Los Angeles - LAX to Redondo Beach by public transportation

I see a few options going to Redondo Beach by bus. Hoping there is a train but when I go to the metro website in which I can plan my trip, it seems to take me to bus options. So I'll be arriving at Terminal 5 around 11am on a weekday. I went to google maps. Do I need to walk 15 minutes with my luggage to a bus center?

I see a few buses including Metro Local Line 232 and Beach Cities Transit 109. What is an easy public transit option of getting to Redondo Beach near the pier?

Thanks.

I see a few options going to Redondo Beach by bus. Hoping there is a train but when I go to the metro website in which I can plan my trip, it seems to take me to bus options. So I'll be arriving at Terminal 5 around 11am on a weekday. I went to google maps. Do I need to walk 15 minutes with my luggage to a bus center?

I see a few buses including Metro Local Line 232 and Beach Cities Transit 109. What is an easy public transit option of getting to Redondo Beach near the pier?

Thanks.

Just take a cab.......20. to 25 bucks

Just take a cab.......20. to 25 bucksIs that really the option? Public transportation is that bad? Why waste $25 when it only costs $1.50 or $1?

Hoping there is a train ... No, there isn't. :(

Do I need to walk 15 minutes with my luggage to a bus center?No, from the Metro website, it looks like you can take one of the airport shuttles (Lot C or Lot G) to connect with one of the buses you need. Just ask the shuttle driver for directions to your connection.

I see a few buses including Metro Local Line 232 and Beach Cities Transit 109. What is an easy public transit option of getting to Redondo Beach near the pier?Unfortunately, I can't give you any suggestions based on experience, as I've never taken public transportation out that way. But according to metro.net (http://www.metro.net/) (it appears you've found this site), the bus lines you reference should be the ones to get you where you want to go. But I can't be certain without knowing more detail about where you're headed. Metro's website lets you plan out your journey. Get back to us if you need help with that tool.

Is that really the option? Public transportation is that bad? Why waste $25 when it only costs $1.50 or $1?No, Analise, pubic transportation here is not that bad, despite what you may hear. Public transportation just doesn't have the public acceptance in southern California that it does in New York for many reasons (some of which are justified). But if you have the patience to use it in New York, it'll work for you just fine here, too.

Yes, 232 stops near the Redondo Beach Pier. It runs pretty frequently throughout the day. The fare is $1.50 and it's pretty straight forward to take this bus to the Pier.

From T5, take LAX shuttle C to Long Term Parking lot C. Tell the driver you are taking the city bus and need to get off at the first stop which is outside the long term parking lot. After you get off, you need to cross the street to the LAX City Bus Center and wait for the 232 to show up. LAX City Bus Center is the last stop for the north bound 232 so in theory, any 232 bus that shows up would be headed back south towards Long Beach Transit Mall but sometimes the bus will layover for a few minutes. Just check with the bus driver before you get on that she is going back towards Long Beach. The trip from LAX to Redondo Pier will take about 30 minutes.

Use Google Map directions, it is better than Metro's trip planner: http://goo.gl/maps/0gzW

Edit: all the buses in LA pretty much follow a single corridor so 232 is the "Sepulveda" bus south of LAX.

Here is my beginner's guide to LA Transit which may be of some help to you: http://irwinc.blogspot.com/2009/06/find-your-way-around-la-guide-for.html

No, from the Metro website, it looks like you can take one of the airport shuttles (Lot C or Lot G) to connect with one of the buses you need. Just ask the shuttle driver for directions to your connection.Good. Thanks.

Unfortunately, I can't give you any suggestions based on experience, as I've never taken public transportation out that way. But according to metro.net (http://www.metro.net/) (it appears you've found this site), the bus lines you reference should be the ones to get you where you want to go. But I can't be certain without knowing more detail about where you're headed. Metro's website lets you plan out your journey. Get back to us if you need help with that tool.Ok. I'm using that website and it looks pretty straight forward. I was just wondering if anyone thought that one bus would be easier/quicker/more comfortable than another.

