Public transport Manhattan Beach?

Question

Just finishing up my travel plans for my USA trip in September . I'll be staying in Manhattan Beach for my last couple of nights before the long flight (s) back to Western Australia .

I won't have a car for that part . Is there public transport that can get me Downtown or heading east into the city . If it's too difficult I'm happy to just chill by the beach and ride a bike to various beach communities .

I'm totally fine with using the public transport system if available .

TIA

Answer

Manhattan Beach is a beautiful coastal city in Los Angeles County, but it is not directly served by the Metro Rail system, so public transport options to Downtown Los Angeles or further inland are a bit limited compared to central LA areas. That said, there are bus options and ride-sharing alternatives that can work if you don’t have a car.

Public transport options:

Beach Cities Transit (BCT): This local bus service connects Manhattan Beach with neighboring beach cities like Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo. You can use these buses to reach some Metro Rail or LA Metro bus connections.
Metro Bus Lines: LA Metro has several bus lines that can take you east toward Downtown LA, including the 126 and 232, though trips can be long (1–2 hours depending on traffic) and may require transfers.
Commuter options: If you want to get to LAX or Union Station, the Metro Green Line in nearby El Segundo or the FlyAway Bus from LAX can provide relatively direct service to Downtown.

If you prefer a more relaxed approach:

Manhattan Beach itself is perfect for walking or cycling along The Strand, which runs along the coast and connects several beach communities including Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
You can rent bikes or e-bikes to explore the coastline and enjoy local shops, piers, and restaurants without needing a car.
For day trips further inland, consider ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) as LA traffic can make public transit slower and less predictable.

In summary, while public transport is possible, it is a bit limited and may involve long travel times. If your priority is to explore Downtown LA or inland neighborhoods extensively, having a car or relying on rideshares might be more convenient. If your goal is a relaxing end to your trip, Manhattan Beach itself and nearby beach towns offer plenty to see and do within walking or biking distance.