Understanding Bus Transfers: Navigating La's Transit System

Los Angeles has one of the best public transportation networks in the country, including subways, light rail, buses, and shuttles that service every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area. The Metro Bus system operates along 117 routes spanning the region. Fares for a one-way trip on Metro include 2 hours of free transfers, with regular fares at $1.75. The TAP Card offers a convenient and flexible way to pay your fare on Metro Bus and Rail, and can be purchased at vending machines located at all Metro Rail, J, and G Line stations.

Interagency transfers between LA County transit agencies

When making an interagency transfer, customers tap their card when boarding their first bus or train, and then again on the next bus or train within two and a half hours. The transfer cost will be automatically deducted from the stored value balance on their TAP card.

Transfers to the Orange County Transportation Agency (OCTA) can be purchased onboard an LBT bus. LBT accepts OCTA’s Day Passes for one ride at the point of connection instead of an Interagency Transfer.

TAP cards and how to get one

A TAP card is a durable plastic card with a smart chip designed to make your transit experience in Los Angeles County simple and secure. It allows you to ride seamlessly across Los Angeles County, including on subways, light rail, buses, and shuttles. You can also use TAP to enjoy programs such as Metro Bike Share, and soon, additional programs such as Microtransit, Scooters, Ride-Hailing, Parking, and Electric Vehicle car charging.

There are several ways to purchase a TAP card:

• On your phone using the TAP app (available for iPhones and Android phones)
• In your Apple Wallet on your iPhone
• Online at taptogo.net (your card will be mailed to you in 10-15 business days)
• By calling 866.TAPTOGO (866-827-8646) (your card will be mailed to you in 10-15 business days)
• At a TAP vendor (find a location near you; fare can be used immediately)
• At a TAP vending machine located at Metro rail and Metro Orange Line stations (fare can be used immediately)
• At a Metro Customer Service Center (fare can be used immediately)

The TAP card costs $2.00 and can be reloaded again and again for faster, safer boarding. You can register your card for access to discounts and promotions.

Metro bus lines and schedules

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (also known as LACMTA or METRO) has provided bus services in Los Angeles since 1993. The METRO has 113 bus routes with 11,770 bus stops across Los Angeles.

The METRO bus routes cover a large area of Los Angeles, from Sylmar in the north to San Pedro in the south, Thousand Oaks in the west to Anaheim in the east. The routes cover many neighbourhoods including Glendale, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Downtown, Inglewood, Westlake, and Boyle Heights.

The longest METRO bus route is the 460 line, which starts from Disneyland Employee's Entrance in Anaheim and ends at Maple Lot in Downtown LA. This route covers over 60 km and has 71 stops. The shortest line is the 854 line, which runs from 1st / Marquez in Boyle Heights to Patsaouras Transit Plaza in Downtown LA. This route is 3 km with 5 stops.

The METRO bus system operates along 117 routes spanning the Greater Los Angeles area. The system includes local, rapid, and express buses. Local buses stop around every two blocks and are painted orange. Rapid buses are faster with fewer stops only at major intersections and are painted red. Express buses travel longer distances with fewer stops and have a higher premium. The G Line (Orange) and J Line (Silver) are bus rapid transit lines (BRT) that run on dedicated busways and require payment by TAP card.

The reloadable TAP Card is the most convenient and flexible way to pay your fare on the Metro Bus and Rail. TAP Cards can be purchased at vending machines located at all Metro Rail, J, and G Line stations, or online at TapToGo.net. Fares for a one-way trip on the Metro include 2 hours of free transfers.

For detailed information on Metro Bus lines and schedules, visit the Metro website.

DASH Observatory Bus

Los Angeles is known for its extensive public transportation network, which includes buses, subways, light rail, and shuttles that service the entire Greater Los Angeles area. The DASH Observatory Bus, launched in 2017, is part of the LADOT's system of localized bus services, providing convenient transportation to two iconic LA destinations: the Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theatre.

The DASH Observatory Bus runs seven days a week, even on Mondays when the Observatory is closed. The bus operates from 6 am to 10 am every 20 minutes from the Vermont/Sunset Red Line Station, then on to Los Feliz/Hillhurst Boulevards and destinations in Griffith Park. From 10 am onwards, the bus runs every 15 minutes until 10 pm, covering the entire route, including the Greek Theatre and Griffith Observatory, along with viewpoints and trails leading to the Hollywood Sign. The last bus from the Vermont/Sunset station leaves at 9:45 pm.

On weekends, the DASH Observatory Bus operates from 10 am to 10 pm, running every 15 minutes and covering the entire route. The bus can be boarded at the northeast corner of Vermont/Sunset, with a cash fare of $0.50, or $0.35 with a TAP card. Additionally, rides are free for those with a Metro 7-day or 30-day pass.

The DASH Observatory Bus service offers a hassle-free and eco-friendly way to visit the Hollywood Sign, with the added benefit of avoiding parking hassles in Griffith Park.

Metro Rail lines

Los Angeles has one of the country's best public transportation networks, including subways, light rail, buses, and shuttles that service every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area.

The Metro Rail features six lines serving 101 stations across LA County: four light rail (A, C, E, and K Lines) and two subways (B and D Lines). The Metro Rail connects with the Metro Busway, Metrolink commuter rail, and several Amtrak lines.

A Line (Blue Line)

The A Line is the oldest and longest light rail line in the world, spanning nearly 50 miles from Azusa to Long Beach. It opened in 1990 as the Blue Line and was renamed following the completion of the Regional Connector project. The A Line shares three underground stops with the E Line in DTLA, including one directly behind the Broad museum.

B Line (Red Line)

The B Line is a fully underground subway that runs from North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley to Union Station in Downtown LA. It opened in 1993 as the Red Line and was renamed following the completion of the Regional Connector project. The B Line has stations near Hollywood landmarks such as the Pantages Theatre and the Walk of Fame.

C Line (Green Line)

The C Line runs from Redondo Beach in the South Bay to Norwalk. It offers a free shuttle at the Aviation/LAX Station that takes passengers to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The C Line opened in 2005 as the Orange Line and was renamed following the completion of the Regional Connector project.

D Line (Expo Line)

The D Line connects Koreatown to Downtown LA, with a stop at Wilshire/Vermont station where it connects with the B Line. It is a fully underground subway that was previously known as the Expo Line.

E Line

The E Line runs from the Santa Monica Pier to East Los Angeles, spanning 22 miles. It was previously known as the Expo Line but was renamed following the completion of the Regional Connector project. The E Line shares three underground stops with the A Line in DTLA.

K Line

The K Line is the newest line in the Metro Rail system, connecting Jefferson Park and Westchester. It runs through historic neighborhoods like Leimert Park and Inglewood and is expected to include a stop at LAX in the future.

Fares for a one-way trip on the Metro Rail include 2 hours of free transfers. The reloadable TAP Card is the most convenient and flexible way to pay your fare, offering discounted rates for seniors, students, and customers with disabilities.

Frequently asked questions