No, Analise, pubic transportation here is not that bad, despite what you may hear. Public transportation just doesn't have the public acceptance in southern California that it does in New York for many reasons (some of which are justified). But if you have the patience to use it in New York, it'll work for you just fine here, too.Good to hear that. Since I am in no rush, why throw away $20-$25 if there is a bus or train I can take?

Yes, 232 stops near the Redondo Beach Pier. It runs pretty frequently throughout the day. The fare is $1.50 and it's pretty straight forward to take this bus to the Pier.Does the bus require exact change? Will I need to use just coins?

From T5, take LAX shuttle C to Long Term Parking lot C. Tell the driver you are taking the city bus and need to get off at the first stop which is outside the long term parking lot. After you get off, you need to cross the street to the LAX City Bus Center and wait for the 232 to show up. LAX City Bus Center is the last stop for the north bound 232 so in theory, any 232 bus that shows up would be headed back south towards Long Beach Transit Mall but sometimes the bus will layover for a few minutes. Just check with the bus driver before you get on that she is going back towards Long Beach. The trip from LAX to Redondo Pier will take about 30 minutes.This is great information. Thank you.

Use Google Map directions, it is better than Metro's trip planner: http://goo.gl/maps/0gzW

Edit: all the buses in LA pretty much follow a single corridor so 232 is the "Sepulveda" bus south of LAX.

Here is my beginner's guide to LA Transit which may be of some help to you: http://irwinc.blogspot.com/2009/06/f...guide-for.htmlAll good to know. Thank you!

Use Google Map directions, it is better than Metro's trip planner ...Good tip!

Here is my beginner's guide to LA Transit which may be of some help to you: http://irwinc.blogspot.com/2009/06/find-your-way-around-la-guide-for.htmlNice blog! And it's a great idea. I'm looking it over myself. ;)

Does the bus require exact change? Will I need to use just coins?Exact change: yes. All coins: no; paper bills are accepted.

Ok. I'm using that website and it looks pretty straight forward. I was just wondering if anyone thought that one bus would be easier/quicker/more comfortable than another.

Beach cities 109 runs once per hour during the middle of the day and weekends so I would not recommend any out of town guest to use this bus. Metro 232 is 50 cents more but runs 3 to 6 times per hour depending on time of day... much more reliable. Also 232 runs a direct route on Sepulveda. BCT109 takes you in circles to El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, before reaching the Redondo Pier. Without knowing your actual destination, I can't say if BCT 109 is worth your trouble. Probably not is my guess.


Does the bus require exact change? Will I need to use just coins?

This is great information. Thank you.

All good to know. Thank you!

Exact change not required but obviously if you put $2 in there, don't expect any change :D

Metro bus fare box takes all paper money, $1 coin, 50 cents, quarter, dime, and nickle.

Even my cousin (whom I'm visiting) recommends I take the SuperShuttle instead of public transportation. SuperShuttle in NYC is the worst. To pay $18 when I can pay $1.50 seems like such a waste....

Even my cousin (whom I'm visiting) recommends I take the SuperShuttle instead of public transportation. SuperShuttle in NYC is the worst. To pay $18 when I can pay $1.50 seems like such a waste....

LA has a fear of Public Transport, unlike NY, don't worry though, it's perfectly usable in LA.

Google Maps I find to be the best for transport routes, then I turn to the Metro website for a timetable. You can get a $5 all day pass from subway stations, not sure if you can buy them on the bus, but it is usable on the bus system.

As LA didn't really get a subway system until 1990, people have not embaced it. With the expansion of the Expo line it's reaching further people.

Redondo Beach is a nice area, take a stroll up to Hermosa, enjoying the amazing homes on The Strand, it's a very nice area :)

Check out http://www.hermosawave.net/webcam/ if you want to see what the weather is like before getting out of bed, June Gloom has almost past, but there can be days of marine mist, which just rolls in and can be strange for a person who has never seen it.

