When I travel, I actually enjoy using public transportation when it’s possible and feasible. Of course, this is easier to do in some cities than in others, and it also depends some on where in the city I’m going and what kind of time crunch I might be in. Los Angeles, California has a reputation for being one of the most car-centric cities in the world, though they are actually doing some of the most significant capital transit projects of anywhere in the United States. I have an upcoming trip to Southern California and I am trying to decide if I can or should rent a car, or if I can manage things without one.
My Trip to a Convention in Pasadena
In 2025, I visited the SoCal Gaming Expo in Pasadena, California, and I chose not to rent a car. My son and I flew into LAX and we took the “LAX to US” bus from LAX to Union Station, and then transferred to the Metro A line which took me within a block or two of the convention center and my hotel
(SEE ALSO: Hyatt Place Pasadena Hotel Review)
This trip was not ideal as the first leg was on a bus (so dealing with LA traffic) and the bus costs $12.75 rather than the $1.75 of the rest of the transit system ($14.50 total). With 2 of us, that’s $29. That’s still less than an Uber would cost but not nothing either. Timewise, it was actually pretty competitive – Google Maps says the journey takes 57 minutes in a car (depending on traffic) and 1 hour 16 minutes via transit.
On the way back to the airport for our American Airlines Airbus A321 Flagship Business Class flight from LAX to Boston, I took an Uber, which was about $60. My other son flew out of Burbank (BUR) and with no real good transit options from Burbank to Pasadena, took an $80 Uber, which was almost as much as his Allegiant flight from Provo :-D.
Going To Pasadena Again in 2026
I’m heading back to the same convention later this year and running into the same dilemma. A few things are different though
- There will be 4 of us flying into LAX. So 4 $14.50 tickets is $58 and makes me wonder if that’s worth it versus Ubering
- LA has introduced a Metro connector that goes from LAX to the Metro Transit center. That could let us take the journey for a single $1.75 ticket, but it would make the trip to Pasadena about 2 hours.
- We are planning on taking an additional day after the convention to do some quick touristy things. Maybe Hollywood, Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory (open for suggestions!) Of course, some of the top attractions are easier to do if we have a car (or really impossible to do without). I also don’t want to spend my whole day sitting in LA traffic.
So, Is It Possible To Visit Los Angeles Without a Car?
So anyone who is an LA native or expert want to weigh in? Of course things would be easier with a car, but I also don’t want to spend all day in a car nor pay a ton to rent a car if I don’t need to. Parking is another issue – it’s $35 / night at my hotel plus wherever we would need to park while we’re out and about.
Any recommendations from Southern California experts about visiting Los Angeles without a car?
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at
Most recently visited Universal Studios without a car. Took Amtrak to Burbank, and local bus to hotel. From hotel, took local bus to and from Universal Studios.
La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA are on Wilshire Blvd, which has local bus service.
Broad Museum is downtown, near transit stops. Also downtown:
Bradbury Building is architecturally significant, as is the main library.
Union Station, Olvera Street, are interesting places to visit without a car. Philippe French Dip Restaurant is nearby. I like Mayflower Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown, too.
Would love to visit again. It is important to understand the bus/train hours of operation, and where the stops are.