How far is Santa Monica from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?

Santa Monica is approximately 16 miles or 26 kilometers from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), based on your specific route. Depending on traffic, it usually takes 25 to 40 minutes to drive between LAX and Santa Monica.

Santa Monica is an upscale coastal community in western Los Angeles County, California. Located on Santa Monica Bay, the city of Santa Monica is surrounded by the City of Los Angeles on three sides: Pacific Palisades to the northwest, Brentwood to the north and northeast, West Los Angeles to the east, and Venice to the southeast.

There are several convenient transportation options for getting around Santa Monica and Los Angeles. This article includes a full overview of the distance, time, and transportation options from LAX for a stress-free travel experience.

Distance and Route from LAX to Santa Monica

Although the distance between Santa Monica and the Los Angeles Airport is only a short drive. But sometimes traffic can make the trip challenging. The I-10 West freeway is the preferred method of travel as it connects downtown LA directly to Santa Monica.

• Distance: 16 miles or 26 kilometres
• Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes in usual traffic conditions

Best Routes From Los Angeles to Santa Monica

• I-10 West Freeway: The simplest route is I-10 West directly toward the ocean. It is the quickest and easiest route during non-traffic hours.
• Santa Monica Boulevard: Some prefer the inner city roads and Santa Monica Boulevard, which leads directly to Santa Monica. While this route allows for a city view, it does take a bit longer due to congestion.

Rush Hours vs. Off-Peak Hours

• Rush Hours: The route is congested during weekdays in the morning from 7 AM to 9 AM, and in the evening from 4 PM–7 PM. During rush hours, traffic on the I-10 Freeway can be quite heavy, making travel times forty-five minutes or longer.
• Off-Peak Hours: During the slow hours of the day (Midday or Late Night), the drive is typically much quicker. Travel times can now take only 20-25 minutes.

Transportation Option to Santa Monica From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

To travel from Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier, you have four most commonly used options: a taxi, a private transfer, a train, and a bus. Each option is described in the section below:

1. Taxi

One of the quickest and most practical ways to get from Los Angeles to Santa Monica is by taxi. About 10 different taxi companies are permitted to operate out of LAX.

• Travel Time: The LAX taxi service is accessible 24/7, and depending on traffic, it takes about 20-25 minutes to get to Santa Monica. These taxis use taximeters to determine rates, and a standard sedan taxi can accommodate up to four people.
• Cost: The typical cab rate from LAX to Santa Monica is $50 (€47.80) for the 23-kilometer journey.  This rate includes a $4 (€3.80) airport extra and covers a standard vehicle that can carry up to 4 persons.

2. Bus

Bus travel is an affordable and convenient way to commute. Although there isn’t a direct bus, the trip starts with a 10-minute ride on the LAX shuttle to the LAX City Bus Center.

• Travel Time: After that, you can transfer to the Big Blue Bus (BBB) Route 3, which takes 50 minutes with 28 stops to Downtown Santa Monica. Once you reach the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, you can walk the remaining 10-minute distance to Santa Monica Pier to finish your tour.
• Cost: The entire trip, including any wait or transfer delays, takes about an hour. It costs about $1.10 (€1.05) per passenger to take a bus from LAX to Santa Monica. Consider traveling at off-peak hours and checking the bus schedule earlier for a more comfortable ride.

3. Luxury Car Service

Luxury Car Service provides a private, upscale mode of transportation for individuals looking for comfort and exclusivity.

• Travel Time: Travel time might vary depending on traffic conditions, but the average trip from Los Angeles to Santa Monica takes 30 to 45 minutes. One way to reduce delays is to choose a service that provides real-time traffic updates.
• Cost: Depending on the type of vehicle, peak hours, and luxury car service, costs might range from $100 to $200. Reservations made in advance or during off-peak hours can help you get a better deal.

4. Rideshare Services

Uber and Lyft both offer ridesharing services in Los Angeles. This is an excellent option if you don’t want to drive yourself and don’t mind sharing a ride.

• Travel Time: It takes about 27 minutes on average to get from LAX to Santa Monica with an UberX ride. Similarly, Lyft provides services including regular and premium trip options. The time of day and demand can affect availability and price.
• Cost: Depending on demand, the route, and the time of day, an UberX or Lyft trip from Santa Monica to Los Angeles is expected to cost approximately $38 on average.

5. Train

The light rail (Metro E (Expo) Line) provides a quick and environmentally beneficial means of transit between downtown Los Angeles and the coastal community of Santa Monica without having to drive in traffic.

• Travel Time: Depending on the time of day, it takes between 50 to 60 minutes to travel the approximately 22 miles from Los Angeles to Santa Monica. At rush hour, trains run around every ten minutes.
• Cost: Each metro ride costs only $1.75, and if you have a TAP card, you can transfer for free within two hours. It’s an ideal option for both commuters and tourists looking to avoid LA’s notorious traffic while enjoying a comfortable ride to the coast.

Santa Monica’s proximity to LAX Airport makes it a convenient and accessible place to visit. Whether you’re traveling alone or with companions, weigh your options and select the one that best suits your interests and travel needs.

Effective scheduling, including considerations for traffic and expense, enables a stress-free trip from Los Angeles to Santa Monica.

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