What LA Metro is and how to use it
LA Metro is the public transit system that runs buses and trains across Los Angeles County. It operates the Red, Purple, Gold, and Silver Lines (rail), plus more than 200 bus routes. You pay a fare to ride, board at a station or bus stop, and travel to your destination on a fixed route and schedule.
The system covers central Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and dozens of other cities. Not every part of the county is served equally — some neighborhoods have frequent service, others have buses only a few times per day. Before you plan a trip, you need to know which routes serve your starting point and destination, what the fare is, and when the next vehicle arrives.
LA Metro publishes schedules online, at stations, and through its Trip Planner tool. You can also call 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876) to speak with someone about routes and fares. Most riders buy a reloadable card called a TAP card, though you can also pay cash on buses (exact change required).
Key Takeaways
- LA Metro operates rail lines and over 200 bus routes across Los Angeles County, with service levels varying by neighborhood.
- You can pay with a TAP card (reloadable), cash on buses, or a mobile app, depending on the route and your preference.
- Fares depend on distance for rail and are flat for most buses, with discounts for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
- The Trip Planner on the LA Metro website or the MTA app shows you which routes to take, how long the trip takes, and when vehicles arrive.
- Service runs from early morning to late night on most routes, but frequency and hours vary — some routes run 24 hours, others stop by 10 p.m.
Fare types and how much you pay
LA Metro charges different fares depending on what you ride and how far you go. A single bus ride costs $1.75 (as of 2024, though this may change). Rail fares are distance-based: a one-zone trip costs $1.75, a two-zone trip costs $2.50, and a three-zone trip costs $3.25. You need to know your zones before you board.
If you ride multiple times, a Day Pass costs $7 and covers unlimited bus and rail travel for 24 hours from first use. A Weekly Pass costs $32 and covers seven days. A Monthly Pass costs $100 and covers 30 days. These passes are usually cheaper than buying single fares if you ride more than four times per week.
Discounts are available for seniors (age 62 and older), students with valid school ID, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. A senior or disabled rider pays $0.85 per bus ride and $0.87 per rail ride. Students pay $1.00 per bus ride and $1.10 per rail ride. You must show proof of your status when you board or when you buy a pass.
You can load fares onto a TAP card at ticket vending machines in stations, at convenience stores that display the TAP logo, or through the LA Metro website. Cash payments are only accepted on buses, and you must have exact change — drivers do not make change.
How to get a TAP card and load it with money
A TAP card is a plastic card that stores your fare balance. You tap it on a reader when you board a bus or train, and the fare is deducted automatically. Most riders use TAP cards because they are faster than paying cash and allow you to use passes.
You can get a TAP card at any LA Metro station ticket vending machine, at customer service windows during business hours, or at participating retail locations (7-Eleven, Ralphs, and others). The card itself is free. You then load money onto it using cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
To load money, use a ticket vending machine at a station, visit the LA Metro website and enter your card number, or use the MTA app. You can add any amount from $2 to $100 per transaction. The balance stays on the card until you use it — there is no expiration date.
If you lose your TAP card, you can register it online or at a customer service window. If it is registered, LA Metro can transfer your remaining balance to a new card. If it is not registered, the balance is lost.
Rail lines: where they go and how often they run
LA Metro operates four rail lines, each serving different parts of the county. The Red Line runs from Union Station (downtown) through Hollywood and Los Feliz to North Hollywood. The Purple Line runs from Union Station west through Koreatown and Mid-City to Wilshire/Western. The Gold Line runs from Union Station northeast through South Pasadena and Pasadena to Azusa. The Silver Line runs from El Monte southeast through downtown to Long Beach.
Trains run every 3 to 15 minutes during peak hours (roughly 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays), depending on the line. During off-peak hours and on weekends, trains run every 10 to 20 minutes. Service starts around 4:30 a.m. and ends around midnight on most lines, though hours vary slightly by line.
Each station has a posted schedule and a digital display showing the next train's arrival time. You can also check arrival times on the MTA app or the LA Metro website. Trains are air-conditioned and have seating, though they can be crowded during rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays).
Bus routes: how to find the right one and when it comes
LA Metro operates over 200 bus routes, and finding the right one requires knowing your starting point and destination. The fastest way is to use the Trip Planner on the LA Metro website or the MTA app — enter your start and end addresses, and it shows you which routes to take, how many transfers you need, and how long the trip takes.
You can also call 323-GO-METRO to speak with someone who can tell you which routes serve your area. Bus stops are marked with a blue and white sign showing the route numbers that stop there. A posted schedule shows when buses arrive, though actual arrival times vary depending on traffic.
Most bus routes run from around 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but some run 24 hours and others have limited evening service. Buses run more frequently during peak hours (6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 8 p.m. on weekdays) — some routes have buses every 5 to 10 minutes, while others run every 30 to 60 minutes. Check the schedule for your specific route before you plan your trip.
The MTA app shows real-time bus locations and predicted arrival times at your stop. You can also text the stop number (posted on the bus stop sign) to 41411 to get the next arrival time by text message.
Paying with your phone or a mobile app
You do not have to use a TAP card — you can also pay with your phone using the MTA app or a digital wallet. The MTA app allows you to buy single fares, day passes, and monthly passes directly on your phone. When you board, you open the app and hold your phone near the fare reader, just as you would with a TAP card.
Some riders use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay loaded with a TAP card number. This works the same way — you tap your phone on the reader and the fare is deducted. Not all buses and stations have readers that accept phone payments yet, so check before you rely on this method for your regular commute.
The MTA app also shows real-time bus and train locations, schedules, service alerts, and trip planning. It is free to read on iOS and Android. If you have trouble with the app or prefer to pay another way, TAP cards and cash remain available options.
Service alerts, delays, and what to do if something goes wrong
LA Metro publishes service alerts on its website, the MTA app, and social media when routes are delayed, closed, or changed. Alerts can be due to maintenance, accidents, weather, or special events. Check the website or app before you travel if you are using a route for the first time or if you see news about disruptions in your area.
If a bus or train is significantly delayed, you can contact LA Metro customer service at 323-GO-METRO or through the website. If you paid a fare and did not complete your trip due to a service failure, you may be able to request a refund or credit, though policies vary by situation.
If you have a complaint about service, safety, or a specific incident, you can file a report through the LA Metro website or by calling customer service. LA Metro also has a customer advisory board that meets monthly and accepts public comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a bicycle or large bag on LA Metro?
Bicycles are allowed on all buses and trains, but space is limited. Buses have two bike racks on the front, and trains have designated bike cars. Large bags are allowed if they fit under your seat or do not block aisles. Oversized items may be refused.
What happens if I do not have exact change for the bus?
Drivers do not make change, so you cannot board with bills or coins that do not equal the fare. If you do not have exact change, you must get a TAP card or use the MTA app. Some convenience stores near bus stops sell TAP cards or allow you to load money onto one.
Do I need to show ID to ride LA Metro?
No ID is required to ride. However, if you want a senior, student, or disability discount, you must show proof of your status when you board or when you buy a discounted pass. Proof can be a school ID, senior ID, or disability placard.
How do I know if my bus or train is running on time?
Use the MTA app or website to check real-time arrival times at your stop. Text the stop number to 41411 for the next bus arrival by text message. Posted schedules show planned times, but actual times depend on traffic and service conditions.
Can I transfer between buses or between a bus and train without paying again?
Yes. When you tap your TAP card or phone, you get a two-hour transfer window. Any bus or train ride you take within two hours counts as one trip. This applies whether you transfer once or multiple times, as long as you stay within the two-hour window.