Quick Summary:
- Allow 35 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and your route.
- Driving is simplest, take I-405 to US-101 toward Hollywood.
- Rideshare and taxis cost more at peak times, but save effort.
- Public transport is cheapest, but involves transfers and extra walking.
Getting from LAX to Hollywood is one of the most common Los Angeles journeys, but it can feel unpredictable because traffic patterns change quickly. Hollywood sits roughly 20 miles from the airport, yet journey times can vary widely across the day. Your best option depends on arrival time, luggage, budget, and whether you want door-to-door convenience or are happy to trade time for savings.
This guide breaks down the main ways to travel from LAX to Hollywood, what each typically costs, and how to avoid the most common time-wasters at the airport. You will also find practical driving pointers for car hire users, plus public transport routes if you would rather not drive in the city.
Option 1: Drive yourself with car hire (most flexible)
For many travellers, car hire is the most straightforward way to reach Hollywood, especially if you have luggage, are travelling as a couple or group, or plan to explore beyond central Los Angeles. Driving gives you a predictable door-to-door route and removes the need to coordinate transfers or wait for pick-ups.
Typical time: 35 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and terminal exit queues.
Typical cost: Varies by vehicle, duration, insurance, fuel, and parking in Hollywood.
Best for: Families, groups, late arrivals, early starts, and itineraries that include beaches, studios, or day trips.
Core route: A common approach is to leave LAX and join I-405 North, then transition to US-101 North toward Hollywood. Another variation is I-405 North to I-10 East briefly, then US-101 North, depending on your starting terminal and traffic conditions.
Practical driving tips: Keep an eye out for airport wayfinding signs as you exit the Central Terminal Area, as lane changes happen quickly. If you are using sat nav, set your destination to your exact hotel or landmark in Hollywood, not just “Hollywood”, so it guides you to the correct side of US-101. Also plan your parking, many Hollywood hotels charge overnight rates, and some attractions have limited lots.
If you are used to UK road rules, note that turns on red are permitted unless a sign prohibits it, and multi-lane junctions are common. Take a moment to settle in after collecting your vehicle, pick a podcast or playlist, and drive defensively. Los Angeles traffic rewards patience more than speed.
Hola Car Rentals compares providers and options across many major airports, which can be helpful if your wider trip includes other destinations. For examples of how Hola structures airport pick-up information, see car hire airport Orlando MCO and car hire Las Vegas LAS.
Option 2: Rideshare (convenient, price varies)
Rideshare is popular at LAX, but it is not always the fastest way to get moving. Pick-ups are managed through designated areas and may involve a short shuttle or walk depending on current airport operations. The biggest variable is price, which can rise sharply at peak times, during major events, or when flights arrive in clusters.
Typical time: 45 to 110 minutes, including waiting and airport pick-up steps.
Typical cost: Mid to high, with surge pricing possible.
Best for: Travellers who want door-to-door transport without driving.
Tips: After landing, check the estimated pick-up time before you request a car. If wait times look long, consider a taxi or a shuttle to a nearby point where pick-ups are quicker, but only if your app and airport rules allow it. For Hollywood drop-offs, enter the full address, as some streets are one-way and drivers may need a specific approach.
Option 3: Taxi (simple, often quicker to board)
Taxis can be a sensible middle ground because they are regulated, follow airport procedures, and can sometimes be quicker to access than rideshare during busy periods. You will usually queue at an official rank, and the process can feel more straightforward after a long flight.
Typical time: 40 to 95 minutes, depending on traffic.
Typical cost: Generally high compared with public transport.
Best for: Travellers who want minimal app-fiddling and predictable airport procedures.
Tips: Confirm the payment method before you depart, and ask about estimated time to Hollywood. If you are heading to a specific venue, such as the Hollywood Bowl area, mention it early because the driver may choose a different approach based on event traffic.
Option 4: Public transport (cheapest, most steps)
Public transport can be the most budget-friendly way to reach Hollywood, but it usually involves multiple legs, and it is less comfortable with large suitcases. It can also take longer if you miss a connection. Still, it is workable if you are travelling light and arriving outside the late-night window.
