Public transport Manhattan Beach?

Question

Just finishing up my travel plans for my USA trip in September . I'll be staying in Manhattan Beach for my last couple of nights before the long flight (s) back to Western Australia .

I won't have a car for that part . Is there public transport that can get me Downtown or heading east into the city . If it's too difficult I'm happy to just chill by the beach and ride a bike to various beach communities .

I'm totally fine with using the public transport system if available .

TIA

Answer

Hello,

Manhattan Beach is a beautiful spot to stay at the end of your trip, but it’s important to note that public transport options are somewhat limited compared to central Los Angeles. Here’s a detailed overview of your options for getting downtown or further east, as well as alternative ways to enjoy the area without a car.

Public transportation options:

Bus service: The Los Angeles Metro and Beach Cities Transit operate buses connecting Manhattan Beach to nearby areas. For example, the Metro Express Line 438 can take you toward downtown Los Angeles, but the trip is long (often 1.5–2 hours) and may require a transfer. Local buses are reliable but not very frequent, so check schedules in advance.
Metro Rail: Manhattan Beach does not have a direct Metro Rail line. You would need to take a bus north to the Metro Green Line (in places like Redondo Beach or Hawthorne), then transfer to other lines to reach downtown LA. This adds complexity and time.
Airport connections: If you are flying out of LAX, Manhattan Beach is about 15–20 minutes by taxi or rideshare. The FlyAway Bus from LAX can also connect you to Union Station in downtown LA, but you would still need a rideshare or local bus to get to Manhattan Beach.

Alternative ways to get around locally:

Biking along the beach: Manhattan Beach has a wide, flat beach bike path (The Strand) that connects to Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. This is an easy, scenic way to explore nearby beach communities.
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for getting to destinations that are not well-served by buses or trains. This may be your best option if you want to go to downtown LA or other inland areas.
Walking locally: Manhattan Beach itself is very walkable, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and parks along the beach. You can easily enjoy a couple of days just chilling and exploring the town.

Recommendation:

If your main goal is sightseeing downtown or further east in the city, public transport from Manhattan Beach is feasible but slow and may require transfers, which could be cumbersome. For a short stay, you may find it more enjoyable to relax in Manhattan Beach, ride bikes along The Strand, and use rideshare when you want to venture further.

Planning ahead with bus schedules and rideshare apps will help maximize your time without a car while still allowing you to experience LA beyond the beach if desired.

Public transport Manhattan Beach?

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