Encore Motel
Airport roadway curving past terminal buildings and palm trees
Marina del Rey Guide

LAX to Marina del Rey: Transport Options and What to Expect

To get from Los Angeles International Airport to Marina del Rey, you can use Metro connections, Big Blue Bus Route 3, an authorized ride app or a taxi. Here are the airport pickup and transit details to help you plan.

Published 3 min read

By Umar Khan

For travel from LAX to Marina del Rey, options include Metro connections, Big Blue Bus Route 3, authorized ride apps and taxis. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) transit center connects with several bus and rail services, while taxi and app-based pickups use designated airport areas.

  • LAX/Metro Transit Center connects with the C Line, K Line and several bus routes.
  • A free shuttle runs between LAX/MTC and all airport terminals.
  • Big Blue Bus Route 3 serves Marina del Rey on its route to and from LAX and Santa Monica.
  • Metro’s regular fare is $1.75, with free transfers within two hours when you tap to ride.
Driving from LAX to Marina del Rey

Driving from LAX to Marina del Rey

Driving is an option, but the available route facts do not establish a drive time or route from LAX to Marina del Rey. If you plan to drive, check your directions before setting off and allow flexibility for traffic.

Taxi and app-based rides

Taxi and app-based rides

LAX-authorized ride apps and taxis use designated pickup areas rather than ordinary terminal curb pickup. Lyft, Opoli and Uber are among the ride-app providers authorized by LAX.

App-based rides

For a ride-app pickup, go to the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level. The shuttle boards at the inner curb outside baggage claim, by the green LAX-it signs, and arrives every 3 to 5 minutes.

Taxis

Taxi pickup locations depend on your arrival terminal. Passengers arriving at the Tom Bradley International Terminal or Terminal 3 can use the taxi pickup inside Parking Structure 3, between those terminals. Arrivals at Terminals 7 and 8 can use the pickup outside Terminal 7. LAX taxi drop-offs are at terminal curbs on the Upper/Departures Level.

At LAX, only taxis with an official seal from the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation may pick up passengers. For taxi dispatch or an accessible taxi request, call 310-646-9177.

Public transport options

Public transport options

Public transit from LAX involves reaching LAX/Metro Transit Center, then choosing a service that fits your destination in Marina del Rey. The C Line, K Line and bus routes including Metro Lines 102, 111, 117, 120 and 232 serve the transit center. Culver CityBus, Beach Cities Transit and Big Blue Bus also connect there.

A free, frequent shuttle links LAX/MTC with all airport terminals. It connects at Bus Bays 1 and 2, so you can transfer between the terminal and transit center without paying for that shuttle.

Metro

Metro’s regular fare is $1.75. If you tap to ride, transfers are free within two hours. Payment options include TAP cards, credit or debit cards, Apple Wallet and cash on buses.

Big Blue Bus

Big Blue Bus Route 3 makes multiple stops in Marina del Rey while running to and from LAX and Santa Monica. Check the route and stop locations against your destination before boarding.

Allowing for traffic and arrival time

Allowing for traffic and arrival time

Travel time by road depends on traffic, and the facts here do not provide a journey-time estimate. For public transit, leave time to get from your terminal to the shuttle stop, ride to LAX/MTC and make your onward connection. Taxi and app pickups also involve reaching the designated area after you leave baggage claim.

Services, pickup arrangements and fares can change. Check LAX's and Metro's official sites before you go.

Getting from the airport to the motel

For your Marina del Rey stay, choose a room at the motel.

Once you reach Marina del Rey, the waterfront and neighborhood routes help orient you to the area.

A guide to Marina del Rey’s waterfront and local routes covers the neighborhood. The Venice Canal Historic District is about a 26-minute walk from Encore Motel.

FAQs

Is there public transportation from LAX to Marina del Rey?

Yes. LAX/Metro Transit Center connects with Metro rail and bus services, and Big Blue Bus Route 3 makes multiple stops in Marina del Rey on its route to and from LAX.

Where do ride-app pickups happen at LAX?

Ride-app pickups are at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or use the free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level.

How much is a Metro fare?

Metro’s regular fare is $1.75. Free transfers apply within two hours when you tap to ride.

Where can you catch a taxi at LAX?

Taxi pickup locations include Parking Structure 3 for passengers arriving at the Tom Bradley International Terminal or Terminal 3, and outside Terminal 7 for arrivals at Terminals 7 and 8.

Marina Del Rey

Encore Motel