How far is Santa Monica from LAX airport?

Is it easier to take a public bus from LAX airport to Santa Monica? If you could only go to either Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach, which would it be and why?

I have a long layover at LAX airport and was wondering what I should do with my time.

It's about 8 miles to Santa Monica.

If it is a weekend during the day, I would go to Venice Beach because of the street performers, and it's just something you have to see to believe. My second choice would be to go to Santa Monica Pier, because of the history, and the proximity to Santa Monica Place and 3rd Street Promenade.

You can take Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus from the LAX transit center, which goes to Santa Monica Place.

I'm not sure what you mean by asking where you should go: for living? visiting? food? hotels? etc. They are all within about the same amount of distance travel-time wise. Buses are great if you're not toting luggage or traveling late at night. If you can afford to rent a car, it may be wise if you are looking at traveling around the state. Good luck!

Santa Monica is only a few miles from LAX, with traffic about 20 minutes. Venice Beach is closer. It has cool little shops and street performers. Then in Santa Monica at 3rd street promenade is like an outside mall with performaers as well. And the peir is close to it. Take the Big Blue bus

I would go to Santa Monica. The pier is beautiful. So is 3rd Street Promenade. Don't take the bus, take a cab. I wouldn't want to go on a bus. How much time do you have for the layover?

I chose Santa Monica its only about 1/2 hour away but allow 45- 60 minutes if you are using public transit and cost is only .75cents per person exact change please!
due to construction on Lincoln blvd)
and the bus service is direct and frequently
there is bus service to Manhattan beach but its only every 90 minutes there
if you chose venice beach you will have to transfer either
at Washington. Venice or California to connection bus of
the same Santa Monica bus that takes into Santa Monica
and then your becomes $1.25)

(

An easy way to visit Santa Monica while laying over at LAX would be to use the Santa Monica Blue Bus #3 which operates frequent service between the LAX city bus center adjacent to parking lot C (free terminal shuttle) and Santa Monica for about $1 each way with a travel time of under 40 minutes. Good Luck!

see the freaks in Venice. hands down winner

7 MILES