Santa Monica, CA, known for its iconic pier and beautiful beaches, offers a laid-back coastal vibe. Just a short distance away lies Los Angeles, CA, a bustling metropolis famous for its entertainment industry and cultural landmarks.
Traveling between these two cities is common for both tourists and locals. Whether it's for work, leisure, or a quick getaway, the journey is always an adventure.
Exploring the transportation options can make the trip even more enjoyable.
5 Ways to go from Santa Monica, CA to Los Angeles, CA
1. Shuttle Service
Shuttle Service is a convenient and budget-friendly transportation option that offers both shared and private rides. It operates on a fixed schedule, picking up passengers from designated points and dropping them off at their destinations.
- Travel time: The journey from Santa Monica to Los Angeles typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Factors such as traffic and the number of stops can affect the duration. Opting for a direct shuttle can reduce travel time.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $20 to $40 per person. Costs can vary based on peak hours, advance booking, and service tiers. Booking in advance or during off-peak hours can help you find more budget-friendly options.
- Booking process: You can use Mozio to find and book Shuttle Service. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We make it easy to compare options and secure your ride.
- Pros: Shuttle Service offers a reliable and cost-effective way to travel. It’s ideal for those who prefer not to drive or deal with parking. Additionally, shared shuttles are eco-friendly, reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
Shuttle Service is best for budget-conscious travelers and those who value convenience. For a smooth trip, consider booking during off-peak hours and planning your schedule accordingly.
Book a transfer with Mozio
Your go-to ground transportation platform - Airport Shuttles, Taxis, Buses, Transfers & Limousines, anytime and everywhere.
Book now →2. Luxury Car Service
Luxury Car Service offers a premium, private transportation option for those seeking comfort and convenience. This service provides high-end vehicles and professional chauffeurs, ensuring a seamless travel experience from Santa Monica to Los Angeles.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Peak hours may extend travel time, but the service often uses real-time traffic updates to find the fastest routes.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $100 to $300, influenced by factors like peak hours, vehicle type, and advance booking. Booking in advance can sometimes secure lower rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Luxury Car Service through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We offer a user-friendly platform to compare options and secure your ride.
- Pros: Luxury Car Service offers unparalleled comfort, privacy, and convenience. You can enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and personalized service, making it a superior choice for business travelers or those seeking a stress-free journey.
Best for travelers who prioritize comfort and efficiency, Luxury Car Service is ideal for business trips or special occasions. For a smooth experience, consider booking during off-peak hours.
3. Private Driver
Private Driver is a luxury transportation option that offers a personalized and comfortable travel experience. It provides a private, door-to-door service, ensuring a seamless journey from Santa Monica to Los Angeles.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Peak hours can extend travel time, but Private Driver services often use faster routes to minimize delays.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $70 to $150, influenced by factors like peak hours, vehicle type, and advance booking. Booking in advance can sometimes secure lower rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Private Driver services through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We streamline the process to ensure a hassle-free booking.
- Pros: Private Driver offers unmatched comfort, privacy, and convenience. You can enjoy a stress-free ride with amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a professional chauffeur who knows the best routes.
Best for travelers seeking a luxurious and personalized experience. Additional tips: Always confirm your booking details and communicate any special requests in advance.
4. Bus
Traveling from Santa Monica, CA to Los Angeles, CA by bus is a budget-friendly and shared transportation option. Buses operate on fixed routes and schedules, making it a convenient choice for those looking to save money while commuting between these two popular destinations.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Factors such as traffic, time of day, and the specific bus route can affect the duration. Express buses offer faster travel times.
- Cost: The cost ranges from $1.75 to $3.50 per trip. Pricing can vary based on peak hours, service tiers, and whether you purchase a single ride or a day pass. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and frequent riders.
- Booking process: Travelers can book tickets online, through a mobile app, by phone, or in person at bus stations. While advance reservations are not required, it is recommended to check the schedule and plan ahead, especially during peak hours.
- Pros and cons: The main benefits include affordability, frequent service, and the ability to avoid parking hassles. Drawbacks include potential delays due to traffic and less comfort compared to private transportation options.
Best for whom and additional tips: The bus is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and those without access to a car. To ensure a smooth trip, check the schedule in advance and consider traveling during off-peak hours.
5. Bike
Traveling from Santa Monica, CA to Los Angeles, CA by bike is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option. Biking offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic routes. It’s a private mode of transport, giving you control over your schedule and pace.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your speed and the route chosen. Factors like traffic lights and road conditions can affect the duration. Opting for bike lanes and paths can make the trip faster.
- Cost: Biking is virtually free if you own a bike. For those who don’t, bike rentals range from $10 to $30 per day. Prices can vary based on the type of bike and rental duration. Discounts may be available for longer rentals.
