Los Angeles is notorious for its sprawl and car culture. The city stretches across dozens of miles in LA County and different parts of the city can feel like different planets. But there are ways to get around major attractions and daily destinations without owning a car. The extensive public transportation options available in Los Angeles County, including the LA Metro system metro buses, provide a cost-effective and convenient way to travel within the city. 

Downsides of Car Ownership in Downtown Los Angeles 

While cars are everywhere in LA, they have many downsides: 

• High Costs: Buying, parking, insuring and maintaining a car in LA can be very expensive. Monthly parking fees in apartment buildings can be astronomical and the city has some of the highest insurance, maintenance and gas prices in the country. 

• Environmental Impact: Cars pollute the air and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and bad air quality. 

• Traffic: LA is famous for traffic; driving is stressful and a significant time suck. 

Car-Free Options 

The Los Angeles Metro 

The Metro system in LA has a network of buses and light rail that can take you to many places: 

• Hollywood Blvd: A major subway stop with access to many attractions. 

• Union Station: Connects suburbia to downtown LA, near Olvera Street and LA City Hall. 

• Cultural Spots: The red and purple lines go to Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Central Library and MOCA. The gold line goes to Chinatown and Dodger Stadium. 

• The Metro Busway features two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines servicing 29 stations, providing efficient routes across the city.