Typical time: 70 to 130 minutes, depending on connections.
Typical cost: Low.
Best for: Solo travellers with light luggage and flexible schedules.
How it typically works: You will first take an airport shuttle or bus connection away from the terminals, then transfer to Metro services that can bring you toward Hollywood and the surrounding stations. From there, it may be a short walk or a quick local ride to your accommodation.
Tips: Aim to travel earlier in the day if possible, keep your items close in crowded areas, and allow extra time for station navigation. If you are staying far from a station, the final mile can be the most awkward with luggage, consider combining Metro with a short rideshare for the last stretch.
When is the fastest time to travel from LAX to Hollywood?
In general, the quickest window is mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays, after the initial commuter push and before schools and offices release. Evening rush can be particularly slow because multiple freeways funnel traffic toward the same corridors. Weekends can be easier in the mornings and harder in the late afternoon when day-trippers return.
If you are picking up a car hire vehicle, also factor in time for the rental process. Even if the drive itself is clear, collecting the vehicle, inspecting it, and exiting the airport road system can add meaningful minutes. If you are arriving on an international flight, add border control and baggage reclaim variability on top.
How to choose the best option for your trip
If you are trying to decide quickly, start with your luggage and group size. Two or more people with suitcases often find the cost difference between public transport and a private ride shrinks, especially when you consider comfort and time. If you are visiting multiple neighbourhoods, car hire can be good value across the whole stay, but you should budget for parking and learn the rules of street signs, which are detailed and strictly enforced.
Rideshare works well when you arrive at a quieter time and do not mind waiting for a pick-up slot. Taxis can be easier when you want a clear queueing system and do not want to watch surge pricing. Public transport makes sense when cost is the priority and you are comfortable navigating a large city.
Hola Car Rentals publishes airport and provider pages for other popular routes, which can help you compare how pick-up processes work from place to place. You can see examples at car rental Fort Lauderdale FLL and van rental New York JFK.
Driving notes for Hollywood arrivals: parking, hills, and busy streets
Hollywood is a mix of busy boulevards, residential streets, and tourist-heavy areas around the Walk of Fame. Expect frequent stops, pedestrians, and deliveries. If you are staying near Hollywood and Highland, plan for congestion around show times and weekends. Use a car park rather than circling, as one-way systems and restricted turns can add frustration.
Look out for street parking signs that list multiple rules by day and hour. In some areas you may see restrictions for street cleaning, permit parking, or peak-hour no stopping. If you are unsure, paid parking lots reduce risk, especially when you are jet-lagged.
Common mistakes to avoid
Underestimating traffic: Even a short distance can take a long time. Build buffer time if you have dinner plans or show tickets.
Not setting a precise destination: “Hollywood” is large. Enter the exact address to avoid the wrong side of a freeway.
Ignoring luggage realities: Transfers are manageable with a backpack, less so with big cases.
Forgetting parking costs: Hotel and attraction parking can be significant, check before you arrive.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from LAX to Hollywood? It usually takes 35 to 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic and how quickly you exit the airport. Public transport often takes 70 to 130 minutes due to transfers.
Is car hire worth it for staying in Hollywood? Car hire is often worth it if you plan to explore beyond Hollywood, such as beaches, hiking areas, or day trips. If you will stay central and rely on Metro, parking costs may outweigh the benefits.
What is the easiest way to travel from LAX to Hollywood with luggage? A taxi, rideshare, or driving yourself tends to be easiest with luggage because it is door-to-door. Public transport can work, but transfers and station stairs make it less convenient.
Which route should I drive from LAX to Hollywood? A common route is I-405 North to US-101 North toward Hollywood. Your best route may change based on the terminal you exit and live traffic, so use sat nav and follow airport signs carefully.
How can I avoid delays leaving LAX? Allow extra time for terminal congestion, pick-up procedures, and traffic. If possible, travel outside commuter peaks and have your destination and parking plan ready before you depart.
