LAX Metro Transit Center opens, connecting millions to the Los Angeles International Airport
LOS ANGELES - The long-awaited LAX Metro Transit Center station in Westchester opened Friday, marking a new era of transit in Los Angeles. After a decade of planning and four years of construction, the station promises to enhance connectivity for over a million daily Metro riders.
What we know
The new transit hub provides direct access to the Los Angeles International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country and the busiest in Southern California. Edna Stanley, deputy chief operations manager at Metro, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "This is our new LAX Metro Transit Center station. It serves as a connection and traveling hub for Angelenos and travelers alike."
The station connects the C and K Metro lines to the broader network, allowing travelers from Redondo Beach and Norwalk to reach the airport seamlessly. The facility features a mezzanine level with a customer service center, where ambassadors and representatives assist passengers with transit inquiries and connections to the Lava shuttle, which departs every 10 minutes.
Additionally, the station boasts a large bus plaza servicing six Metro bus routes and eight municipal bus routes, further expanding transit options for commuters.
The backstory
The opening of the LAX Metro Transit Center is a significant milestone in Los Angeles' efforts to improve public transportation infrastructure. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and provide a convenient alternative for airport access.
The station officially opens at 5 p.m. Friday, with free rides available throughout the weekend. Metro encourages residents and travelers to explore the new facility and take advantage of the enhanced transit options.
The Source
Information provided by Metro and on-site interviews conducted on Friday, June 6.
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Los Angeles Times
7 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Conquer the Horseshoe: Your Guide to Navigating LAX Transit Like a Pro
Ah, LAX. Just the name can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned traveler. And even though the long-promised Metro Rail connection has opened as of today (June 6), Los Angeles International Airport, is still a sprawling beast of terminals, often feeling less like a gateway to adventure and more like an obstacle course. But fear not! With a little know-how and a sprinkle of patience and 'aw shucks' inevitability, you can transform your LAX experience from a frantic dash into a smooth glide. Ongoing construction of new transit infrastructure, such as the Automated People Mover and aforementioned Metro Transit Center station, continues to enhance airport connectivity. Think of this guide as your secret weapon and conquer the concrete jungle. Welcome to Los Angeles International Airport – better known to the world as LAX. As the primary international airport for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, LAX is more than just a travel hub; it's a global crossroads where millions of journeys begin and end. Operated by Los Angeles World Airports, this international airport is the busiest on the West Coast and a vital link for flights to Asia, Australasia, Mexico and Central America, as well as domestic locations coast to coast. In 2023 alone, LAX welcomed over 75 million passengers, making it the eleventh-busiest airport on the planet by passenger traffic. With more airlines calling LAX home than any other U.S. airport, it's no wonder this airport is a favorite launchpad for world travelers and international visitors alike. Getting to LAX has never been more convenient, thanks to the brand-new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. This state-of-the-art hub connects the Los Angeles Metro C and K Lines, making it a breeze to reach the airport from Downtown Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, or anywhere in Los Angeles County. Simply hop on the Metro Rail and ride to the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, where a free shuttle bus whisks passengers to all airport terminals every 10 minutes. Prefer a direct ride? The FlyAway bus service offers nonstop shuttle connections between LAX and Union Station in Downtown L.A., as well as Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley. With these transit options, you can skip the traffic, save on parking, and enjoy a stress-free journey to your terminal. Whether you're a local commuter or an international visitor, the Metro and shuttle services make LAX more accessible than ever. Once you've landed at LAX, a world of ground transportation options awaits. The LAX City Bus Center, conveniently located on 96th Street, is your gateway to a network of bus lines – including Los Angeles Metro Bus, Beach Cities Transit, Culver CityBus, and Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus – connecting you to destinations across the region. Need to get between terminals? The LAX Shuttle (Route A) runs a continuous loop, offering free rides to all terminals and making those last-minute dashes a little less frantic. Navigating LAX starts with understanding its unique layout. Spanning 3,500 acres, the airport features four parallel runways and a central terminal area arranged in a signature U-shape – affectionately (or maddeningly) known as 'the horseshoe.' With nine passenger terminals and a whopping 161 gates, LAX is built to handle the world's travelers with ease. The Tom Bradley International Terminal stands out as the crown jewel for international flights, offering state-of-the-art amenities and connections. Getting around is a breeze thanks to the LAX Shuttle (Route A), which links all terminals, and pedestrian corridors that allow passengers to move airside between terminals without the hassle of re-clearing security. With its modern facilities and thoughtful design, LAX ensures that every passenger – whether arriving, departing, or connecting – enjoys a smooth and efficient airport experience. First things first: know your terminal. LAX isn't just one big building; it's a collection of nine terminals. Before you even dream of packing, double-check your airline and flight details. Why? Because some airlines, like Delta (T2 & T3) or American (T4 & T5), like to keep you on your toes by operating out of multiple spots. And if you're an international passenger jetting off to or arriving from an international paradise, chances are TBIT is where you'll be. A quick peek at the LAX Terminal Guide online is your best friend here – consider it your pre-flight GPS! Arriving passengers should also verify their terminal for smooth navigation and easy access to ground transportation options. While you may be fancy and get dropped off at the VIP entrance, let's assume you won't. Instead, you've arrived, luggage in tow, ready to tackle the drop-off. Resist the urge to dive straight into the curbside chaos; it's often a tangled mess, especially around the Tom Bradley International Terminal. For a smoother start, aim for the Express Drop-Off (Upper Level) at the entrance to the U-shaped loop. It might sound arduous, but simply means getting out a little earlier and enjoying a pleasant walk or taking one of the convenient shuttles, which provide a direct connection to your terminal. Think of it as a pre-flight warm-up. Now, for the golden rule of LAX: arrive early. Seriously. Even lax people who prefer a more relaxed approach will benefit from getting to the airport ahead of time, especially with improved transit options making access easier. For domestic flights, aim for at least two hours before departure. Going international? Give yourself a generous three hours. Why the buffer? Because LAX loves a good lineup. Check-in lines can snake, baggage dropoffs can take its sweet time and security? Well, that's an adventure of its own. Each terminal is a kingdom unto itself, complete with its own TSA checkpoint. If you're a member of the CLEAR club, you're in luck – it's available in most terminals, and offers a speedy bypass. And for our TSA PreCheck friends, look for those designated fast lanes, but always do a quick check to ensure your terminal supports it. No one likes a fast lane that leads to a dead end! Got a layover or just want to explore? Getting between terminals can be surprisingly manageable. If you're looking for a stretch, walking is your friend, especially between T1-3 and T4-8 via sidewalks. Even better, terminals 4 through 8 are interconnected post-security check in, meaning you can move between them without the dreaded re-clearing of security. For the more relaxed traveler, the free Airline Connector Shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, serving all the terminals, TBIT included. And for a glimpse into the future, keep an eye out for the Automated People Mover, set to arrive next year – this rail system connecting the terminals to the aforementioned Metro stop will truly change the way you LAX. Let's talk amenities! Unsurprisingly, TBIT is the reigning champion, offering the most extensive array of food, shops, and lounges – a true paradise for international travelers. But don't count out Terminals 1, 2 or 3; recent renovations have brought a fresh wave of delicious food options. Driving yourself? The P1-P7 parking structures are closest to the terminals and offer short term parking for travelers, but savvy travelers reserve ahead online for better rates. LAX employee lots are also available for airport staff or those seeking long-term parking options. For rideshare devotees (Uber/Lyft), bypass the curb and head straight to the LAX-it Lot near Terminal 1, or hop on the free LAX-it shuttle from other terminals. 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Associated Press
9 hours ago
- Associated Press
Now Boarding: Metro's LAX/Metro Transit Center Station Officially Opens, Connecting Communities; Bringing Faster, Easier Travel for Angelenos, Visitors
