You just landed at LAX. You’ve got your bags, the California sun is hitting the pavement, and you’re ready to see the stars on Hollywood Boulevard. Naturally, you pull up a map and see that it's only about 13 to 15 miles away. "Oh, that's nothing," you think.
Honestly? That is the first mistake almost every visitor makes. In Los Angeles, distance isn't measured in miles. It’s measured in minutes—and those minutes fluctuate wildly based on the whims of the 405 freeway.
If you’re asking how far is hollywood from los angeles airport, the technical answer is roughly 17 miles if you’re driving. But if you’re arriving at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, that 17-mile stretch might as well be a cross-country trek. You're looking at anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours of your life spent staring at the bumper of a Prius.
The Reality of the Drive
Most people assume there is one "main" way to get there. There isn't. Your GPS is going to be your best friend and your worst enemy here.
Typically, you’ll head north. The most common route takes you up the I-405 North to the I-10 East, then cutting north again through local streets like La Brea Avenue or Highland. Alternatively, if the freeways are a parking lot, your driver might zig-zag through Westchester and Culver City using La Cienega Boulevard.
- Midnight to 5:00 AM: You can cruise it in about 25 minutes. It’s glorious.
- The Morning Slog (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Budget at least 60 to 80 minutes.
- The Afternoon Nightmare (3:00 PM – 7:30 PM): This is where dreams go to die. It can easily take 90 minutes.
If you see a route through the "Canyons" or deep into the city streets, trust the algorithm. It’s trying to save you from a standstill on the 101.
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Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Since we’re in 2026, the way you exit LAX has changed a bit compared to the old days. You can't just walk out of the terminal and hop in an Uber at the curb anymore—unless you’re paying for the high-end "Black" services.
Rideshare and the LAX-it Lot
For standard Uber and Lyft rides, you have to take a shuttle (or a long-ish walk) to the LAX-it lot. It’s located right next to Terminal 1. Once you’re there, you’ll see rows of cars waiting.
Cost estimate: Usually between $45 and $75, though surge pricing during a rainy day or a major event can push that over $100. It’s pricey, but it’s door-to-door.
The FlyAway Bus (The Budget King)
Kinda weirdly, the Hollywood FlyAway route—which used to be a staple—was suspended a few years back and hasn't made a full-scale comeback to its original glory.
However, many savvy travelers still take the FlyAway to Union Station ($9.75) and then jump on the Metro B Line (Red). The subway takes you straight into the heart of Hollywood (Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine). It sounds like a lot of steps, but when the 101 freeway is backed up, the subway is often faster than a car.
Private Car Services
If you’ve got the budget and want to feel like a local mogul, booking a private car (like Ascend in Motion or various limo services) is the way to go. They can still do curbside pickup in certain zones, sparing you the trek to the LAX-it lot. It’s basically the only way to make the 15-mile trip feel "short."
Is the Metro Finally an Option?
For decades, LA was the city that forgot to connect its airport to its trains. We’re getting closer.
As of early 2026, the K Line and the Automated People Mover (APM) at LAX have fundamentally changed the "getting out" part of the airport. You can now use the APM to get from your terminal to the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
From there, you can catch the K Line, but reaching Hollywood still requires a transfer to a bus or another train line (like the E Line to the B Line). It’s great for locals, but if you have three suitcases and a jet-lagged toddler, just call a car. Seriously.
Why the Neighborhood Matters
"Hollywood" is a big label.
If your hotel is in West Hollywood (WeHo), you’re actually a bit closer to the airport geographically, but you’ll be dealing with surface street traffic on Santa Monica Blvd or Sunset.
If you’re heading to the Hollywood Hills, add another 15 minutes just to wind up the narrow streets.
Pro-Tips for the Journey
- Check the "Arrive By" feature: Use Google Maps or Waze the night before to see historical data for your specific arrival time.
- Hydrate: It sounds silly, but sitting in a hot car on La Cienega for an hour is draining. Grab a water at the terminal.
- Terminal 1 is your friend: If you're doing rideshare, Terminal 1 is the closest to the LAX-it lot. If you land at Tom Bradley (International), you’re in for a longer shuttle ride to the Uber area.
- The In-N-Out Pitstop: If you’re starving, the famous In-N-Out on Sepulveda is right next to the airport. It's basically a rite of passage. Just tell your driver—most are happy to do it if the line isn't around the block.
Your Next Steps:
Check your flight arrival time against the current Los Angeles traffic patterns. If you land during rush hour (7-9 AM or 4-7 PM), download the LAX FlyAway app or the Transit app to see if the Union Station/Subway combo will save you an hour of sitting in traffic. If you're traveling with a group, pre-book a private car to avoid the chaos of the LAX-it shuttle.