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Buses to Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Hi,

I was wondering whether there are regular bus services to Santa Monica and Venice Beach, other than the hop-on hop-off things

Thanks

Yes, there are several regular public bus options in Los Angeles that can get you to Santa Monica and Venice Beach without using a hop-on hop-off tour. LA’s public transit system is run mainly by Metro (LA Metro) and some local operators.

Here’s an overview of the most convenient options:

  • Metro Bus 704/704 Rapid: This line runs from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica along Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s a fast and frequent option for reaching Santa Monica from central LA.
  • Metro Bus 720 Rapid: Another option along the same corridor (Santa Monica Blvd), connecting various parts of LA to Santa Monica.
  • Metro Bus 733/534: Routes that can take you closer to Venice Beach depending on your starting location. They generally connect with other Metro lines or major streets like Lincoln Blvd or Venice Blvd.
  • Big Blue Bus: Santa Monica operates its own bus system known as the Big Blue Bus. This includes routes like:
    • Route 1 – Up and down Main Street in Santa Monica.
    • Route 7 – Connects West LA to Santa Monica and passes near Venice Beach.
    • Route 10 – A popular line along Lincoln Blvd connecting Venice and Santa Monica.
  • Venice Beach Access: If your goal is specifically Venice Beach, the Big Blue Bus routes along Lincoln Blvd are very convenient, as well as Metro bus connections from Santa Monica or West LA areas.

Additional Tips:

  • Use the Metro Trip Planner or Google Maps transit option to check real-time schedules, connections, and estimated travel times.
  • Single bus fare is $1.75 on Metro, and $1.25 on Big Blue Bus. Day passes or TAP cards can simplify transfers between buses.
  • Travel during non-peak hours if possible; LA traffic can slow bus routes significantly during morning and evening rush hours.
  • If coming from areas near Hollywood or Downtown LA, expect around 45–60 minutes to reach Santa Monica by bus, and slightly less if heading directly to Venice Beach.

Overall, public buses in LA are a budget-friendly option and can get you to both Santa Monica and Venice Beach regularly, though a little planning is helpful to navigate routes and schedules.

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