US · Travel guide
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a collection of widely separated neighbourhoods rather than one compact sightseeing centre. Build days around one part of the city at a time and judge journeys by travel time, not mileage: traffic can turn a relatively short cross-city trip into a significant part of the day.
Quick facts
- Currency
- USD
- Main language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving side
- right
- Plug types
- Type A, Type B
Power
120 V · 60 Hz
Getting around
LA can be explored without a car when your plans fit Metro corridors, but many itineraries still work best with a mix of rail, buses, walking and occasional taxis or ride-hailing. Choosing accommodation near the areas you will actually visit makes a major difference.
Metro and contactless payment
Metro operates rail and extensive bus services across Los Angeles County. You can pay using a TAP card or directly with a contactless credit or debit card or mobile wallet.
Use the same payment method throughout the day to benefit from Metro's automatic fare capping and free transfers within the eligible transfer window.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Licensed taxis operate across Los Angeles, while Uber and Lyft remain major app-based options for journeys that are awkward by transit. Prices can vary sharply with traffic and demand, so compare the app estimate with public transport before a long cross-city ride.
At LAX, follow the airport's current designated pickup instructions rather than assuming your driver can collect you directly outside baggage claim.
Getting to and from LAX
The LAX/Metro Transit Center connects with the Metro C and K Lines, with a free airport shuttle linking the terminals. The FlyAway bus also runs direct services between LAX and Union Station or Van Nuys.
Which option is fastest depends heavily on where you are staying, so compare the route rather than defaulting automatically to a taxi.
Driving and parking
A car can be useful for areas poorly connected by transit, but build generous time into cross-city journeys and check parking before you leave. Many attractions, beaches and busy neighbourhoods use paid garages, meters, permit restrictions or valet parking rather than simple free street parking.
If your day's stops are all on a good Metro corridor, leaving the car parked can be quicker and less stressful.