New Station Sets Stage for Metro, Los Angeles to Welcome World to FIFA World Cup 2026™, Super Bowl LXI, 2028 Olympic, Paralympic Games LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrated the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station with a ribbon-cutting today. Metro is now ready to welcome global fans headed to Los Angeles for major events, such as FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games forever changing how car-centric Angelenos travel to and from LAX. 'The wait is over, Los Angeles,' said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor, Janice Hahn. 'At long last, we are getting a train to LAX. And when the Automated People Mover finally opens, we will truly have an international airport that connects people from inside the terminals to the world beyond through Metro.' The grand opening of this station marks the eighth project completed in Metro's ambitious Twenty-Eight by '28 initiative, a comprehensive plan to enhance the region's transit infrastructure in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators during these global events. The state-of-the-art transit center embodies a large-scale open station concept. With continuous swooping canopies guiding users' views through large open spaces, the station reinforces intuitive wayfinding and walking access to buses and light rail trains, and the soon-to-be-opened Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Automated People Mover (APM). 'The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a major step forward in how we prepare Los Angeles to welcome the world. This is about more than bringing people to and from the airport — it's about building a more connected, reliable and climate-conscious city for Angelenos and for the millions who will visit in the years ahead,' said LA Mayor Karen Bass and Metro Board Member. 'I want to congratulate LA Metro for this accomplishment and look forward to their continued partnership.' Located at Aviation Blvd./96th St., the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station signifies the K line is a fully functional connection in Metro's network. Connecting Metro's C and K rail lines, six Metro bus lines and eight municipal bus lines, including Beach Cities, Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus, GTrans, Torrance Transit and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) shuttles to and from the terminals. Metro Micro will also service this station. By providing a direct connection to regional transit, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station expands options for airport-area employees and travelers, and decreases reliance on more costly options, such as taxis, rideshares or private vehicles. 'Not only is LAX one of the busiest airports in the world, it's also an important job center for Angelenos, particularly for residents of South Los Angeles,' said Holly Mitchell, LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. 'The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will serve an important role for visitors, residents, and our vital airport-area employees.' The new station illustrates for Angelenos and the world that public transportation is the secret to bypassing traffic on their way to and from LAX, and that Metro, with one of the most ambitious capital project programs in the United States, is a reliable and comfortable way to travel across the county. Featuring a bus plaza, bike hub and a customer service center, the station spans more than 1,100 feet from north to south. With the widest light rail platform in the Metro system, its two main levels provide a welcoming, convenient and secure connection point offering riders access to a wide array of destinations throughout LA County. In addition, this station features security coverage monitored 24/7 by security operations staff. As part of Metro's commitment to sustainable urban planning, the station also includes numerous environmentally friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, landscaping with native plants, and plans for further expansion to accommodate future growth. This project represents Metro's on-going efforts to enhance regional mobility, support green infrastructure, and prepare Los Angeles for the future. When the APM opens and connects to Metro in 2026, Angelenos and visitors alike will have a more direct, easier connection to Metro's public transportation system, with a total of six stops – three in the terminal, one at the Metro/LAX Transit Center Station, one at economy parking and one at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ConRAC) which is directly across the street from the transit center. As riders await access to the APM, LAWA will provide shuttles every 10 minutes. The shuttle's schedule will be based on the operating schedules for the C and K light rail lines and municipal bus routes serving the new station ensuring seamless travel to and from the airport helping to alleviate traffic congestion around LAX. 'For more than half a century, Angelenos have been dreaming about a rail connection to LAX airport – and that day has finally come. Our LAX/Metro Transit Center Station not only enhances the travel experience for millions of visitors to Los Angeles but also serves as a key piece of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and efficient transportation network for our city,' said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. 'We look forward to welcoming millions of Angelenos and visitors to the LAX/Metro Transit Center in the coming months and years, and we can't wait for the final link in the chain – LAX's People Mover.' This station features towering artwork at the center of the station, by Los Angeles native and internationally renowned artist Glenn Kaino, The Distance of the Sun, which welcomes visitors to the arts and cultural capital of the nation. Commissioned by Metro Art, the suspended sculpture consists of a series of vessels for travel, both real and imagined, rafted together in increasing size to create a spiral pathway towards the sky above. The work is a meditation on collective ambitions and shared hope, acting as a bridge to the future created from the designs of the past. For additional information about the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station please visit For more information about Metro Art, visit Additional Quotes 'The long-awaited LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will provide a crucial transportation hub that connects Metro's rail system to LAX, the world's seventh busiest airport,' said Fernando Dutra, Whittier Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair. 