Los Angeles Metro Rail — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Los Angeles Metro Rail is LA’s rail transit system. It opened on 14 July 1990. It has six lines: Blue, Red, Purple, Gold, Expo and Green. Fares range from $1 to $352 for different services (reduced fares are available). It serves places such as Hollywood and Disneyland. It connects to the airport via a shuttle to the Green Line. Lines will be extended between 2019 and 2023. Transfers to other public transport are also possible with the EZ Pass. Stations operate daily from around 4:00 am to 1:00 am.

This transit system, also known as Metro Rail, carries approximately 308,000 passengers per day. The fare is $1.91. However, the Metro Rail does not operate 24 hours a day. On the plus side, the trains are air-conditioned for passenger comfort. Unfortunately, passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless. There are also no screen doors on the platforms.

The system is run by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and operates from 5am to midnight, Monday to Sunday. The fare is $1.

Metro map of Los Angeles

Map of Los Angeles Metro Rail showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Los Angeles Metro Rail map in PDF format.

Metros in the United States: Los Angeles Metro Rail

Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the US and the most populous city in the state of California, with a population of around 18 million. The city is famous for being the home of Hollywood and the setting for many films, TV shows and music. Los Angeles is diverse in culture, science, technology, entertainment and other areas.

History

California originally had a railway system owned by the Pacific Electric and Los Angeles Railway companies for over 50 years. Profits fell, however, so the trains were replaced by buses and many of the railways were removed in 1963. By the 1970s, however, people wanted trains back as traffic increased. The Red Line of the Los Angeles Metro Rail was the first rail to be built for this metro system. The last Metro Rail line to be built was the Blue Line. Los Angeles Metro Rail opened to the public on 14 July 1990.

How To Ride The Metro Rail Train In Los Angeles Video!

The Metro Rail of Los Angeles consists of six different lines: the Purple Line, the Blue Line, the Red Line, the Expo Line, the Gold Line and the Green Line. Four of them use light rail, while the other two use heavy rail. Distinguished by its colour-coded system, the Metro Rail spans a total of 93 stations.

Purple Line

Opened to the public in 2006, the Purple Line uses heavy rails for its 10 kilometres. It consists of eight stations and runs from Wilshire/Western to Union Station. Stations include: Pershing Square, Westlake/MacArthur Park, 7th Street/Metro Center, Wilshire/Vermont, Union Station, Wilshire/Normandie, Wilshire/Western and Civic Center/Grand Park.

Blue Line

Inaugurated in 1990, the Blue Line is approximately 34 kilometres long and uses light rail. It has 22 stations running from 7th Street/Metro Center to Downtown Long Beach. Stations include: Grand/LATTC, San Pedro Street, 7th Street/Metro Center, Washington, Slauson, Vernon, Florence, 103rd Street/Watts Towers, Compton, Del Amo, Willow Street, Anaheim Street, 1st Street, Pacific Avenue, Downtown Long Beach, 5th Street, Pacific Coast Highway, Wardlow, Artesia, Willowbrook, Firestone and Pico.

Red Line

Opened in 1993, the Red Line is approximately 26 kilometres long and uses heavy rail. It consists of 14 stations and runs from North Hollywood to Union Station. Stations include: Pershing Square, Westlake/MacArthur Park, Civic Center/Grand Park, Vermont/Santa Monica, Hollywood/Vine, Universal City/Studio City, North Hollywood, Hollywood/Highland, Hollywood/Western, Vermont/Beverly, Vermont/Sunset, Wilshire/Vermont, 7th Street/Metro Center and Union Station.

Expo Line

The Expo Line, which opened to the public in 2012, is about 24 kilometres of light rail. It includes 19 stations running from 7th Street/Metro Center to Santa Monica. Stations include: LATTC/Ortho Institute, Expo/Western, Jefferson/USC, Expo/Crenshaw, La Cienega/Jefferson, Expo/Sepulveda, Culver City, Expo/Bundy, 17th Street/Santa Monica College, Downtown Santa Monica, 26th Street/Bergamot, Westwood/Rancho Park, Expo/La Brea, Palms, Farmdale, Expo/Vermont, Pico, Expo Park/USC and 7th Street/Metro Center.