Even my cousin (whom I'm visiting) recommends I take the SuperShuttle instead of public transportation. SuperShuttle in NYC is the worst. To pay $18 when I can pay $1.50 seems like such a waste....Then there's all the time you burn whilst the driver circles LAX in search of more fares ... once he shows up. And there's the time waiting for other passengers to get dropped off. (Not that you don't burn time waiting for public transportation, mind you. I guess the wait just stings all the more given how much you pay.)

Exact change not required but obviously if you put $2 in there, don't expect any change :D

Off topic but I've got to ask.... Has anyone received a $2 note/coin?

I have the 50c/Dollar Coins, but never seen anything higher, The 50c was a weird one, only once have I had it.

Off topic but I've got to ask.... Has anyone received a $2 note/coin?

I have the 50c/Dollar Coins, but never seen anything higher, The 50c was a weird one, only once have I had it.

I get $2 notes once in a while but to my knowledge the US does not mint a $2 coin.

A tip for Southern California visitors, if you want 50 cent coins, a good place to get them used to be Tito's Tacos (great food too) in Culver City. They used to hand them out like candy for change.

Even my cousin (whom I'm visiting) recommends I take the SuperShuttle instead of public transportation. SuperShuttle in NYC is the worst. To pay $18 when I can pay $1.50 seems like such a waste....

It really depends on where your cousin lives. If the house is within walking distance to Sepulveda Blvd in Redondo Beach, I think it is ridiculous for your cousin to recommend SuperShuttle for such a short distance. You will end up spending way more time on the SuperShuttle being driven around in circles all over South Bay than taking the bus, which runs a direct route. I'm pretty confident that you will reach Redondo Beach faster by bus than SuperShuttle.

But there are sections of Redondo Beach that is not near the beach at all. If your final destination is more than 1/2 mile from Sepulveda Blvd, I'm inclined to say take a cab (but not SuperShuttle).

I was looking at the weather channel's website and was surprised how humid Redondo Beach is. Right now, the humidity is 73% even though the temperature is 63º. Sounds like the weather will be uncomfortable even with the lower temps. Do I even bring a jacket at night?

I was looking at the weather channel's website and was surprised how humid Redondo Beach is. Right now, the humidity is 73% even though the temperature is 63º. Sounds like the weather will be uncomfortable even with the lower temps. Do I even bring a jacket at night?

That humidity is the marine layer and/or early morning fog typically. It's not oppressive heat and humidity like in the East and South.

That humidity is the marine layer and/or early morning fog typically. It's not oppressive heat and humidity like in the East and South.

You're right that it doesn't compare to Florida, but right now the humidity here is unusually thick. And it's not just the marine layer!

Whether or not a visitor needs a jacket at night depends on their own internal thermometer. It gets "cool" at night, so you'll see everything from shorts and t-shirts to long pants, heavy jackets, and scarves!

I was looking at the weather channel's website and was surprised how humid Redondo Beach is. Right now, the humidity is 73% even though the temperature is 63º. Sounds like the weather will be uncomfortable even with the lower temps. Do I even bring a jacket at night?

I sometimes need to throw on a jacket at night but just a light one. And the humidity is NOTHING like New York humidity. It is barely noticeable and is usually due to morning fog etc. Yesterday was incredibly gorgeous weather.
And a cab from the airport is not $20-$25...try more like at least $30 & up plus tip. I live right near the pier which sounds like is near to where you will be going.

I sometimes need to throw on a jacket at night but just a light one. And the humidity is NOTHING like New York humidity. It is barely noticeable and is usually due to morning fog etc. Yesterday was incredibly gorgeous weather.Oh good, thanks. It's hotter than hell here and I cannot wait to escape it if for just a few days.

And a cab from the airport is not $20-$25...try more like at least $30 & up plus tip. I live right near the pier which sounds like is near to where you will be going.I'm accustomed to taking public transportation and that's what I will do. What a waste to pay $30 + tip, when I can just pay $1.50.

