Finding your way around with public transit

How can I get to LAX on public transit?

It’s as easy as boarding a bus from downtown, the Westside or the Valley. The Flyway costs $4 one way, and departs from Union Station; 7610 Woodley Ave., in Van Nuys; and outside of UCLA Parking Structure 32 on the northern side of Kinross Avenue in Westwood. The buses run 24 hours a day. At the Van Nuys and Westwood locations, you can check your bags for some flights before you board. www.lawa.org/vny /flyawayinfo.cfm.

From outside L.A.:

The Ventura County Airporter:

(805) 650-6600, www.venturashuttle.com. Fares are $35 one way, $65 round trip.

Airport Bus of Bakersfield:

(800) 858-5000, www.coachamerica.com. Fares $30 one way, $50 round trip.

Antelope Valley Airport Express:

(800) 251-2529, www.avairportexpress.com. Fares $46 one way, $80 round trip.

Santa Barbara Airbus:

(800) 423-1618, www.santabarbaraairbus.com. Fares $42 one way, $86 round trip.

How do I get from my arrival airport to the city on public transit?

Most tourist boards will help you find routes from the airport to downtown. Airport information staff will also be able to help. Many European cities have bus, rail or subway connections from the airport. If you are using taxis, see whether you can prepay the fare at an authorized kiosk.

How do I get around in a foreign city?

Before you go, a computer and a fast Internet connection can help: people.reed.edu/~reyn/transport.htmlhas links to many of the world’s subway systems so you can familiarize yourself with the maps before you go. Once in your destination city, pick up a transit map before you board. Maps are usually posted in stations too.

How can I save money getting around?

When you are using subways and other public transit, look into multi-day passes, which will save the hassle of having to pay each time you board plus save you money. Transport for London allows tourists to buy its Travelcards online and mails them to you before you arrive, oyster.tfl.gov.uk.