Many travelers ask: can you visit Los Angeles without a car?
The honest answer is YES — but with limits.
Los Angeles is a car-focused city, but if you stay in the right areas and plan smart, you can enjoy LA without driving at all.
When Los Angeles Without a Car Works Well
You can comfortably do Los Angeles without a car if:
✔ You stay in a central, walkable area
✔ You plan fewer attractions per day
✔ You use Uber, Lyft, Metro, and buses
✔ You’re okay with longer travel times
For short trips (3–5 days), it works surprisingly well.
Best Areas to Stay in LA Without a Car
Choosing the right location is everything.
✅ Santa Monica (Best Choice)
-
Walkable
-
Beach, pier, shops, restaurants
-
Metro train connects to downtown
-
Easy Uber rides
👉 Best area for Los Angeles without a car
✅ Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
-
Metro hub
-
Museums, food, nightlife
-
Easy train access
Good if you like city vibes.
✅ Hollywood
-
Walkable attractions
-
Metro access
-
Tours pick up nearby
Touristy, but convenient.
How to Get Around Los Angeles Without a Car
🚇 Metro (Train + Bus)
-
Cheap
-
Good for downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica
-
Not perfect, but useful
🚕 Uber & Lyft
-
Very common
-
Easy to use
-
Costs add up, but saves time
Most visitors without a car rely on rideshare.
🚶 Walking
-
Works well in specific areas
-
Not good between neighborhoods
-
Combine walking + Uber
🚲 Bikes & Scooters
-
Good in Santa Monica & Venice
-
Flat paths and bike lanes
Attractions You Can Visit Without a Car
You can easily visit these without driving:
✔ Santa Monica Pier & Beach
✔ Venice Beach
✔ Hollywood Walk of Fame
✔ Griffith Observatory (Uber up)
✔ Downtown museums
✔ Beverly Hills (rideshare)
If your itinerary is city-focused, Los Angeles without a car is very doable.
When Los Angeles Without a Car Is NOT Ideal
You’ll struggle without a car if you want to:
❌ Do multiple day trips
❌ Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
❌ Visit Malibu easily
❌ Explore national parks
❌ Travel late at night frequently
For road trips or deep exploration, a car is much better.
Cost Comparison: Car vs No Car
Without a Car
-
Uber/Lyft: $15–35 per ride
-
Metro: very cheap
-
No parking or fuel costs
With a Car
-
Rental: $60–100/day
-
Parking: $20–40/day
-
Gas + traffic stress
For short stays, no car can actually be cheaper.
Best Trip Length Without a Car
✔ 3–5 days: Perfect
✔ 6–7 days: Still okay
❌ 8+ days: Car becomes more useful
Shorter trips work best.
Tips to Enjoy Los Angeles Without a Car
-
Stay near beaches or metro lines
-
Group attractions by area
-
Avoid rush hours
-
Use Google Maps transit view
-
Accept a slower pace
-
Budget for Uber
Planning smart makes all the difference.
Final Answer: Is Los Angeles Without a Car Possible?
👉 Yes, Los Angeles without a car is possible
👉 Best for first-time visitors
👉 Best for short trips
👉 Works well in Santa Monica, Hollywood, DTLA
If you want freedom and road trips — rent a car.
If you want ease, beaches, and city highlights — no car is totally fine.