'We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to upcoming major events and providing them with convenient, affordable and sustainable transit to and from LAX.' 'The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station marks a transformative moment for Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles area. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances connectivity to the airport but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and urban revitalization,' said James T. Butts, Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member. 'Many in our community and surrounding region work every day at LAX and can now commute today through quality transit. Making this critical connection to LAX means reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and greater access to opportunities. It's a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all residents.' 'Today's LAX/Metro Transit Center Station opening is a testimony of promises made that are being kept --- to Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods. The value added is the connection of residents to economic opportunities, educational institutions and essential services that will help to redefine 'transit dependency' to include those who 'choose' to 'Go Metro'', said Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Metro Board Second Vice Chair. 'Thank you to all who can and will partner with LA Metro in reducing congestion and enhancing mobility. This project is evidence of seamless envisioning by servant leaders on the LA Metro board, in partnership with the community who entrust us to uplift all Angelenos.' 'The opening of the LAX Metro Transit Center Station marks a monumental step in connecting LAX and the world to the greater Los Angeles region,' said John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. 'After four years of dedicated effort by Metro under the leadership of CEO Stephanie Wiggins, this project is finally complete — delivering a crucial transportation hub that will transform how Angelenos and travelers navigate to and from the airport via the future LAX Automated People Mover. LAWA is grateful for Metro's partnership in advancing our shared vision of a more connected Los Angeles.' About Metro The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at and Missy Colman Metro Media Relations 213.922.6862 [email protected] B-Roll and Photos View original content: SOURCE Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rail access arrives at Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles took a huge step toward linking airplanes to trains on Friday, as the nation's fifth busiest hub joined the modern travel world and offered car-loving Southern Californians an off-ramp from traffic-clogged freeways. The LAX/Metro Transit Center is set to open at 5 p.m. PT and will connect travelers to the K or C rail lines, which can then whisk them north in the direction of central Los Angeles, south toward beach cities or east along Interstate 105. The breakthrough is an absolute necessity for organizers of the 2028 Olympics if they're going to fulfill their vow of making it a "no car Games." "This is a big day for L.A.," County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement shortly after a ceremonial ride at the new station. Hahn, the MTA chair, used good humor and invoked the memory of an arch conservative to toast this new rail option. "President Reagan once said the nine most terrifying words were, 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.' But here in L.A., we know they have always been: 'Hey, can you give me a ride to LAX?'" quipped Hahn, the daughter of late political titan Kenneth Hahn who played a key role in bringing the Brooklyn Dodgers west in 1957. "Well now — for the first time ever — you can say: 'No way. Just take Metro.' ' This option still isn't a 100% tire-free experience. Arriving LAX passengers still have to take a bus shuttle, which is set to run every 10 minutes, from the airport to the new station, which is about two miles east of Terminal 1. The LAX People Mover is being built and targeted for completion by year's end. Once the People Mover is rolling, LAX will have rail service that its peers have offered for decades. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been rolling passengers in and out of America's busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson, since 1988. And travelers going through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (2014), Denver International Airport (2016), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (1984) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (2003) have had rail options for decades. This article was originally published on
