How to get around without rental car?

Question

I am too scared to drive - how do people get around the place?

Eg from Los Angeles to Santa Monica.

To the Hollywood sign?

What is the 'central' place to stay? Thanks!

Answer

Los Angeles is famously sprawling, which makes getting around without a rental car a bit tricky but definitely doable with planning. There are multiple public transportation options, rideshare services, and tours that can help you reach key destinations like Santa Monica, the Hollywood Sign, and other popular areas.

Here’s an overview of how to get around without driving:

Metro Rail and Buses: LA Metro has a subway and light rail system that connects downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and other areas. Metro buses cover most parts of the city, though travel times can be long due to traffic.
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are widely used in LA. They are convenient for destinations not well-served by public transit, such as the Hollywood Sign or Griffith Observatory.
Shuttles and private tours: Many tour companies offer shuttle services or guided tours that include transportation to popular spots like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. This is a stress-free way to see multiple attractions in one day.
Bike and scooter rentals: In areas like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, bikes and electric scooters are popular and convenient for short distances along the beach or nearby streets.

Getting to specific destinations:

Santa Monica: The Metro Expo Line runs from downtown LA to Santa Monica. Alternatively, Uber/Lyft or a private shuttle is faster if coming from areas not directly served by the Expo Line.
Hollywood Sign: There is no direct public transportation to the Hollywood Sign itself. The easiest way is via rideshare to nearby trailheads (like Griffith Park or Lake Hollywood) or booking a guided tour that includes the hike and parking.

Regarding where to stay:

Downtown LA (DTLA): Central for Metro access and close to cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Convenient if you plan to use public transit extensively.
Hollywood: Good if you want to be near the Walk of Fame, theaters, and tourist attractions. Slightly less central for Santa Monica but accessible via Metro or rideshare.
West Hollywood / Beverly Hills: Nice neighborhoods with shops and restaurants. Centrally located between Hollywood and Santa Monica, but public transit options are more limited.

Tips for non-drivers in LA:

Plan your itinerary with transit times in mind; LA traffic can significantly extend travel on buses and roads.
Use apps like Google Maps or Transit App to check schedules and real-time updates for Metro and buses.
Consider mixing public transit for longer routes (like downtown to Santa Monica) with rideshare for destinations not easily accessible by bus or rail.

In summary, while LA is not inherently public-transit-friendly compared to other cities, a combination of Metro, buses, rideshare, and guided tours allows visitors to explore key destinations like Santa Monica and the Hollywood Sign without renting a car. Staying in Downtown LA, Hollywood, or West Hollywood gives you relatively central access to many attractions.

How to get around without rental car?

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