- Booking process: If renting, you can book a bike online, through an app, or in person at rental shops. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, to ensure availability.
- Pros and cons: Biking is environmentally friendly and offers exercise, but it can be tiring and weather-dependent. It’s also slower compared to driving or public transport. However, it avoids traffic jams and parking fees.
Best for whom and additional tips: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers. Carry water, wear a helmet, and plan your route using bike-friendly paths for a smoother ride.
Distance between Santa Monica, CA and Los Angeles, CA
The distance between Santa Monica, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers). Notable landmarks along the way include the Getty Center and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, offering scenic views and cultural attractions.

Travel time between Santa Monica, CA and Los Angeles, CA
- Shuttle Service: Typically takes 45-60 minutes. Travel time can vary based on the number of stops and traffic conditions.
- Luxury Car Service: Usually around 30-45 minutes. Traffic congestion during peak hours can extend this time.
- Private Driver: Generally takes 30-50 minutes. Traffic and route choice can significantly impact the duration.
- Bus: Approximately 60-90 minutes. Frequent stops and potential delays can affect overall travel time.
- Bike: Takes about 90-120 minutes. Travel time depends on the cyclist's speed and route taken.
Cost of transportation between Santa Monica, CA and Los Angeles, CA
- Shuttle Service: Costs range from $20 to $40 per person. Prices can vary based on the time of day and the number of passengers. Booking in advance can often secure lower rates.
- Luxury Car Service: Expect to pay between $100 and $200. Factors like vehicle type and additional amenities can affect the price. Traveling off-peak can sometimes reduce costs.
- Private Driver: Typically costs between $50 and $100. Prices are generally fixed, but booking in advance can sometimes offer discounts.
- Bus: A budget-friendly option, costing around $1.75 to $3.00. Prices are consistent, but using discount programs or travel cards can save money.
- Bike: Renting a bike costs about $10 to $20 per day. Prices can vary based on rental duration and bike type. Look for rental shops offering discounts for longer rentals.
Why traveling with Mozio is best!
- Cancel for free within 24 hours, giving you the flexibility to change your plans without any hassle.
- Enjoy 24/7 customer support, a feature not commonly available with other services like Uber.
- Travel with confidence knowing Mozio partners only with licensed and carefully selected providers.
- Benefit from instantly guaranteed bookings, ensuring your ride is confirmed the moment you book.
- Flight delayed? No worries, Mozio drivers will wait for you, providing added peace of mind.
Tips for traveling between Santa Monica, CA and Los Angeles, CA
- Choosing the best method: Consider your budget, time constraints, and comfort preferences. Shuttle services are economical, while luxury car services offer comfort. Private drivers provide flexibility, and buses are cost-effective. Biking is eco-friendly but requires physical stamina.
- Time-saving strategies: Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) to minimize traffic delays. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal for quicker travel times, especially for car services and private drivers.
- Cost-saving tips: Book in advance to secure lower rates. Services like Mozio can help compare prices and find deals. Consider shared shuttle services or public buses for the most budget-friendly options.
- Packing for different ways: For shuttle and bus rides, pack light and keep essentials handy. Luxury car services and private drivers offer more space, so you can bring additional luggage. Biking requires minimal packing; a backpack with water and snacks is sufficient.
- Best times to travel: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. For biking, early mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat. Car services and private drivers are more flexible, but still aim for non-peak hours.
- Local insights: Santa Monica to Los Angeles offers scenic routes along the coast. If time allows, take a detour through Pacific Coast Highway for stunning views. Utilize apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates and route suggestions.
We support both travel agents and travelers!
For Travelers
Mozio simplifies the travel experience by offering a seamless way for travelers to book ground transportation. By entering your travel details, you can compare various transportation options, book a ride, and receive instant confirmation. This streamlined process ensures that you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about logistics.
One of the unique benefits of using Mozio is its extensive network, covering thousands of destinations worldwide. Whether you're heading to a bustling city or a remote getaway, Mozio provides reliable transportation options to suit your needs. This vast coverage ensures that no matter where your travels take you, Mozio has you covered.
For Travel Agent
For travel agents, Mozio offers a streamlined platform to book ground transportation for clients. By creating an account, agents can access a wide range of transportation options, from sedans to water taxis, ensuring that every client's needs are met. This service is particularly beneficial for agents managing trips to popular destinations and thousands of other locations worldwide.
One of the unique benefits for travel agents using Mozio is the ability to earn extra commissions on transfer bookings while enjoying a 5% discount on all rates. Additionally, the platform provides a comprehensive dashboard for tracking and managing bookings, making it easier to handle logistics for clients traveling to various destinations. With 24/7 customer support and free online cancellations on 99% of bookings, Mozio ensures a reliable and efficient service for travel agents.