Riding the metro in Los Angeles is easy, easier than I think most people believe. I want to break it down riding the metro for you so you can see how easy it is. The picture above is of the entrance to 7th Street metro center. It’s right on the corner of 7th and Figueroa and you have to take the escalator down to buy your ticket.
I was here about 8:30am on a Saturday morning so keep in mind if you are coming at a later time there will probably be many more people. The price of tickets is broken down quite nicely in Spanish and English. I bought a 1-way trip for $1.75 (I was headed to Hollywood/Highland) and the initial price included the TAP card. The TAP card is what you need in order to add money for your trip. Your TAP card is good for 10 years which means you can keep the card and add money to it for 10 years.
I paid for my ticket with a $10 bill and my change came in $1 coins and quarters. You won’t get bills back, your change will be in $1 coins.
There is a written tutorial on how to ride the metro on the wall which can help you if you need a little assistance.
There is also a board that shows all of the connections that are possible for the station.
I liked the fact that there were policeman at the entrance, I always feel a bit safer when I see cops in the metro.
At this particular station you can catch different lines so be sure that you are on the correct line. The blue line is accessed from the main entrance but the red line has to be accessed by taking an escalator down to the next floor.
There are also signs above the metro telling you which train is coming and how many minutes you have to wait.
Remember to make sure to check which direction you’re going in as each platform goes in different directions. See the screens below? Those will tell you which stops each train is going to.
The station below is the Hollywood/Highland station. It took me 35 minutes to get there from the time I bought my ticket.
Here are a few things you should know:
- Metro ride is smooth but noisy.
- Before arriving at every station there is an announcement in Spanish and English giving you info about the station.
- The seat are fabric.
- The metro is cleanish. I didn’t feel like I needed a shower upon exiting and it didn’t smell like urine.
- on the red line the metro splits at the Wilshire/Vermont stop. if you are riding the purple line make sure you are on the correct metro.
- You will not be able to have Internet access while on the train.
While in Los Angeles I’m staying in Downtown so the metro was easily accessible. If you are coming to Los Angeles, it is possible to stay in Downtown without a car and see many tourist attractions.