If you live on the Westside, you already know the drill: paradise has traffic. Between the 405 crawl, endless street parking hunts, and gas flirting with $6 a gallon, getting around can feel like a part-time job. But here’s the good news — in 2025, public transit on the Westside has quietly become one of LA’s best-kept secrets. With new Metro expansions, upgraded bus lines, and cleaner, faster options, it’s finally possible to live west of the 405 without depending on a car 24/7.
Here’s your complete public transport guide for Westside residents (2025) — routes, passes, shortcuts, and insider tips that’ll actually make you want to leave your keys at home.
1. The Metro E Line (Expo Line): Your Lifeline to Downtown
Route: Santa Monica ↔ Downtown LA
Key Stops: Downtown Santa Monica, 26th/Bergamot, Expo/Bundy, Culver City, La Cienega/Jefferson, Pico, 7th Street/Metro Center
Frequency: Every 8–10 minutes during peak hours
Fare: $1.75 (one-way, with 2-hour free transfers via TAP card)
Website: metro.net/projects/e-line
If you only remember one thing from this guide, it’s this: the E Line is your golden ticket out of traffic hell. You can catch it from Santa Monica or Culver City and be Downtown in about 45 minutes — faster than driving most days.
Pro Tips:
- Grab a coffee before boarding — there’s an espresso stand next to the 26th/Bergamot station.
- Use the Metro app to track real-time arrivals.
- Weekends can be surprisingly packed (thanks to beachgoers), so plan ahead.
2. Big Blue Bus: The Westside Workhorse
Website: bigbluebus.com
Santa Monica’s iconic blue fleet covers almost every inch of the Westside — from UCLA to Venice to LAX. Buses run frequently, are clean, and now accept TAP cards just like Metro trains.
| Route | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid 7 | Downtown Santa Monica ↔ Wilshire/Western | Fastest Wilshire corridor route |
| Route 1 | Santa Monica ↔ Venice ↔ UCLA | Scenic beach route |
| Route 14 | Santa Monica ↔ Beverly Hills | Great for commuters heading east |
| Route 18 | UCLA ↔ Marina del Rey | Key for tech workers in Silicon Beach |
Fares:
- Base fare: $1.25 (includes 2-hour transfer via TAP)
- 30-day pass: $50
Local Tip: The Rapid 7 during rush hour is faster than Uber from Wilshire to Koreatown.
3. Culver CityBus: The Commuter’s Shortcut
Website: culvercitybus.com
Often overlooked, this city-run service connects Palms, Mar Vista, and Playa Vista with Culver City and West LA. With new hybrid buses and Wi-Fi onboard, it’s one of LA’s most underrated systems.
| Line | Key Route | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Venice Blvd – Downtown LA | Reliable east-west route |
| Line 3 | Culver City – UCLA – Century City | College + commuter favorite |
| Line 6 | Marina del Rey – LAX City Bus Center | Connects to airport transit hub |
Pro Tip: Pair Line 3 or 6 with a Metro E Line connection to cover most of West LA without touching the 405.
4. Metro Bus: The Arteries of Greater LA
Even though Metro trains grab the spotlight, the bus network still carries most riders in Los Angeles County. The Westside’s main arteries — Wilshire, Pico, and Santa Monica Boulevards — all run frequent Metro services.
| Route | Path | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 720 Rapid | Santa Monica ↔ Commerce via Wilshire Blvd | Cross-county speed route |
| 704 Rapid | Santa Monica ↔ Downtown via Santa Monica Blvd | Hollywood connection |
| 733 | Venice ↔ Union Station | Scenic and budget-friendly beach-to-DTLA ride |
Fare: $1.75 (TAP card, 2-hour transfer window)
Pass Options:
- 7-Day Unlimited: $25
- 30-Day Unlimited: $50
Local Hack: Board at express stops like Bundy or Sepulveda to snag a seat before the rush-hour crowd piles in.
5. Metro Bike Share & E-Bikes
Website: bikeshare.metro.net
With hundreds of docking stations across Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, biking is now a legitimate part of the Westside commute puzzle.
Rates (2025):
- $5 for 30 minutes
- $17 monthly pass (unlimited 30-minute rides)
Bonus: Santa Monica also runs its own Breeze Bike Share, which integrates seamlessly with the Metro system. Combine a quick ride with an E Line trip for the ultimate hybrid commute.
Pro Tip: The Colorado Esplanade bike lane (connecting the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station to the beach) is one of the smoothest in LA — perfect for last-mile riders.
6. Micro-Mobility: Scooters, E-Bikes, and the “Last Mile”
Companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin still dominate the Westside, especially around Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City. While prices fluctuate, most rides average $1 to unlock + $0.40/minute.
Safety Note: Always stick to designated bike lanes — Santa Monica PD is serious about sidewalk violations now.
7. Getting to LAX Without Losing Your Mind
No need to book a rideshare that costs as much as your flight. Westside residents have several smart routes to LAX:
| Option | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Culver CityBus Line 6 | Santa Monica/Culver City → LAX City Bus Center → “LAX-it” shuttle | $1.25 |
| FlyAway Bus | Santa Monica Civic Center → LAX Terminals | $10 one-way |
| Metro E Line + C Line Transfer | Expo/Crenshaw → LAX/Metro Transit Center (people mover to terminals) | $1.75 total |
Pro Tip: The Automated People Mover, now fully operational (since late 2024), makes the final airport connection effortless — goodbye, terminal chaos.
8. TAP Card 101: One Card, All Systems
The TAP card is your golden ticket for nearly every transit system on the Westside — Metro, Big Blue Bus, and Culver CityBus all accept it.
How It Works:
- Load funds via the TAP App or kiosks at major stops.
- Tap once per boarding.
- Transfers are free for 2 hours across participating systems.
Monthly Cost Snapshot (2025):
| Pass Type | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metro 30-Day Unlimited | Trains + Metro Buses | $50 |
| Big Blue Bus 30-Day | Local routes | $50 |
| Culver CityBus 30-Day | Local routes | $50 |
| EZ Transit Pass (Regional) | Multi-system coverage | $95 |
9. Car-Lite Living: Neighborhoods That Make It Work
| Neighborhood | Transit Strengths |
|---|---|
| Culver City | Metro E Line, multiple bus hubs |
| Santa Monica | Big Blue Bus, Metro Bike, walkability |
| Palms | E Line proximity, Culver CityBus |
| Mar Vista | Rapid bus access, bike lanes |
| Westwood/UCLA | Frequent buses, student shuttles |
| Venice | Bikes + Big Blue Bus; occasional chaos, but scenic |
Pro Tip: Pair public transit with a car share like Zipcar or Envoy for those times you absolutely need four wheels.
10. Safety, Comfort, and Timing
- Peak Hours: 7–9 AM, 4–6 PM (expect packed trains and buses).
- Night Service: Most Metro and Big Blue routes now run until 1 AM.
- Security: Every Metro station includes cameras and lighting upgrades (as part of the 2024 “Safer Metro LA” initiative).
- Accessibility: All Westside buses and trains are ADA-compliant with ramps and bike racks.
FAQs:
What’s the cheapest way to commute from Santa Monica to Downtown LA?
The Metro E Line — $1.75 each way or a $50 unlimited monthly pass.
Are Westside buses reliable?
Yes. The Big Blue Bus and Culver CityBus systems are among the most punctual in LA.
Do I need a TAP card for all Westside transit?
Mostly yes — Metro, Big Blue, and Culver CityBus all use TAP for seamless transfers.
