Uber/public transport vs renting a car

Question

Hi LAers!

I'll be visiting LA for 3 days in November. I'll land at LAX and staying close to the Sony studios.

I'd like to go to see the Lakers, and visit a bit downtown, Beverly hills and holliwood.

I saw that with public transport all connections take at least one hour one way, and Uber also seems a bit pricey, so I'm considering renting a car.

How is traffic? And parking around the crypto arena/downtown/beverly hills?

And are there cheaper alternatives to Uber for example?

Thanks for any advice an possible suggestion on other options -

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles for only 3 days can make transportation a key factor in planning. LA is extremely car-centric, so while Uber and public transit are options, each comes with trade-offs.

Traffic:

Traffic in LA is notorious, particularly on weekdays and during peak commute hours (roughly 7-10am and 3-7pm). Even a 5-mile drive can take 20-40 minutes depending on congestion. For weekend visits in November, traffic is generally lighter, but areas around downtown, Hollywood, and major event venues can still be slow.

Parking:

Crypto.com Arena / Downtown: There are multiple parking garages and lots near the arena, with prices ranging $20-$40 for event parking. Reservations through apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz can sometimes save money.
Beverly Hills: Street parking is limited, and meters are enforced. Most visitors use public lots, which can cost $3-$5 per hour, or $15-$30 for longer stays.
Hollywood: Some free street parking exists, but it fills quickly. Paid lots range $10-$20 depending on location.

Public transit:

LA Metro can connect you to downtown, Hollywood, and some other areas, but as you noted, travel times are often long. For example, from the Sony Studios area to downtown might take 45-60 minutes, including walking and waiting.
Metro buses and trains are relatively cheap (around $1.75 per ride), but not convenient for tight itineraries or multiple stops.

Ride-share options:

Uber/Lyft are convenient but can be expensive, especially during peak times or near event venues.
Alternatives include shared ride options like Uber Pool (if available), or planning a mix of ride-share and short walking routes.

Renting a car:

Renting can give you full flexibility, but you must account for parking costs and traffic. If your schedule includes multiple destinations per day (downtown, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, arena), a car may save time despite traffic. Consider booking hotels with on-site or nearby parking to simplify logistics.

Suggested approach for 3 days:

Day 1: Downtown / Crypto.com Arena, consider Uber for the arena to avoid parking stress.
Day 2: Beverly Hills / Hollywood; a rental car is convenient if you want to move between areas quickly.
Day 3: Flexible sightseeing, combine car rental with occasional Uber for short hops or when parking is difficult.

Overall, for a short stay with multiple destinations, renting a car plus occasional ride-share is typically the most efficient way to see LA. Public transit alone is feasible but slow and requires careful planning.

Uber/public transport vs renting a car

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions