Getting Around Santa Monica
The nearest airport serving major commercial carriers is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is only 8 miles south (13km) of Santa Monica. The airport is served by most of the national and international airlines as well as a host of local, regional and charter airlines. The Santa Monica Municipal Airport is a small airfield that accommodates private aircraft. All of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service are available at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Limited availability at Santa Monica Municipal Airport.
Visitors can reach Santa Monica by car from the north, south or east. Pacific Coast Highway (California 1), The Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10), Historic Route 66 (Santa Monica Boulevard) and Wilshire Boulevard run right through the city.
The nearest Amtrak station is located at Union Station, Los Angeles, 800 N. Alameda Avenue. To reach Santa Monica from the depot, visitors will find taxis at the stations. Buses operated by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can bring visitors to Santa Monica as well or they can arrange a shuttle in advance.
Greyhound offers bus transportation to Los Angeles from most cities in the United States. If visitors are arriving by bus, the Greyhound Bus Station is at 1716 E. 7th Street in downtown Los Angeles. From the station, Greyhound offers one shuttle to Santa Monica daily - it arrives at 10:30am (A return shuttle takes passengers back to the Los Angeles station.)
Due to the multitude of things to see and do both in and near the city, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. For activities at the beach, walking is suggested. Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus provides transportation services to both the local and greater Los Angeles areas.