Gold Line

Opened to the public in 2003, the Gold Line uses light rail for its entire 50 kilometre length. It has 27 stations and runs from APU/Citrus College to Atlantic. The stations include Maravilta, Pico/Aliso, Indiana, Lincoln/Cypress, Little Tokyo/Arts District, Heritage Square, South Pasadena, Lake, Fillmore, Allen, Monrovia, APU/Citrus College, Duarte City of Hope, Del Mar, Azusa Downtown, Arcadia, Irwindale, Sierra Madre Villa, Memorial Park, Highland Park, Chinatown, Southwest Museum, Union Station, Mariachi Plaza, East Los Angeles Civic Center, Soto and Atlantic.

Green Line

The Green Line, which opened to the public in 1995, is approximately 31 kilometres of light rail. It has 14 stations and runs from Redondo Beach to Norwalk. Stations include: El Segundo, Crenshaw, Mariposa, Willowbrook, Vermont/Athens, Long Beach Boulevard, Norwalk, Avalon, Lakewood Boulevard, Harbor Freeway, Hawthorne/Lennox, Douglas, Aviation/LAX and Redondo Beach.

Rail connections

Metro Rail lines connect to other modes of transportation within Los Angeles. Some examples include

Greyhound
La Puente
El Segundo
Commuter Express
Baldwin Park
Access Services
Santa Barbara

Connection to the airport

When you arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), look for a shuttle to the Green Line. Shuttles run every 20 minutes from 5am to midnight. The free shuttle ride takes approximately 15 minutes. You will need to purchase a ticket at the Aviation/LAX station, which costs $1.75. You will also need a TAP card, which can be purchased from the machines inside the station. Take the escalator to the platform and board the train to Norwalk Station. At Norwalk Station, transfer to the Blue Line at Willowbrook Station.

Schedule, timetables, and hours of operations

Expo Line schedule

Eastbound to LA: Starts in Downtown Santa Monica Station at 4:40 am, and ends in 7th Street/Metro Center at 1:43 am.
Westbound to Santa Monica: Starts in 7th Street/Metro Center at 4:01 am, and ends in Downtown Santa Monica station at 1:41 am.

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays:

Eastbound to LA: Starts in Downtown Santa Monica station at 4:42 am, and ends in 7th Street/Metro Center at 1:43 am.
Westbound to Santa Monica: Starts in 7th Street/Metro Center at 4:01 am, and ends in Downtown Santa Monica at 1:41 am.

Red Line schedule

Eastbound: Starts in North Hollywood at 4:32 am, and ends in Union Station at 1:31 am. During Friday and Saturday nights, it starts at 1:22 am, and ends at 2:51 am.
Westbound: Starts in Union Station at 4:10 am, and ends in North Hollywood station at 1:31 am. During Friday and Saturday nights, it starts at 00:31 am, and ends at 2:50 am.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays:

Westbound: Starts in Union Station at 4:10 am, and ends in North Hollywood station at 00:50 am.
Eastbound: Starts in North Hollywood station at 4:31 am, and ends in Union Station at 1:31 am.

Blue Line schedule

Monday to Friday:

Northbound to LA: Starts in Downtown Long Beach at 4:45 am, and ends in 7th Street/Metro Center at 1:20 am.
Southbound to Long Beach: Starts in 7th Street/Metro Center at 4:47 am, and ends in Downtown Long Beach at 1:08 am.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays:

Northbound to LA: Starts in Downtown Long Beach at 5:10 am, and ends in 7th Street/Metro Center at 1:18 am.
Southbound to Long Beach: Starts in 7th Street/Metro Center at 5:00 am, and ends in Downtown Long Beach at 00:59 am.

Gold Line schedule

Northbound: In Mondays through Fridays, it begins in Atlantic station at 4:20 am, and ends in APU/Citrus College at 2:04 am. In Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, it begins at 4:30 am, and ends at 2:00 am.
Southbound: In Mondays through Fridays, it begins in APU/Citrus College at 3:45 am, and ends in Atlantic station at 00:39 am. In Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, it begins at 4:42 am, and ends at 00:31 am.

Purple Line schedule

Eastbound: In Mondays through Fridays, it begins on Wilshire/Western at 4:41 am, and ends in Union Station at 1:31 am. In Friday and Saturday nights, it begins on 00:48 am, and ends in 2:51 am. In Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, service begins at 4:40 am, and ends at 1:31 am.
Westbound: In Mondays through Fridays, service begins in Union Station at 4:10 am, and ends in Wilshire/Western station at 00:24 am. In Friday and Saturday nights, service begins on 00:31 am, and ends at 2:24 am. In Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, service begins at 4:10 am, and ends at 00:24 am.

