California - LAX to Hilton Checkers (downtown) via MTA Subway

I'm going to be staying at the Hilton Checkers (downtown) in early March. I arrive around 0400p and need to return to LAX the next evening. I was thinking of trying the Subway. Is this a feasible plan? If so, how do I go about doing it? Thank you.

Hilton Checkers
535 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2601

Take the G bus (same curb as the other buses and shuttles) at LAX. It is free, and goes straight to the Aviation stop on the Green line.

Buy a ticket at the vending machine for $1.60 ($1.35 plus 25 cents transfer). Go up the stairs or escalator or elevator, and take the eastbound (to Norwalk) Green line train six stops, where you switch to the Blue line train (Imperial/Wilmington/Rosa Parks station).

Take the northbound (to downtown) Blue line train to the end of the line, which is 7th & Metro. You're practically there -- walk east to Grand Ave and then north to the hotel, on Grand Ave halfway between 6th & 5th street.

While entirely feasible, it is not necessarily the most enjoyable or quickest way to the downtown Hilton. At a minimum, I would recommend sticking with the Airport Super Shuttle (or competing brand).

I would either rent a car or take a shuttle for the 18 mile (one-way) trek. Super Shuttle is about $13 each way. A taxi will easily run you $30-40 each way. I don't recommend the Green and Blue Line system in your situation.

Super Shuttle
www.supershuttle.com (http://www.supershuttle.com)

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Two wrongs don't make a right, but it sure equalizes the situation.

Assuming you have little luggage for this one day trip, I would still suggest the subway, at least for the sake of variety. It's not that bad, and during rush hour, driving won't be much faster.

I absolutely HATE SuperShuttle. With a passion, in fact. I would rent a car before I would use their service. I always rent a car on my Los Angeles trips (usually every other month) and know my way around fairly well. Thought the subway might be an interesting (and cheap) change of pace. For those who don't recommend the subway, why not?

Thank you for the information, JS. I'll report back here after I get back.

I live in Redondo (the other end of the green line) and I have taken the rail many times to downtown (to Staples Center). It takes more time (if there is not a lot of traffic) than a shuttle or driving but I enjoy it because I don't have to deal with traffic.

I have had no problems. Warning it does go through some scary areas but I have traveled alone and have felt safe.

I have also parked(for free) at the green line parking and rode the rail to the airport to avoid parking or taxi fees.

OK, I'm back... Metro Rail works wonderfully well. The blue line trains do move a little slowly. The transfers are really easy though. JS and wingless have provided excellent advice. The whole trip was very stress-free. Unfortunately, it does take a little over one hour to complete the journey.

One great feature of downtown transit I'd like to highlight is the DASH. It was fabulous-- shuttling me all over downtown for only $0.25! I will never rent a car when staying downtown again. From now on, I will be using rail & DASH.

http://www.mta.net
http://www.ladottransit.com/index_flash.html

It may have taken just as long if you drove especially if you are driving alone and cannot travel in the carpool lanes.

I am glad it worked out for you.