I would recommend a light jacket for evenings but short sleeves are fine during the day. Low to mid 60F at night is typical for the beach area during this time of the year. The humidity is a bit unusual but nothing to sweat (literally and figuratively) :)

AVOID AVOID AVOID

Danger Will Robinson Danger

Do not take Supershuttle

While its bad everywhere, it does not get any worse than LAX

Just walk before taking supershuttle

I'm not going to argue about the posts above unless it involves supershuttle

For what you save, take a cab over SS

I was looking at the weather channel's website and was surprised how humid Redondo Beach is. Right now, the humidity is 73% even though the temperature is 63º. Sounds like the weather will be uncomfortable even with the lower temps. Do I even bring a jacket at night?

It doesn't get hot and humid in LA. It's usually pretty dry heat here. When the temperature is low, any typical amount of water in the air (even a little) will register as being pretty humid because of the lower capacity to hold water at colder temperatures.

63 degrees and 73%, you most likely will not feel it.

AVOID AVOID AVOID

Danger Will Robinson Danger

Do not take Supershuttle

While its bad everywhere, it does not get any worse than LAX

Just walk before taking supershuttle

I'm not going to argue about the posts above unless it involves supershuttle

For what you save, take a cab over SS

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I used to take supershuttle to go inland towards Pasadena, and they would circle around to pick up more fares. It always took forever to get out of the airport.

You are pretty much SOL when it comes to public trans in LA. Like others have said, your best bet is a taxi. Will run you about $20. It's LA buddy, even connecting through multiple city buses you aren't going to get anywhere for the $1.50 you want to spend.

Analise,

I hope you haven't left yet, but I have been taking the 232 from LAX at least once a week since 1994, in fact I just took it this past Monday (7/23).

1. Go to the Lower/Arrivals Level island in front of the terminal and wait under the BLUE sign that says LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections and board the free C Shuttle (destination sign: Parking Lot C)

2. When you get off at Lot C, turn right (east) and continue walking to the adjacent LAX City Bus Center. Go to Bus Bay 8 (farthest east) and catch the 232 southbound ($1.50 exact change, dollar bills accepted). The destination sign is LONG BEACH TRANSIT MALL, but don't worry, it originates from this stop. It only leaves around 2x an hour mid-day, so if you have to wait it's no big deal there are benches and it's shaded. You'll also be able to watch the planes on approach to runway 24R, you will be about 1/2 mile from where they touchdown. I believe this is the runway the A380s land on (AF, SQ, QF, KE)

3. Get off at PCH & Torrance, approximately 35 minutes later, I believe there's a gas station (76?) right there. This is the NW corner of the intersection, walk west on Torrance Blvd for 3 blocks to the pier. You'll see the First United Methodist Church on your right after one block (NW corner of Torrance & Broadway), it looks like this:

http://o3.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/600x450/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/c35d0f6d7b96b414e022ad5af9546fc7

4. For the ride back, do all the above in reverse, except you'll be catching the 232 northbound (destination sign: LAX CITY BUS CENTER) from the NE corner of PCH & Torrance:

http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/RegionalTransit/West%20Coast%20Transit/WCT3173.jpg

Hope you enjoy your brief stay!

TIP: The bus model normally used on the 232 is a slightly order model which has 2 A/C settings: OFF and FRIGID.

Sorry I didn't read this until today. Don't listen to those that say you can't do public transportation in L.A. It's not great in some areas but it's definitely doable. I use public transportation all the time here and I use to when I lived in Redondo. PM me if you still have questions

AVOID AVOID AVOID

Danger Will Robinson Danger

Do not take Supershuttle

While its bad everywhere, it does not get any worse than LAX

Just walk before taking supershuttle

I'm not going to argue about the posts above unless it involves supershuttle

For what you save, take a cab over SSWarning was NEVER needed. :D I avoid the SuperShuttle everywhere. It's pathetic in NYC and a time-waster everywhere else.

