanese American National Museum. On the outer section of DTLA is historic Union Station, the busiest and largest train station in the Western U.S. Lastly, both the A and E Lines share three new stations in DTLA. In detail, these stations are Little Tokyo/Arts District, Historic Broadway, and Grand Ave. Arts/Bunker Hill.
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Griffith Observatory
No, there isn’t a subway that takes you up to Griffith Observatory. After all, the famous LA attraction sits over 1,110 feet on the south slope of Mount Hollywood. However, you can visit this must-see attraction with a bus connection next to the Vermont/Sunset Metro Rail subway station. In fact, LA’s DASH Observatory operates seven days a week and at 15-20 minute intervals. If that’s not enough, according to the LADOT, DASH bus rides are currently free. Once you get to the Observatory, you’ll have spectacular views of Los Angeles. That’s not to mention attractions inside the Observatory, such as the Tesla Coil.
L.A. Live
Although L.A. Live is also in DTLA, it deserves a section of its own. After all, L.A. Live is home to major attractions like the Grammy Museum, Peacock Theater, and Crypto.com Arena. You may also find statues of famous pro athletes outside the Crypto.com Arena of particular interest. This includes statues of Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. The closest Metro Rail station is Pico, on the A and E lines.
Olvera Street and Chinatown
Just north of Union Station are two significant sections of Los Angeles, Olvera Street and Chinatown. Just minutes from Union Station, Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the birthplace of California’s largest city. Olvera Street is an excellent spot for dining and shopping and annually draws two million visitors. About a half mile north of Olvera Street is LA’s Chinatown, whose history dates to the 18th century. If you visit Chinatown, make sure to see the colorful Central Plaza and Chinese American Museum. You may also like to see the 7-foot-tall statue of Bruce Lee, the only one of its kind in the U.S.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
If Santa Monica Pier is on your list of things to do in Los Angeles, Metro Rail can get you there. The end of the line for the E line, Downtown Santa Monica station, is just a .4 mile walk to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. What’s more, the official end of iconic Route 66 is at the intersection in front of the Pier. Among the attractions to see at the Pier are the Looff Hippodrome and Pacific Wheel. When in Santa Monica, you may also wish to see the equally famous Venice Beach. While it’s nearly a two-mile walk from the Pier, you can also take Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus Route 1 near the Metro Rail station.
TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Yet another top attraction to visit with Metro Rail is Hollywood. In fact, the Hollywood-Highland Red Line station is in the heart of this famous LA neighborhood. Within a block of the intersection of Hollywood and Highland are some of LA’s most visited attractions. For instance, TCL Chinese Theatre is a must-see for first-time visitors, especially for its celebrity footprints. The historic Chinese Theatre is part of Ovation Hollywood shopping center, which also features the Dolby Theatre, the home of the Academy Awards. Also nearby are attractions like the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, El Capitan Theatre, and the Hollywood Museum. That’s not to mention that you’ll be walking along an important section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
More Hollywood Attractions
Another section of Hollywood to see via Metro Rail is the legendary Hollywood and Vine intersection. The next station southbound on the Red Line, Hollywood and Vine has even more points of interest. For example, Hollywood Pantages Theatre is nearby, as is the familiar Capitol Records building. Furthermore, in front of the Capitol Records building, you can see the Walk of Fame stars for each of the Beatles.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Whether it’s your first or next visit, Universal Studios Hollywood is a family-friendly spot to spend the day. If that’s the case, you can leave your car behind and take the Red Line to the Universal City/Studio City station. While parking at Universal City is convenient, it can be expensive. For instance, it’s $35 to for general parking before 5 p.m., with preferred parking at $50. Instead, take the Red Line, then transfer to the free shuttle that takes you to the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. By the way, next to the Universal City/Studio City station is a LA Metro parking lot, along with free parking along Ventura Boulevard.
Related: Visitor FAQs to Los Angeles
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member. Lastly, Randy has nearly 25 years of professional experience in the transportation industry.
