How to Get Around Los Angeles on the Cheap

Los Angeles is a huge, sprawling and fascinating city with hundreds of freeway on-ramps and notoriously congested traffic. It's fairly easy to get around L.A. on the cheap, though, even if you don't have your own set of wheels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sun Hats
• Walking Shoes
• Maps
• Travel Guides
• Bottled Water
• Sunscreen
• Travel Services
• Day Packs

1. Get a good guidebook. Most detailed L.A. guides should offer transportation information, which often includes the specific bus stop or intersection closest to the sight you plan to visit.
2. Wear walking shoes. Even though L.A. is a city of automobiles, you will still do lots of walking, so be prepared.
3. Use the DASH system, except on Sundays and some holidays. These are shuttle buses (used by both commuters and tourists) that will get you from point to point around much of L.A. for just 25 cents per ride.
4. Ride the bus or light-rail systems. The L.A. Metro is cheap (a weekly pass costs just $11) and operates more than 200 bus routes within the greater Los Angeles area, not to mention a subway line and a number of above-ground light-rail lines.
5. Use the TRANSTAR online trip planner before you leave home. This service can tell you how to get between any two points in Southern California via public transit, and includes walking maps if you need them.
6. Ride a bike. Because of smog, you might not want to do this within the city itself, but consider riding one of the many bicycle trails throughout Los Angeles County.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat, even on an overcast day.
• If you plan to walk and take public transit, bring bottled water ' you won't have to keep stopping for a drink, and it will save you lots of money and time over the course of your trip.
• Watch where you park, and keep in mind that some parking meters only allow you to park for an hour. Beverly Hills, however, has a number of free 2-hour parking lots.
• Remember to watch out for your personal belongings when you ride the public transit system, as you would in any major city.