Analise,

I hope you haven't left yet, but I have been taking the 232 from LAX at least once a week since 1994, in fact I just took it this past Monday (7/23).

1. Go to the Lower/Arrivals Level island in front of the terminal and wait under the BLUE sign that says LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections and board the free C Shuttle (destination sign: Parking Lot C)

2. When you get off at Lot C, turn right (east) and continue walking to the adjacent LAX City Bus Center. Go to Bus Bay 8 (farthest east) and catch the 232 southbound ($1.50 exact change, dollar bills accepted). The destination sign is LONG BEACH TRANSIT MALL, but don't worry, it originates from this stop. It only leaves around 2x an hour mid-day, so if you have to wait it's no big deal there are benches and it's shaded. You'll also be able to watch the planes on approach to runway 24R, you will be about 1/2 mile from where they touchdown. I believe this is the runway the A380s land on (AF, SQ, QF, KE)

3. Get off at PCH & Torrance, approximately 35 minutes later, I believe there's a gas station (76?) right there. This is the NW corner of the intersection, walk west on Torrance Blvd for 3 blocks to the pier. You'll see the First United Methodist Church on your right after one block (NW corner of Torrance & Broadway), it looks like this:

http://o3.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/600x450/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/c35d0f6d7b96b414e022ad5af9546fc7

4. For the ride back, do all the above in reverse, except you'll be catching the 232 northbound (destination sign: LAX CITY BUS CENTER) from the NE corner of PCH & Torrance:

http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy43/RegionalTransit/West%20Coast%20Transit/WCT3173.jpg

Hope you enjoy your brief stay!Thanks! I am back now and I do appreciate the detailed information you provided. I wish I had seen it before I left but I figured things out both outside of baggage claim and at Lot C. There is decent signage and the advice already given on this thread was invaluable! Amazing that more travellers don't take the bus. It was easy yet I was the only one on the bus with luggage. Everyone else was a local. The 232 worked out just fine. I only waited maybe 10 minutes for the bus. Good thing that I had the Google map with me as the driver couldn't tell me where the bus stop I wanted in Redondo was. "You're asking me???" Yup, he said that. Well since the 232 has automated bus stop announcements, it just meant that I had to pay attention. Again, not a big deal. It took about 40 minutes given the traffic lights.

Thanks everybody for your assistance.

TIP: The bus model normally used on the 232 is a slightly order model which has 2 A/C settings: OFF and FRIGID.Frigid would have been nice. It was hot in there so I opened the window. Why no one else opened a window was strange.

As an aside, Terminal 5 was a bit limited. Only one "newsstand" yet it was on the side of the corridor. Not even some stupid gift shop. :p At least there was the Euro Coffee (or whatever it was called). That said, loved the numerous charging stations.

You are pretty much SOL when it comes to public trans in LA. Like others have said, your best bet is a taxi. Will run you about $20. It's LA buddy, even connecting through multiple city buses you aren't going to get anywhere for the $1.50 you want to spend.

You just look like an ... posting something like this when clearly you have no idea what you are talking about. :o

$1.50 will get you from LAX to Redondo Beach in one city bus. You should try it sometimes instead of repeating the nonsense urban legend that public transportation doesn't work in LA.

Why don't you just take the Green Line to Redondo? @:-)

Why don't you just take the Green Line to Redondo? @:-)That would actually be the Marine/Redondo Station, which is about 5 miles from the Redondo Beach Pier.

Anyway, the OP has already returned and figured it out.

Why don't you just take the Green Line to Redondo? @:-)The person I visited lives on the beach. The bus took me 2 blocks from her building. The green line wasn't near her.

You are pretty much SOL when it comes to public trans in LA. Like others have said, your best bet is a taxi. Will run you about $20. It's LA buddy, even connecting through multiple city buses you aren't going to get anywhere for the $1.50 you want to spend.For Redondo Beach from LAX, the bus is SO EASY. One definitely isn't SOL taking the bus. For $1.50, why not?

