Travel between Santa Monica and LAX Car-Free this Holiday Season

November 25, 2019 3:30 PM
by Yue Shen

Take the hassle out of your travel plans and avoid the long rideshare wait times at LAX. By letting us do the driving you can save money and avoid parking fees or rideshare costs, and you’ll be traveling sustainably – it’s a win-win!  

Here are five (5) tips you should know before hopping on Big Blue Bus this holiday season:  

1) Take Route 3 or Rapid 3 between Santa Monica and LAX 

Pro tip: Select buses offer retractable seating that allows you to securely store your luggage without blocking the aisle. 

Runs every 15-20 minutes 

All-day 

7 days a week 

Runs every 12 minutes  

Peak hours only  
(approx. 6 a.m.- 9 a.m.; 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.)  

Weekdays only  

2) Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time and Check Bus Arrival Times 

Download the free Transit app (available on iOS and Android). Transit is a helpful trip-planning tool that provides itineraries, schedules, and real-time bus arrival information.  

Pro tip: Now you can pay your Big Blue Bus Single Ride fare directly through the Transit app! 

3) It’s Economical 

4) Three Ways to Buy Your Bus Fare 

TAP is a durable and reusable card that can be used to ride any TAP-participating agency in Los Angeles County. You can purchase a TAP card for $2 at TVMs, conveniently located at the LAX City Bus Center and at every Metro Rail Station in Santa Monica (Downtown Santa Monica has a TVM located on 4th St. and Colorado Ave.).  

At the TVM, you can load your TAP card with Stored Value (works like cash). Both cash and credit/debit/prepaid cards are accepted forms of payment. When riding Big Blue Bus, simply look for the TAP validator, located on your right-hand side as you enter the bus, and tap your card on the target. Stored Value will be deducted from your card each time you tap.  

Pro tip: TAP cards can also be loaded online at taptogo.net; it takes about 24 hours for your fare to appear on your card. 

Download the Token Transit app (available on iOS and Android) to purchase your desired pass type (i.e. one-way fare, 7-Day Pass, 13 Rides Pass, 30-Day Pass). When you see the bus approaching, activate your pass, and show it to the bus operator when boarding. 

$1.25 exact cash fare for a one-way ride is accepted onboard.  

5) Watch Our Video Tutorial on How to Get to LAX with Big Blue Bus  

Before heading to the airport be sure to watch our step-by-step guide.  

Interested in learning more about where Big Blue Bus can take you? Visit bigbluebus.com for more information. 

Authored By

Yue Shen
Administrative Intern