Transportation Options

Downtown Santa Monica is easily accessible by car, train, bus or bike, and once you're here you can go anywhere in the district without having to drive. At the heart of DTSM is the world-famous Third Street Promenade, an open-air pedestrian mall featuring three blocks of vibrant street scenes with outdoor dining, throngs of local and out-of-town visitors, street performers and the best shopping available.

 

Bus

Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus and L.A. County's Metro provide transportation services to both the local and greater Los Angeles area. Get the full online schedule and route information at www.bigbluebus.com or call 310.451.5444. For Metro visit www.metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO (323.464.3876).

 

Train

People can now travel from Downtown L.A. to Downtown Santa Monica in roughly 48 minutes and never have to worry about parking or traffic. The Metro Expo Light Rail Line drops passengers off at the Downtown Santa Monica Station on the corner of Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue, just two blocks from the popular Third Street Promenade shopping and dining pedestrian mall, as well as Santa Monica Place, which is loaded with luxury brands, as well as popular eateries. For more information, visit: www.moreexpo.metro.net.

 

Insider Tip

You'll need a TAP Card to ride the Big Blue Bus and Expo. Purchase yours at the Big Blue Transit Store located at 1444 4th St. (ground floor of Parking Structure 5).

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Every Other Friday: 12pm - 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed


You can also purchase the pass of your choice at taptogo.net.

 

Taxi

As of January 1, 2019, Taxi! Taxi! is the only taxicab company that has a franchise agreement with in the City of Santa Monica. Taxi! Taxi! is the only company that utilize taxicab stands. Any taxicab company that is licensed within the County of Los Angeles may provide taxicab service in Santa Monica only on a pre-arranged basis.

Taxi! Taxi! - 310.444.4444

 

Taxicabs are located on Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue, just off Third Street Promenade.

 

To ensure taxi companies comply with the terms of the franchise, the City has a Taxi Hotline to which riders can report any issues: 310.458.CAB4 (2224).

 

For more information on the City's taxi franchise system and taxi rates, please click here

   

Santa Monica Bike Center

The City's Bike Center is located in Parking Structure 8 at 1555 Second St. The Center provides secure bike parking and a variety of mobility services including retail, bike repair, bike rental, attended bike parking and public information on alternative transportation.

 

Information on the Center and biking in Santa Monica is available on the Bike Center website.

 

Dockless Mobility 

Downtown Santa Monica is also home to many shared mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters provided by leaders in the industry. For more information, including the rules of the road, click here