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LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)

This handy guide to services is packed with tips to enhance your stay.

Santa Monica offers more than its beach and phenomenal weather. Its proximity to the Greater Los Angeles Area makes it the perfect base for vacationers and business travelers alike. On its own, Santa Monica is a walkable 8.3 square miles (21.5 square kilometers)—a pedestrian- and bike-friendly beach city. Each of its eight neighborhoods offers a diverse mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation and, thanks to the unmatched public transportation system, metropolitan convenience.

Getting to and from Santa Monica

BY AIR

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)

Only about 9 non-freeway miles (14 kilometers) from Santa Monica, LAX is the closest airport, with bus service and shuttles. flylax.com

Transportation options to and from LAX include:

Shuttle

Rates for vans between LAX and Santa Monica start at approximately $23 per person one-way or from $20 per person round-trip ($9–$10 for each additional person), not including tip. Shuttles are located on the lower (Arrivals) level. Among the available shuttle service companies is Prime Time Shuttle (800-7338267, primetimeshuttle.com).

Taxi and Rideshare Service

For taxi service from LAX to Santa Monica, the charge ranges from about $45–$60, depending on location, plus tip (15 to 20 percent of fare). A $4 surcharge is levied on trips originating from LAX. Uber and Lyft drivers can drop off and pick up LAX passengers. Rates to or from Santa Monica start around $25, but vary by time and number of passengers; there is a $4 surcharge for rides to or from LAX. Take the LAX-it shuttle to get to and from the level 1 baggage claim area and a new ride service-pickup lot for taxis and online ride-hailing services.

Big Blue Bus

Need a ride to or from LAX? Take Big Blue Bus Route 3 or Rapid 3 seven days a week from Downtown Santa Monica to LAX for only $1 each way. The Route 3 (local service with frequent stops) and Rapid 3 (limited stop service) run between the Metro Green Line Aviation Station and Downtown Santa Monica, with additional stops within the city. From the transportation islands at the airport near the LAX Shuttles signs, travelers can board shuttles that run to and from the Green Line Station (Route G) and to the LAX City Bus Center transit station (board the Lot South/ City Bus Center shuttle), which is the best place to catch the Route 3 or Rapid 3 at Bay 13. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for shuttle connection and travel. For fare, TAP cards can be purchased and loaded with Stored Value (which works like cash) at ticket vending machines conveniently located at the LAX City Bus Center or purchase passes on the Token Transit app (tokentransit.com/app/). 310-451-5444 bigbluebus.com

Rental Car

All major car rental agencies operate at LAX and other nearby airports.