You just landed. Your ears are still popping from the descent into Los Angeles International, and frankly, the last thing you want to do is navigate the labyrinth of the arrivals level. Most people immediately pull out their phones to check Uber or Lyft prices. Then they see the $70 fare—plus the "airport surcharge"—and realize they have to drag their luggage to the LAX-it shuttle lot just to meet their driver. It’s a mess.
Honestly, if you're heading toward Downtown LA, Hollywood, or even connecting to the Metro to get to Pasadena, taking the bus from LAX to Union Station Los Angeles is the smartest move you can make. This isn't your average city bus where you're squeezed between a stroller and someone’s groceries. It’s the FlyAway. It’s a dedicated motorcoach service that has been the backbone of LA transit for decades.
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It runs 24/7. It has its own dedicated lane for a good chunk of the trip. And it costs less than a fancy avocado toast in Santa Monica.
Why the FlyAway beats ride-shares every single time
Traffic on the 105 and 110 freeways is legendary for all the wrong reasons. If you’re in a ride-share, that meter is ticking, or at the very least, you’re stuck in the same slog as everyone else. The FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station Los Angeles utilizes the High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on the 110 Harbor Freeway. While everyone else is staring at brake lights, you’re cruising past them at 60 mph.
The price point is the real kicker. While ride-share prices fluctuate wildly based on "surge" pricing—which seems to happen whenever a plane lands—the FlyAway stays a consistent $9.75. You don't even pay when you board. You hop on at the airport, enjoy the air conditioning, and pay at the kiosk once you arrive at Union Station.
There’s a common misconception that public transit in LA is only for people who don't have other options. That’s just wrong. I’ve seen CEOs in tailored suits and backpackers with dirt under their fingernails sitting across from each other on this bus. It’s the great equalizer. Plus, there’s plenty of room under the bus for your massive checked bags, so you aren't trying to cram a hardshell suitcase into the trunk of a Prius.
Locating the bus at LAX (Don't get lost)
LAX is shaped like a giant horseshoe. Each terminal has its own pickup zone. To find the bus from LAX to Union Station Los Angeles, walk out of the baggage claim on the lower level (Arrivals). Look up. You’re searching for the bright blue signs that say "FlyAway & Buses."
Stay on the inner curb.
Do not cross to the islands where the private cars and ride-shares go. The buses pull up right to the curb near the green columns. Each terminal has a designated spot. Terminal 1 is the first stop, and it snakes its way around to Terminal 7. If you’re at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT/Terminal B), the pickup is usually at Column C5.
Wait times are generally 30 minutes, though during peak hours, they try to keep it tighter. If you see a bus that says "Van Nuys," do not get on it. That’s headed to the San Fernando Valley. You want the one clearly marked "Union Station."
What the ride is actually like
Expect a standard coach bus experience. The seats are high-backed, often blue vinyl or fabric, and they usually have those little reading lights that may or may not work. Most of the newer buses have USB charging ports under the seats. They are a godsend when your phone died somewhere over the Rockies because you forgot to put it in airplane mode.
The driver will help you load your heavy bags into the belly of the bus. It's polite to tip a dollar or two if they’re wrestling with your 50-pound luggage, but it isn't mandatory.
Once you’re on the freeway, the view is... well, it’s Los Angeles. You’ll see the palm trees, the smog-tinged sunset if you timed it right, and the sprawling urban grit of South LA. It’s about a 35 to 60-minute ride. If there’s a crash on the 110, all bets are off. But usually, it’s surprisingly quick.
The Union Station Arrival
When you pull into the Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station, you’re at the historic heart of the city. This isn't just a bus stop; it’s a masterpiece of Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne architecture.
Pro tip: Don’t just rush out. Take thirty seconds to look at the ceiling in the main waiting room.
The payment kiosk is right there where the bus drops you off. You can use a credit card, debit card, or a TAP card if you already have one with stored value. They do not accept cash. If you only have a $20 bill, you’re going to have a hard time. Most people just tap their phone or credit card and they’re through the gate in seconds.
Navigating Union Station: Where to go next
Once you've hopped off the bus from LAX to Union Station Los Angeles, you have the entire city at your fingertips. Union Station is the hub for:
- The Metro B Line (Red): Takes you to Civic Center, Pershing Square, and Hollywood.
- The Metro D Line (Purple): Heads toward Koreatown.
- The Metro A Line (Blue): Connects you to Long Beach or up to Pasadena.
- Metrolink & Amtrak: If you’re heading out of the city to San Diego, Santa Barbara, or the Inland Empire.
If you’re staying in the Arts District or Little Tokyo, you’re basically a 15-minute walk or a $10 Uber away. This is why the FlyAway is the "cheat code" for LA travel. You bypass the most expensive part of the trip (the airport exit) and get dropped off where transport is cheap and plentiful.
Is it safe?
This is the question everyone asks but feels awkward bringing up. Yes, it’s safe. Because it’s a premium-priced service ($9.75 compared to the $1.75 standard bus fare), and because it goes directly to the airport, the passenger base is almost entirely travelers. The buses are clean, well-lit, and the drivers don't put up with any nonsense.
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Union Station itself has a heavy security and police presence. Like any major city hub, you’ll see unhoused individuals or colorful characters, but if you keep your wits about you, it’s perfectly fine. Just stay in the well-traveled corridors.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Don't be the person who stands at the "Long Distance Vans" sign waiting for the FlyAway. The signs at LAX are specific. If you aren't under the blue "FlyAway" sign, the driver might just blow right past you.
Also, check the schedule on the official LAX FlyAway website before you land. While they run 24/7, the frequency drops to once per hour in the dead of night (usually between 1 AM and 5 AM). If you land at 2:05 AM and just missed the bus, you’re sitting there for a while.
Another thing: the traffic inside the LAX horseshoe can sometimes take longer than the actual freeway drive. If Terminal 4 is a parking lot of cars dropping people off, your bus might be delayed just trying to get through the airport loops. Be patient. It’s still better than paying $80 for a car.
Actionable steps for your arrival
- Download the FlyAway App or use the website: You can buy your ticket on your phone while you’re waiting for your luggage at the carousel. It generates a QR code you scan at the destination.
- Locate the Green Signs: Exit the terminal, look for the green pillars and the blue "FlyAway" overhead signs.
- Check the Bus Destination: Ensure the digital display says "Union Station."
- Keep your ticket ready: You don't need it to get on, but you need it to get off the platform at Union Station.
- Use the East Portal Exit: If you’re calling an Uber from Union Station to your final destination, follow signs for the "Patsaouras Plaza" or "East Portal." It’s much easier for drivers to find you there than at the historic front entrance on Alameda Street.
Taking the bus from LAX to Union Station Los Angeles is fundamentally about reclaimed time and money. It’s the seasoned traveler's move. You save enough for a great dinner in the city, you avoid the stress of LA traffic, and you get to see the city from a higher vantage point than a sedan. Next time you land, ignore the ride-share apps. Look for the blue sign.