Public transportation does work here in LA. I guess the only iffy would be the sometimes shady characters you get to ride with on the bus.

Public transportation does work here in LA. I guess the only iffy would be the sometimes shady characters you get to ride with on the bus.Shady? You don't like the locals who take the bus? Are you a bus commuter who has been a victim of a crime on the bus?

Shady? You don't like the locals who take the bus? Are you a bus commuter who has been a victim of a crime on the bus?

I do ride the bus frequently, but I'm not a commuter, and I'm not saying everyone is shady.

But there have been times when people have started yelling while I was on the bus and started bothering me. When I say "shady," I wasn't fearing for my life or anything. Some are teenagers, some are homeless, etc..., just the kind who keep trying to engage you when you want to be left alone.

You are pretty much SOL when it comes to public trans in LA. Like others have said, your best bet is a taxi. Will run you about $20. It's LA buddy, even connecting through multiple city buses you aren't going to get anywhere for the $1.50 you want to spend.

$20 from LAX to Redondo??? Maybe 20 years ago. Isn't it at least $2.50 just to get out of the airport cause of the surcharge. Maybe the very outskirts of North Redondo but the OP wanted to go to the Pier. $30 minimum. plus tip.

I do ride the bus frequently, but I'm not a commuter, and I'm not saying everyone is shady.

But there have been times when people have started yelling while I was on the bus and started bothering me. When I say "shady," I wasn't fearing for my life or anything. Some are teenagers, some are homeless, etc..., just the kind who keep trying to engage you when you want to be left alone.

I don't think there's any more of those folks on LA buses than in other cities. I used to take the Blue Line to work everyday and there were plenty of "shady" characters but plenty of commuters in business attire as well.

I think the difference is that LA tends to have less of the "non-shady" folks on the bus than in other cities so, relatively speaking, the proportion of "shady" characters seems higher.

It's awesome when people embrace public transportation in LA

I don't think there's any more of those folks on LA buses than in other cities. I used to take the Blue Line to work everyday and there were plenty of "shady" characters but plenty of commuters in business attire as well.

I think the difference is that LA tends to have less of the "non-shady" folks on the bus than in other cities so, relatively speaking, the proportion of "shady" characters seems higher.

It's awesome when people embrace public transportation in LA

Yeah. I agree with you on the commuters and that most folks are decent. I have taken the bus to work before, but it required a lot of changes because it's out of the way, and there were no "shady" characters on that one. Nowadays, I'm usually on the 3 on the Big Blue on non-commuter hours.

It's awesome when people embrace public transportation in LAI had to serve 4 weeks of jury duty earlier this year. The trial was at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles, California. Once I realized I was in it for the long haul, I quickly decided that there was no way I was going to fight traffic on 110 for a month and took the county up on their offer of a free Metro pass. Fighting that traffic every morning would have been uncivilized and stupid, particularly when the Gold line runs so close to my house.

I had to serve 4 weeks of jury duty earlier this

A bit off topic... what transpired that you "had to serve 4 weeks"?

A bit off topic... what transpired that you "had to serve 4 weeks"?I was put on a jury for a murder trial. Part of the reason it went so long is that we got several days off because of conflicts on the parts of the judges and attorneys.

Seems to me that one should earn one year of jury duty ineligibility for every week of jury duty served. Not having to go through that for another four years sounds about right to me.

Why don't you just take the Green Line to Redondo? @:-)

You've (or as "New Yorkers" say it: "You'se") gotta be kidding me!

Unless Analise's idea of a fun time is to visit the Costco in Hawthorne CA for pizza that is very unlike what she can find at any typical Ray's in her home town, it's pretty much a boring area otherwise.

There is a reason why many Angelinos like to call the Metro Green Line "The Line that goes from nowhere to nowhere".

As for my opinion of public transportation, there's no better way for me to hop on the Green line at Douglas St station and exit at the Red Line's Hollywood/Vine stop. :)