Green Line schedule

Westbound: In Mondays through Fridays, service begins in Norwalk station at 4:01 am, and ends in Redondo Beach station at 1:24 am. In Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays, service begins at 4:04 am, and ends at 1:21 am.
Eastbound: In Mondays through Fridays, service begins in Redondo Beach station at 4:21 am, and ends in Norwalk station at 00:34 am. In Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, service begins at 4:31 am, and ends at 00:30 am.

Price, tickets, and cards

Los Angeles Metro offers a variety of services at different prices.

-Local fares: When you board the Metro, you can pay by showing a pass or by using the TAP card, a card that you load with fare and tap on a sensor to pay. TAP cards cost $1 if bought from a machine and $2 if bought from a shop. They must be purchased with a ticket or by loading money onto the card. Senior citizens, disabled persons and students have reduced fares on the Metro Rail, but only if they use the TAP card. The card is not transferable and only one card is issued per passenger. It can be used indefinitely. Boarding without the card (or paying with cash) will result in a $250 fine.

Local fares are divided into 1-Way, 7-Day, 1-Day, 30-Day, Metro to Muni, 30-Day and Zone 1 passes.

1-Way ($1.75): This is a one-way ticket that allows you to transfer to other lines within two hours. The reduced fares are: Seniors (62+) and Disabled ($0.75), University Students ($1.75), K-12 Students ($1).
7-Day Pass ($25): This pass gives you unlimited travel for one week until 3:00am on the 8th day after first use. Additional fees apply for transfers to Metro Rail’s Silver Line and Metro Express Buses.
1-Day Pass ($7): This pass gives you unlimited travel on all Metro Rail services for one day until 3:00am of the following day. Seniors pay only $2.50.
30-Day Pass ($100): This pass provides unlimited travel for 30 days until 3:00am of the 31st day after first use. Additional fees apply for transfers to the Silver Line or Metro Express Buses. Reduced fares are available for: Seniors ($20), College Students ($43), K-12 Students ($24).
Metro to Muni Transfer ($0.50): This pass allows you to change from metro to bus within two hours. Seniors pay only $0.25.
30-Day and Zone 1 Pass ($122): This pass allows unlimited travel on all Metro Rail services for 30 days.

Another product worth mentioning in local fares is Stored Value, which is money that can be loaded onto your TAP card. The amount of money that can be loaded is as follows

Regular: $1.75 to $60.
Senior citizens: $0.35 to $60.
College students: $1.75 to $60.
K-12: $1 to $60.

The next service is the Silver Line/Metro Express. Silver Line trains run from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center to the El Monte Station. Metro Express shuttles run from the South Bay to downtown Los Angeles. Additional fees apply. Silver Line/Metro Express fares are broken down as follows Ride Base Fare, 1-Way Trip, Premium Charge and Express and Zone 1 Premium Charge.

Ride Base Fare ($2.50): This fare is required when paying cash for Silver Line travel. This fare is for a single trip on the line and does not include transfers. Additional fares are required to use the Metro Express. Seniors pay only $1.35.
Single ($2.50): This fare covers a one-way trip and allows you to transfer to other lines within two hours. Additional fares apply for transfers to Metro Express shuttles. Seniors pay only $1.35.
Premium Charge for 7-Day, 30-Day and EZ Transit Pass ($0.75): Surcharge required for use of all non-premium fare Metro Passes.
Express and Zone 1 Premium Charge ($0.75): Additional charge required to travel on the motorway. Seniors pay only $0.60.

Another pass on offer is the EZ Transit Pass, which is a monthly subscription that only works with TAP cards. It allows you to transfer to other public transportation services outside of Metro Rail and covers over 20 transit agencies.

EZ Transit Base Pass ($110): This pass works on all Metro Rail lines, but additional fares apply for the Silver Line, Non-Metro Express Shuttles and Metro Express Shuttles. Seniors pay only $42.
EZ Transit Pass Zones: This pass provides unlimited travel on all Metro Rail vehicles and allows you to transfer to other modes of public transportation in 13 different zones. Senior discounts are only available with the Orange TAP card. This card can only be obtained from Metro Rail customer services. The prices in each zone are as follows:

Zone 1: $132 ($51.50 for seniors.)
Zone 2: $154 ($61 for seniors.)
Zone 3: $174 ($70.50 for seniors.)
Zone 4: $198 ($80 for seniors.)
Zone 5: $220 ($89.50 for seniors.)
Zone 6: $242 ($99 for seniors.)
Zone 8: $286 ($118 for seniors.)
Zone 9: $308.
Zone 10: $330.
Zone 11: $352.
Zone 12: $152.
Zone 13: $165.5.
Zone 14: $175.

The public transportation agencies that accept the EZ Pass are:

Beach Cities Transit
Culvers City Bus
Burbank Bus
Foothill Transit
Huntington Park Transit Unlimited
Los Angeles Department of Transportation – DASH/Commuter Express
Montebello Bus Lines
LA World Airports/LAX Flyaway
Norwalk Transit System
Pasadena Transit
Torrance Transit
Santa Clarita Transit
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority
Metro
Long Beach Transit
GTrans (Gardena)
LA County Department of Public Works
Glendale Beeline
City of Monterey Park Spirit Bus
Baldwin Park Transit
Carson Circuit
Antelope Valley Transportation Authority

Rules in LA Metro Rail

Animals are not allowed on the metro unless they are in cages or are guide dogs.
Bicycles, skates and other non-fuel powered small wheeled vehicles are allowed on the Metro. Bicycles longer than two metres and fuel-powered bicycles are not permitted.
Vehicles may be parked in car parks but must not exceed the allotted parking time.
Photography is permitted for non-commercial purposes.
Proof of payment may be requested at random.
Large pushchairs are not permitted and smaller pushchairs should be folded.
Eating, smoking and drinking alcohol is only permitted in designated areas.

Future expansions

In 2023, the Purple Line will add stations in the following areas: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Farfax and Wilshire/Cienega. The Green Line will also add new stations at Aviation/Century in 2019 and Aviation/96th in 2021.

LA Metro Rail Tips

Guided tours are available for the Purple, Red and Expo lines. The tours explain how to buy a TAP card, how to transfer to other lines, how to find connections and how to use the mobile app. Tours are free and can be booked online. Parking is available at each line. There are both free and pay car parks. Reserved parking is available until 10:30 am at 11 locations.

Los Angeles Metro Map

Fun Facts

One per cent of the cost of building the Underground was used to pay for artwork in the stations, created by more than 200 artists.
One Red Line station features sculptures made from 1930s Hollywood film projectors. In the same station, the ceiling is decorated with film reels. Some of the films filmed in the Metro stations are Red Line, Predator 2, While the City Sleeps, Collateral, Speed, among others.
The beach can be reached by taking the Blue Line to the 1st Street station.
Over 1900 fossils from around 15 million years ago have been found at the North Hollywood and Wilshire/Vermont stations. The fossils include animal bones and fossilized plants.

Nearby attractions

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is used as the reference point for getting to these destinations by Metro Rail.

Disneyland Resort: Take the Lot G shuttle from the airport to the Green Line. Then take a train from the Redondo Beach station to the Norwalk station. Then take the Metro Express Line 460 shuttle to Disneyland. The entire trip takes two to three hours. This is the premier family-friendly holiday destination in Los Angeles. Activities include enjoying the Disney themed rides, visiting the hotels and dining at various restaurants.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Take a shuttle from the airport to the Red Line to Universal City Station. From this station you can take a bus to Universal Studios. This is a film studio and theme park with roller coasters and attractions based on popular Hollywood films.
Hollywood: From LAX, take a shuttle from Flyaway Union Station to North Patsaouras Plaza. Then take the Red Line Union Station train to North Hollywood Station. The entire trip takes between 30 minutes and an hour. You can enjoy a bit of film history and landmarks such as the Walk of Fame.
Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory Take a shuttle from the airport to Union Station. From there take the Red Line to Pershing Square Station. Then take the Metro Local Line 96 from Olive Street/5th to Griffith Park. This is the largest city park in Los Angeles and is free to the public.
Santa Monica: From the airport, take the Lot C shuttle to the LAX City Bus Center. From the bus center, take the Santa Monica Rapid R 3 bus to 4th Street/Santa Monica Boulevard (EZ Pass accepted for transfer.) Santa Monica has a beach, shopping centres and a Ferris wheel.
Getty Center: Take a shuttle from the airport to Wilshire Boulevard/Gayley Avenue Southwest. Take the Metro Rapid Line 734 from Westwood Boulevard/Lindbrook Drive to Sepulveda Boulevard/Getty Center Drive (EZ Pass is accepted for the transfer). Travel time is approximately one hour. The Getty Center is a world-famous museum that attracts over a million tourists each year with its collection of international art.